TrekUnity
When
March
Attendance
~500,000 at the parade
Admission
Free
Setting
Outdoor
Dublin's St. Patrick's Festival is the global home of the holiday — several days around March 17 built around a spectacular parade of pageantry, marching bands, and street performers through the heart of the Irish capital, plus concerts, céilís, and festivities that turn the whole city green.
Rooted in the feast of Ireland's patron saint, it pairs the celebration with Dublin's pubs, literature, and history for a lively early-spring city break.
Want to go? Turn St. Patrick's Festival Dublin into a trip you plan with your group.
Creates an editable trip seeded with a starter itinerary, hotels & eats.
Event details
Typical dates
Around March 17 (parade on St. Patrick's Day)
Admission
Free to watch the parade · some events ticketed
Parking
City-center streets close for the parade — use the LUAS tram, DART, and buses.
Nearest airport
Dublin Airport (DUB) — ~30 min
Typical weather
Cool, damp Irish spring — 40s–50s °F with showers; bring a rain jacket.
Official website
Location
Dublin, Ireland
Where to stay
The Shelbourne
Historic grande dame on St. Stephen's Green.
The Dean Dublin
Trendy hotel near the nightlife.
City-center guesthouses
Walkable to the parade route.
Where to eat & drink
Irish stew & soda bread
Hearty pub classics across the city.
The Temple Bar (area)
The famous, lively pub district.
A proper pint of Guinness
Best poured at a classic Dublin pub.
Nearby attractions
Guinness Storehouse
The brewery experience with a skyline bar.
Trinity College & Book of Kells
The historic library and illuminated manuscript.
Dublin Castle
Centuries of Irish history in the city core.
A sample itinerary
1Arrive + pubs
- •Fly into DUB
- •Afternoon: Trinity College
- •Evening: Temple Bar + Guinness
2Parade day
- •Morning: the St. Patrick's Day parade
- •Afternoon: festival events
- •Evening: trad-music session
3History + depart
- •Morning: Guinness Storehouse
- •Head to DUB
Make it yours — an editable trip you can share with your group.
Travel tips
- Claim a parade spot early along the route.
- Seek out a traditional-music (trad) pub session.
- Book the Guinness Storehouse ahead — it's busy on the day.
Frequently asked questions
When is Dublin's St. Patrick's Festival?
Several days around March 17, with the big parade on St. Patrick's Day itself.
Is the parade free?
Yes — the parade is free to watch; some concerts and events are ticketed.
How do you get around?
Use the LUAS trams, DART, and buses — city-center streets close for the parade.
Going with friends?
TrekUnity keeps the whole group on the same page — vote on plans, split costs, and see who's arriving when.
Start planning freeTrekUnity is an independent travel guide and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or sponsored by St. Patrick's Festival Dublin or its organizers. Dates, prices, and details are provided for informational purposes and can change — always confirm on the official event website before booking.