Let's be honest. The local Irish bar down the road with the plastic shamrocks just isn't going to cut it for St Patrick's Day celebrations.
Not when the real deal is just a short flight away.
Adobe Free Stock / Gabriel
St Patrick's Day in Ireland isn't just an event - it's the ultimate party.
A green-tinted explosion of music, dance and the kind of atmosphere you can't bottle - although many have tried.
So where should you plant your flag, and your pint glass, this March 17th?
Whether you're after Instagram-worthy parades or authentic music sessions in centuries-old pubs, this guide has got you covered.
Where to Celebrate St Patrick's Day in Ireland
Grab your passport, pack your big sponge Guinness hat and let's find out where the craic is mightiest in the land of saints and scholars.
Here's where to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Ireland.
Dublin
Parade Route: O'Connell Street → Dame Street → Lord Edward Street → Patrick Street → Ends near St Patrick's Cathedral.
Let's start with the obvious. Dublin is to St Patrick's Day what Glastonbury is to music festivals - the biggest name in the game.
The capital pulls out all the stops with a five-day festival that would make St Patrick himself need a lie-down.
iStock / Westbury
Its parade is less village fair and more Olympic opening ceremony.
Expect elaborate floats, international bands and skilled performers who've clearly been practising since March last year.
But the real magic happens when you escape the tourist traps.
Head to smaller spots like The Cobblestone in Smithfield for traditional music sessions that'll give you goosebumps.
For a breather from the booze, Phoenix Park offers a gorgeous green space.
Image by Rudy and Peter Skitterians from Pixabay
And if you're feeling particularly brave, the Forty Foot sea swimming spot in nearby Sandycove hosts annual St Patrick's Day dips.
Over at Collins Barracks, The National Museum typically runs special exhibitions for the big day, where you can learn about St Patrick himself.
Top Tip: Book accommodation yesterday. Dublin on March 17th sells out fast.
Cork
Parade Start Time: 1pm, from South Mall.
The people of Cork will tell you they do everything better than Dublin.
And after experiencing the city's St Patrick's Day celebrations, they might be right. I'll let you be the judge of that though.
Its parade takes a more community-focused approach, with local schools and sports clubs stealing the show.
Adobe Free Stock / David Soanes
The city's English Market transforms into a culinary paradise.
You'll find St Patrick's Day treats such as green artisan cheese and craft beer pairings that would make your local gastropub weep with inadequacy.
Speaking of beverages, the Franciscan Well Brewery runs special tasting events that provide an alternative to the omnipresent Guinness.
Its own Rebel Red ale feels appropriately named for the occasion.
Irish Jaunt, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
For music, head to Sin É. This tiny pub's traditional music sessions are so authentic you'll be attempting to river dance by closing time.
Cork's celebrations tend to be slightly less chaotic than Dublin's.
What better opportunity to experience this epic day without needing a week to recover afterwards?
Galway
Festival Highlight: Macnas theatrical performances throughout the city.
If Dublin is the loud, showy older sibling of St Patrick's Day, then Galway is the cool, artsy middle child.
The city's bohemian spirit shines through in its celebrations, blending tradition with an artistic flair you won't find elsewhere.
Adobe Free Stock / mark_gusev
Galway's parade features the spectacular creations of Macnas. This performance company's larger-than-life puppets and street theatre are unmissable.
The compact city centre means you can hop between traditional pubs like The Crane Bar and Tig Cóilí without worrying about transport.
For a unique Galway twist, head to the Spanish Arch area.
Here, impromptu gatherings of musicians create the kind of authentic Irish soundtrack you can't stream online.
iStock / falcatraz
The nearby Galway City Museum also hosts a special programme of events for the St Patrick's Day.
Food-wise, Galway shines. The city's seafood restaurants serve up special Paddy's Day menus.
Don't leave without sampling its world-famous oysters, fresh from Galway Bay.
Kilkenny
Don't Miss: Kilkenny Castle illuminated in green.
If you're still wondering where to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Ireland, Kilkenny in the South-East is a solid choice.
This city has ancient roots, a thriving culinary scene and is home to music, arts and food festivals.
Adobe Free Stock / Andreas
With its medieval castle and winding streets, it may also be the most Instagram-worthy backdrop for your St Patrick's Day.
The parade here has a more intimate feel.
Narrow streets create an atmosphere where you feel part of the celebrations, rather than straining to see over someone's astronomically large hat.
Hosting special music events, Kilkenny's Set Theatre showcase the best in Irish talent.
iStock / chrisdorney
For traditional music sessions, Kyteler's Inn, which dates back to 1324, offers a perfect setting.
Complete with tales of its founder, Alice Kyteler, who was accused of witchcraft. Nothing says "Happy St Patrick's Day" quite like medieval witch trials.
Kilkenny's craft beer scene provides excellent alternatives to Guinness.
The renowned Smithwick's Experience offers tours and tastings of Ireland's oldest beer brand.
Waterford
Fun fact: Waterford held the first civic St Patrick's Day parade in 1903.
Still not sure where to celebrate St Patrick's Day in Ireland?
Waterford might not be the first place that springs to mind for Paddy's Day celebrations, but perhaps it should be.
After all, it claims to have held the first official St Patrick's Day parade in Ireland back in 1903.
Waterford Crystal, creators of the fancy glassware your parents would never let you touch, gets into the spirit by creating special Paddy's Day pieces that cost more than your entire trip.
The visitor centre runs demonstrations that are genuinely fascinating, especially when you're taking a tactical break from the pubs.
Image by RyedaleWeb from Pixabay
Speaking of which, The Reg combines a historic pub with excellent food.
Its seafood chowder is the perfect stomach liner before diving back into the festivities.
For traditional music, Tully's Bar offers sessions where the age range of performers spans from 18 to 80.
Proof that old-school Irish music is still as much of a draw as ever.
The Viking Triangle area hosts family-friendly events. This includes workshops where kids can learn Irish dancing - providing excellent embarrassing video material for future wedding receptions.
Don't Let Roaming Fees Turn You Green
Don't spend your St Patrick's Day looking for WiFi.
Grab an eSIM from Airalo before you travel and stay connected on your trip to the Emerald Isle.
Share every parade, pint and poorly attempted jig in real-time without an eye-watering roaming bill when you get home.
Visit the Airalo store, choose the best plan and price for your trip and install your eSIM for Ireland.
Now all that's left to do is dust off your Guinness Hat and hunt down your passport - sláinte.
