Is St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin Worth It? What to Know for 2025

If you’ve ever thought about visiting Ireland, you’ve likely wondered: Is St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin worth it? 

I can saw with confidence, it is absolutely worth visiting Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day.

I had the chance to spend a week in Dublin over the holiday. I watched the famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade, enjoyed the lively pub scene, and took several day trips from Dublin to explore Ireland’s incredible beauty. It was such a fun experience!

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No matter what brings you to Dublin in March celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is a one-of-a-kind travel experience.

What It’s Like to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin

For many, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is a bucket-list trip. It’s a chance to experience the heart of Irish culture and join one of the world’s biggest celebrations.

When we were there, the city felt like one big celebration. The streets were packed with locals and tourists, all wearing green and ready to have a good time. 

One of my favourite things was seeing all the buildings and attractions lit up in green at night. You couldn’t walk far without hearing live music, spotting Irish dancers, or catching street performers entertaining the crowds outside the busy pubs.

Yes, it was busy, but the atmosphere was so friendly and fun that it just added to this unique experience. We had an amazing time celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland.

7 Things to Do in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day

If you’re planning to visit in 2025, you’re in for an unforgettable experience. With each passing year, Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations get even bigger and better. No doubt 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting yet. 

Beyond the famous parade, there’s plenty of things to do in Dublin during the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Here’s a look at some of the top things to do while you’re there!

1. Watch the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is definitely the highlight of the celebrations. It one of those must-do things while in Ireland’s capital city for the holiday.

It usually starts around noon on March 17th and weaves through the streets of Dublin. There’s no need to worry about tickets—it’s totally free to attend.

It will get very busy, so I highly recommend arriving early because the best spots fill up fast! 

The actual parade lasts about two hours. It’s full of colourful and quirky floats that really capture the spirit of Ireland. 

You’ll also see lots of marching bands and street performers that reflect the country’s culture and history walking in the parade. The energy is incredible, making for an unforgettable experience.

If you’re planning to go, my advice is to find your spot along the route early, grab a coffee, and enjoy the buildup to the parade—it’s all part of the fun!

St. Patrick’s Day Grandstand Experience. Is it Worth Buying Tickets for the Grandstand?

When we were planning our trip, we discovered that you can actually purchase grandstand tickets for reserved seating to watch the parade. As it was our first time visiting Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day—and travelling all the way from Canada—we decided to splurge. It turned out to be an excellent decision.

The grandstands are set up in a few different locations along the parade route. Having a reserved seat meant we didn’t have to stake out a spot along the parade route hours ahead of time. 

We had a front-row view of the parade, could sit down comfortably, and didn’t have to navigate the large crowds. Another perk? There were portable toilets right behind the grandstand area, which made things a lot more convenient.

Just make sure to buy your grandstand tickets early! I purchased ours in November, and many sections were already sold out by then. These tickets go quickly every year, so planning ahead is key if you want to enjoy the grandstand experience.

2. Attend the St. Patrick’s Festival

The St. Patrick’s Festival in Dublin is the largest celebration of Irish culture and heritage in the world. It includes so much more than the annual parade. 

Running for several days over the holiday, the festival includes Irish food trucks, street performers, Irish dancing, and live performances.

We loved exploring the festival, which had everything from family-friendly games to live music that got everyone up singing and dancing. 

It’s a fun way to soak in Irish culture and get warmed up for the big day. If you’re visiting, I definitely recommend checking out the festival events to fully immerse yourself in the celebrations!

3. Visit the Temple Bar Neighbourhood

Temple Bar is the place to be during St. Paddy’s Day and is one of the most popular places to go in Dublin. 

Right after the parade everyone floods into the Temple Bar area and the streets become packed with partygoers looking to keep the celebrations going.

Police are there to help manage the crowds, and while some love the energy and excitement, I personally found it a bit too crowded for my taste. 

