Where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland

Whether green washes out your skin tone or you’re confident leading a pub choir in ‘The Irish Rover’, you've probably celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at least once in your life.

17 March is a time for the Irish, Irish enthusiasts and beer lovers among us to partake in all-round revelry. It’s a day of parades. A day where work is optional. A day that honours a patron saint who wasn’t really named Patrick and who wasn’t really Irish.

If you’ve never spent 17 March celebrating that fateful beer-guzzling, leprechaun hat-donning day in the country where it all began, perhaps it’s time to.

We’ve lined up our favourite places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland. It goes without saying that all of these locations are BYO shamrock.

Do it right in Dublin

Head straight for the pot of gold. Which in the scheme of St. Patrick’s Day festivities is Dublin. For five days, this place is party central, involving a delicious food trail, potato farm experience, treasure hunt, beer and whiskey festivals, live music, walking tours, storytelling, and above all, a parade.

If crowds have you scowling to yourself as you dodge and dive out of (or into) fellow travellers’ way, Dublin won’t be for you. Each St. Patrick’s Day, more than half a million people flock there to soak up the carnival atmosphere.

Surround yourself with greenery in Killarney

If your way of celebrating Ireland's patron saint doesn’t involve one of the country’s bigger cities, you’re in luck. Four leaves of luck. Killarney’s St. Patrick’s festival packs in the Celtic spirit, sans the big crowds. The festival features kids fun zones, cèilidh, themed lake cruises, and scavenger hunts.

For those pining for greenery that can’t be found in dyed beer or oversized novelty sunglasses, there are opportunities to hike throughout the stunning Killarney National Park and to learn the fascinating folklore of the region and witness the tranquil Killarney lakes.

Change things up at the Giant’s Causeway

Spending St. Patrick's at Northern Ireland’s only World Heritage Site is an entirely different way of approaching the festivities. The National Trust is hosting a day of traditional Irish music and dance and a special Leprechaun trail for the kids.

Pair this with a surrounding landscape packed with the geological wonders of Giant’s Causeway and you’ve got a St. Patrick’s celebration unlike any other in Ireland.

Get your green on in Galway

As the vibrant city gears up for the festivities, the streets come alive with a kaleidoscope of green, traditional music echoing from pubs, and jovial laughter filling the air. Locals and visitors don their finest green attire, adorned with shamrocks and leprechaun hats, adding to the festive atmosphere.

From the colourful parade winding its way through the historic streets to the lively pubs pulsating with traditional Irish music and dance, Galway offers a celebration like no other. Whether you're savoring a pint of Guinness in a cosy pub or joining the spirited crowds lining the streets, St. Patrick's Day will be a joyous celebration.

Choose a seaside celebration in Donegal

Donegal wakes up to a sea of green, with rolling hills and quaint villages festooned in festive decorations. The celebrations kick off with a lively parade, showcasing the community's creativity and spirit. Traditional music fills the air, drawing crowds to the local pubs where lively sessions bring people together.

Beyond the revelry, Donegal offers breathtaking natural beauty, from the rugged coastline to the majestic mountains, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and scenic walks. Explore the ancient ruins, indulge in hearty Irish cuisine, or simply soak in the warm hospitality of the locals. 

Plan your upcoming Irish holiday with us. From driving the Wild Atlantic Way to exploring the remote Inishowen Peninsula, we’ve got plenty of unforgettable escorted tours in Ireland.