Get ready to experience Dublin at its fervent best.
Falling on a Tuesday this year, the inaugural Dublin St. Patrick’s Day of the new decade is something people locals and tourists alike have been looking forward to for months.
It’s a day of celebration of the rich culture, heritage and history of our famous island, held on the death date of the foremost patron saint of Ireland – St Patrick (c. AD 385–461).
As part of the excitement, we’ve compiled a list of several things to do during St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin this year – to help you get settled with some sort of schedule on such a boisterous day.
1. Make sure you come EARLY for the Parade
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This probably goes without saying, but showing up early for the parade is an absolute necessity if you plan on being near the action. The parade starts at approximately midday, so you will need to appear on O’Connell St an hour or two earlier (at least) in order to get the best chance possible of being close to the parade.
Before 10 am ideally.
2. Know the route that is being taken
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The total length of the route taken for Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day is 2.5km long, and begins at Parnell Square (near the Hugh Lane Gallery), before slowly winding down O’ Connell Street. Then, it crosses the Liffey via O’Connell Bridge onto Westmoreland St, past Trinity College at College Green and on to Dame Street.
A left turn at Christchurch Cathedral onto Lord Edward Street which is then followed by Nicholas Street and Patrick Street before finally ending, conveniently, at the eponymously named St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
3. Have a good idea of how to get there
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Despite the frenzied nature of the day, all DART stations will remain operational on the day of the Dublin St. Patrick’s Day parade. The two closest and thus most relevant train stations to the festivities are Connolly Station and Pearse Street Station.
Also, buses to St. Stephen’s Green and the Green Luas tram line are convenient if you would like to witness the parade during the second half of its route taking place between the aforementioned College Green and St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
4. Feel like mingling with locals? Go to local pubs
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As you probably know, Ireland is not just famous for its rich culture, heritage and history; but also the jovial and welcoming attitude of our locals.
This may or may not be correlated with our love for alcohol.
So, why not go on a pub crawl around the city, take advantage of the occasion and truly immerse yourself in the experience? Whether alone or with a friend or partner, it is a perfect way to keep the fun going after the parade ends.
Check out a list of traditional Irish pubs
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“>here.
5. A visit to Templebar is a must!
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The famous cobbled pedestrian streets of the riverside neighbourhood of Templebar will make for a perfect place to celebrate Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in 2020. It has been the site of lively traditional Irish music and celebrations on many occasions in the past, but this excitement is always ramped up on the 17th of March every year.
However, it is important to remember that the prices of pints here are not generous on your bank account and will only increase as the party goes on late into the night. Spending €7 on a pint of Guinness is not the most economical option when there is pints for €4 or €5 in other Dublin pubs around the city centre.
6. Want to explore the rest of Ireland during the festival period? Why not?
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Of course, the bustling Dublin city centre is the epicentre of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations worldwide, but if you want to explore the rest of the Emerald Isle during St. Patrick’s time, there are several other options.
There are several attractions and places to visit, such as the Guinness Storehouse, EPIC Irish Immigration Museum, as well as scenic tours we offer such as Glendalough & Wicklow Mountains, Cliffs of Moher and Galway, Giants Causeway and many more.
Click here for a more extensive list.