We decided to visit the pubs in Temple Bar on a different day, which felt a lot more relaxed and enjoyable. But if you thrive in that kind of busy atmosphere, it’s definitely worth checking out on St. Patrick’s Day!

4. Take the Guinness Storehouse Tour

The Guinness Storehouse is one of Ireland’s most popular attractions. If you’re wondering “is the Guinness Storehouse tour worth it?”, I can say from experience—it absolutely is, and it’s even better around St. Patrick’s Day.

Wander through this six-floor museum on a self-guided tour and learn about the history and making of Ireland’s most famous beer. At the top, the Gravity Bar offers incredible 360° views of Dublin. Here you can enjoy some pints of Guinness with the city’s skyline as your backdrop.

During St. Patrick’s Day, the Storehouse has lots of live traditional music, Irish dancing, and special art displays celebrating Irish culture. 

Tickets will sell out on St. Patrick’s Day and during the whole festival. You will want to plan early and be sure to buy your tickets to the Guinness Storehouse ahead of time.

5. Take the Hop On Hop Off Bus

One of our favourite things to do as first-time visitors to Dublin is to take the Hop On Hop Off bus tour. The live commentary from our driver was one of the most entertaining we’ve ever experienced on any sightseeing tour.

In about an hour and a half, we got a fantastic overview of Dublin’s history and saw key landmarks. With 25 stops, the tour even took us to spots that are a bit further out, like Phoenix Park and the Dublin Zoo. 

If you’re planning a 3-day trip to Dublin, this is a perfect way to cover a lot of ground and get an overview of the city when you first arrive.

6. Walk Along the River Liffey

One of the things I loved most about Dublin during the St. Patrick’s Day festivities was how the River Liffey became part of the celebration. 

Many of Dublin’s attractions, historic buildings, and bridges were lit up in green lights, which looked really awesome as they reflected into the river at night. It was really interesting to walk along the river at night.

What stood out to me was the mix of old and new—the historic bridges alongside the modern design of the Samuel Beckett Bridge made for a really unique experience. 

Of course, there are lots of other fantastic attractions to visit in Dublin including Kilmainham Gaol, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and Trinity College. To enjoy even more of Dublin’s attractions, we found visiting Dublin for three days to be an ideal length of time.

7. Take a Day Tour from Dublin

One of the best things about staying in Dublin is how easy it is to explore other parts of Ireland. There are so many great day trip options that let you experience more of the country without too much travel. 

I wrote a dedicated review of our day trips with Wild Rover Tours as we had such a great experience with this company.

We had plenty to choose from, including popular spots like the Cliffs of Moher, Galway, Belfast, Giant’s Causeway, and Glendalough. Each offers a different taste of Ireland’s natural beauty and history, and they’re all reachable from Dublin in just a day. 

If you have a bit more time, taking a day tour from Dublin is a great way to enhance your trip to Ireland.

When is St. Patrick’s Day Celebrated?

St. Patrick’s Day is always celebrated on March 17th, regardless of the day of the week.

In 2025, the festivities will fall on a Monday, making it the perfect opportunity for an extended weekend trip to Dublin. 

Where to Stay in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day

Dublin is a compact city, so wherever you stay, it’s usually a short walk to most major spots. 

Normally, I’d recommend staying right in the heart of Dublin, but for Saint Patrick’s Day, you might want to consider staying a little further out—especially if you’re not looking to be in the middle of the all-night celebrations.

 We found that hotels tend to be more expensive during this time, and many have a minimum night stay policy around the holiday.

That said, here are three hotels we’ve personally stayed at and recommend for St. Patrick’s Day!

The Dylan Hotel

⭐️ RATING: 9.0 | ✓ Check Rates and Availability | Address: Eastmoreland Pl, Dublin, Ireland

The Dylan Hotel is, without a doubt, my favourite place to stay in Dublin, and I highly recommend it for St. Patrick’s Day. We stayed here during our visit in March, and I’m so glad we did. With the city centre being so crowded, staying just a bit outside the chaos made all the difference.

