A St Patrick’s Day Dublin travel guide – a fancy dress parade, and Irish music and dance

Family fun

Festivities for Ireland’s patron saint last almost a week in Dublin. A Patrick’s Day holiday is a fun-filled family occasion that culminates in the colourful St Patrick’s Day Parade in green fancy dress. Book a St Patrick’s Day hotel near Dame Street where families start searching for clues on the annual Treasure Hunt. Another regular fixture is the Denny Big Day Out, which brings crowds to Merrion Square for puppetry, storytelling circuses and games.

Arts and culture

Throughout the St Patrick’s Festival, Dublin is home to a host of walks, talks and performing arts. You can join workshops in visual arts at Dublin’s galleries or explore the city with a guide. There are photographic and art exhibitions, plays and live readings of some of Dublin’s best-loved literature. Expect traditional Irish dancing events at major venues and open-air arts in Smithfield and Temple Bar Square.

Music and nightlife

Dublin’s St Patrick’s Day party continues into the night from the National Concert Hall to Temple Bar. The line-up varies from year to year but it can include performances of music by Irish composers relating to St Patrick or international musicians from other Celtic nations. Traditional Irish music is a usual fixture, as is the annual ceilidh dance which will keep your feet tapping until the wee hours.

Practical information

When: 12th-17th March

Where: Dublin City Centre

Tickets: Parade free, though some individual events are ticketed