St Patrick's Day is fast approaching. If you want to swap your night out at the bar with a magical escapade, consider spending St Patrick's Day in Ireland this year! Get ready to feel the spirit of the holiday in the land of its origins.
What and When Is St Patrick's Day?
St Patrick's Day is a holiday held on March 17 each year. St Patrick, one of Ireland's patron saints, is credited with converting Irish people to Christianity. Although it was initially a feast day to honor St Patrick, it has grown into a day of tradition and celebration.
Fun Fact: Until the 19th century, the color associated with St Patrick was blue, not green!
Does Ireland Celebrate St Patrick's Day?
Yes, Ireland celebrates St Patrick's Day! It is a national holiday where Irish pride is showcased. From big parades to traditional food and drink, music, storytellers, and more, there is something for everyone (and not just for Guinness lovers).
What Should I Do There?
Ireland offers a wide variety of events to celebrate this special day. From small towns in Ireland to big cities like Dublin, discover what it's like to celebrate St Patrick there. You can find a list of celebrations and things to do around Ireland here, or keep reading for a quick rundown of activities in popular locations.
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Celebrate in Dublin
The St Patrick's Festival will occur in Dublin from March 15 to 17, 2025. It is known for its large parade on the 17th, with over half a million spectators gathering to witness over 4,000 participants, including marching bands, dancers, and floats. However, there are many smaller events, including music and circus acts. Expect large crowds throughout, especially in pubs!
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Explore Armagh
If you want a taste of history and legacy, Armagh is a great place to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Ireland. It is where St Patrick founded his first large stone church. Highlights include the Vigil Walk between the two St Patrick's Cathedrals, live music in cozy bars, and more!
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Venture Through Small Towns
Dublin and Armagh aren't the only places worth visiting. Ireland is full of natural beauty, and many cities celebrate St. Patrick's in their way. Visiting smaller towns in Ireland for St Patrick's Day might be a good fit for you if you want to avoid huge crowds but still want an authentic Irish celebration! For example, Enniskillen celebrates the day with a unique mix of land and water-based activities and community groups. You'll find a summary of the celebrations here.
Planning Your Trip
Take Into Account Your Personal Preferences
Knowing what you enjoy can greatly help you narrow down the perfect destination. Establish whether you'd like to attend big celebrations or something more low-key and what events you'd like to attend. You can also scour online threads to get opinions from locals and confirm whether a location would be a good fit.
Book In Advance
St Patrick's Day in Ireland can be very busy! If you haven't already, book your accommodation now to have peace of mind on your trip. Depending on the activities you pick, some might also have reservation options.
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Consider How You'll Stay Connected
Check with your current provider about roaming charges, or get an eSIM to save money! Download the Airalo app (iOS | Android) and purchase an Ireland eSIM. Get the best local rates for your destination and use data without stressing about your phone bill.
Do Your Research and Be Respectful
Make sure to research the origins of St Patrick and local customs. Show respect and appreciation while you are visiting! Here are some pro tips to get you started: Avoid greeting people with "Happy St Patty" (The correct way to shorten it is "St Paddy") and avoid ordering a green beer.
You are all set to make the most of a trip to Ireland this time of the year! Gather your prettiest green clothes and get ready to experience the beauty of St Paddy's Day (see what we did here?) in the land of its inception.
