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Cultural · Dublin, Ireland

St. Patrick's Day + Festival Dublin

“The world's biggest Irish celebration — 4-day festival, parades + Temple Bar pub crawls”

St. Patrick's Day is Ireland's national holiday (March 17) — but Dublin hosts a full 4-day St. Patrick's Festival with parades, concerts + street theatre. 500,000+ visitors to Dublin. Guinness Storehouse + Temple Bar peak crowded. Every pub is packed with green-attired revellers.

Upcoming dates

Next
2027
March 12-17 (festival + parade day)
Fri-Wed
Following year
2028
March 10-17

March 17 is fixed (feast day of St. Patrick). St. Patrick's Festival is 4-5 days culminating on March 17.

Duration
4-5 day festival
Crowd
500,000+ visitors to
Budget/day
$200-400 (Dublin hotels 2-3× normal rates)
Book ahead
4+ months

Booking + planning tips

Best for: Party travellers + families (afternoon parades)
  • ✓Book Dublin hotels 4-6 months ahead — everything sells out
  • ✓Parade route: Parnell Square → O'Connell Street → Dame Street → St Patrick's Cathedral
  • ✓Free grandstand seats along the parade — arrive by 10:00
  • ✓Wear green (any shade). Buy hat, scarf, beard in Temple Bar shops €5-20
  • ✓Guinness Storehouse tickets sell out — book online 2-3 weeks ahead
  • ✓Consider Galway or Cork alternative — smaller parades, more Irish, cheaper hotels

Book hotels for St. Patrick's Day + Festival Dublin 2027

Prices spike + hotels sell out during this event. Book 4+ months ahead.

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Frequently asked

When is St Patrick's Day 2027?
March 17, 2027 (fixed date). St. Patrick's Festival runs March 12-17 in Dublin with parades, concerts, street theatre.
How much are Dublin hotels for St Patrick's Day?
2-3× normal rates. Mid-range €300-500/night. Budget hostel €80-150/night. Book 4-6 months ahead.
Where is the best place to watch the parade?
O'Connell Street between Parnell Square + Trinity College. Free but arrive by 10:00. Paid grandstand seats also available (€40-80).
What should I do at Temple Bar?
Pub crawl — but expect €10+ Guinness pints + massive crowds. Temple Bar itself is a specific pub + a district. Alternatives: The Cobblestone (traditional music), Grogans (locals' pub).
Is Dublin the best place to celebrate St Patrick's Day?
Yes — the world's biggest celebration. Alternatives: New York (2nd biggest parade), Chicago (river dyed green), Boston, or smaller Irish cities (Galway) for a more authentic feel.