This boutique hotel is located in a quiet residential area, near Aviva Stadium, but it’s still easily walkable to the city centre. The hotel itself is stunning, with a luxurious feel, and the service was exceptional throughout our stay. 

We loved the on-site restaurant and the cozy bar—perfect for unwinding after a day of exploring Dublin. If you’re looking for an upscale, more tranquil stay during St. Patrick’s Day, the Dylan Hotel is an excellent choice.

NYX Hotel Dublin Christchurch (formerly Hard Rock Hotel)

⭐️ RATING: 8.9 | ✓ Check Rates and Availability | Address: 18 Exchange Street Upper, Temple Bar

The NYX Hotel Dublin is in an unbeatable location, right next to the lively Temple Bar area and directly across the street from Dublin Castle. 

We found it super convenient, especially with the Hop On Hop Off bus stopping right outside on the main street, which made sightseeing a breeze. 

The rooms were modern and comfortable, and the staff went out of their way to make our stay great. If you want to be close to the action but still have a comfortable spot to return to, this hotel is a great choice!

The Samuel Hotel

⭐️ RATING: 8.5 | ✓ Check Rates and Availability | Address: Spencer Place, N Wall Quay, North Wall

The Samuel Hotel is a newer, clean, and more modern hotel, though it lacks some ambiance. It’s located next to the Samuel Beckett Bridge in the Docklands, which we found to be a great place. 

It was far enough from the busy areas but still within walking distance to the city centre. The DART train was also conveniently located right outside the hotel. 

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly option with easy access to Dublin’s main attractions, The Samuel is a solid pick.

Things to Know Before Your Visit to Dublin in March

While it’s an incredible experience, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin can be overwhelming if you don’t plan ahead. Here are some of my best tips to keep in mind:

1. Book early: Hotels and flights fill up months in advance. Prices also surge, so planning ahead can save you some serious cash.
2. Public transport: Dublin’s public transport system is great, but during St. Patrick’s Day, it can get crowded. Consider staying in central Dublin, where you can walk to most of the major events.
3. Dress for the weather: Dublin in March can be unpredictable—rain, wind, or even sunshine all in the same day. Pack layers and, of course, an umbrella is a good idea. Don’t forget your green outfits!
4. Pubs will be packed: If you’re looking for a traditional pub experience, try visiting earlier in the day or head to spots outside the city center, which may be a bit quieter. But if you love crowds and live music, dive right into the busy Temple Bar area.
5. St. Patrick’s Day is a bank holiday: Keep in mind that stores, restaurants, and attractions may have reduced hours or may not open at all on this official public holiday. You will want to plan accordingly.
6. Make reservations for dinner: We saw so many people try to walk into local pubs looking for a table, only to find everything fully booked. We were so glad we had made reservations in advance—it saved us a lot of hassle.

So, Is It Worth Visiting Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day?

Absolutely! We loved our trip to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day. While we’ve visited Ireland on several occasions, there’s something truly special about being in Dublin for this celebration.

The St. Patrick’s Day parade was the main attraction, but what really stood out to us was the contagious energy throughout the city. Seeing everyone come together to celebrate, the green lights and decorations all around, and the buzzing atmosphere in the pubs made it unforgettable.

If you’re looking for an authentic and lively way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Dublin is 100% worth the trip. Whether you’re Irish by heritage or simply by spirit, celebrating in Dublin is an experience that you’ll remember for years to come.

Before You Go: More About Travel in Dublin

Before you plan your trip, consider making the most of your time in Ireland by exploring more than just St. Patrick’s Day.

Taking one of Wild Rover’s Ireland day tours is an excellent way to see some of Ireland’s most stunning landscapes.

If you have 3 days in Dublin, you’ll have plenty of time to take in the city’s rich history and vibrant culture.

You might also want to spend one day in Belfast to explore Northern Ireland’s capital. And if you’re wondering, is the Guinness Storehouse tour worth it, the answer is yes—it’s a must-see while in Dublin.