The day of St Patrick is upon us, and we thought we’d drop in a few ideas on what to see and do.
Let’s start in Dublin
How to enjoy St Patrick’s day in Dublin:
Go to a gig : As well as all of the fun happening in the pubs all around the city, there are a number of gigs taking place all weekend outside of St Patrick’s Festival. Here are some recommendations on who to watch: Kilfenora Céilí Band, National Concert Hall and Annie Mac will play Vicar street on March 16th.
Have a laugh : Both on the 16th and 17th there will be two comedy nights in The International Bar and a bumper line of comics playing in the Laughter Lounge on March 14and 15, headline by Cork comedian Ross Browne. In the 3Area they are also opening its doors for laughs on March 15 with Tom Segur : come travel.
See a play: Before you go away from Dublin, ensure to go and watch The Ferryman in the Gaiety Theatre to watch a performance on the stage – March 15. If you and others would like to go for a Matinee over the holiday weekend, head to the lunchtime theatre at Bewley’s Cafe on Grafton street, following a special evening performance on March 7.
Must visit hotels in Dublin:
- The Fitzwilliam Hotel: Discover the perfect blend of elegance and convenience at The Fitzwilliam Hotel, a 5-star oasis in the heart of Dublin. Located just moments from the city’s premier shopping destinations, vibrant bars, renowned restaurants, and iconic attractions, our hotel offers an unmatched experience for those looking to explore Dublin in style. Whether you’re visiting for leisure or a special occasion, The Fitzwilliam Hotel ensures an unforgettable experience from the moment you arrive.
- Anantara The Marker Dublin Hotel : Luxury hotel in Dublin with authentic Irish hospitality. Near by there are attractions to spend the day exploring and coming back to the hotel to feel the culture of the Irish community. The restaurant inside of The marker hotel consists of the best Irish cuisine, whilst the rooftop bar & terrace draws crowds from across the city with its 360 degree views of the mountains and sea.
- The Merrion hotel : Located in the heat of Dublin City centre, is the capitals most luxurious five start hotel and a proud member of The leading hotels of the world. The Merrion is home to the 2-star Michelin restaurant Patrick Guilbaud, The cellar Bar, The Garden Room, and the intimate No. 23 cocktail Br. Locally you are able to visit Art gallery’s, museums and other adventurous sites to visit.
Belfast is next:
Belfast’s St Patrick’s Day parade will bring a dazzling display of costume, music, dance and theatrical performances to the city’s streets.
Starting at City Hall at 1.30pm, local dance troupes, schools, community groups and musicians will weave their way through the city centre via Chichester Street, Victoria Street, High Street, Castle Place and Donegall Place, before returning to City Hall.
Belfast TradFest will deliver a four-day music festival from 14-17 March featuring concerts, céilís, displays, pilgrimages, taster sessions, workshops.
Dive deep in London
Believe it or not, there are more ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day than just sinking Guinness at your local (although we aren’t against that method at all). If you want to learn a little about all those who have migrated to the capital from the Emerald Isle before you start on the pints, we’ve got just the thing. This brilliant walking tour begins at Parliament Square and meanders all the way through the theatre district to explore Ireland’s cultural and literary contributions before finishing in Soho. But the craic doesn’t end there – the guide will certainly be rounding off the trip at the pub.
Benidorm goes green
Famed for attracting British and Irish tourists, Benidorm throws one of the most elaborate Saint Patrick’s Day parties in Spain. The main strip in the Old Town transforms into a green spectacle, with street parties, live performances, and special events dotting the day. This lively coastal town, fondly referred to as “Paddy’s Day Benidorm,” sees an ocean of celebrators enjoying their pints of Guinness by the sea.
Other places in Europe to visit on St Patricks day:
Glasgow is a second home for the Irish and the ‘Dear Green Place’ will be in full swing on March 17th. In Scotland’s largest city, you can celebrate the Irish festival at a series of comedy events, a street party and almost every city centre pub. Bring your Guinness hat and get ready to party Irish style.
Italy’s Irish population will be having a party at the ‘Festa Irlandese’ in Padua. Attracting over 25, 000 people each year, the Italian-Irish festival is one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Europe. Completely free and packed full of revellers, you can have pasta with your Guinness in this historic university town.
Bavarians switch from beer to Guinness on March 17th when they have a massive open-air party in the city centre. Every Irish pub in the city will be crammed full of people drinking the black stuff. St. Patrick’s Day in Munich is one of the biggest in central Europe and will be celebrated over the three-day weekend from March 17th.