Visiting Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day is one of the most iconic (and chaotic) travel experiences, and one of the busiest weekends of the year in Ireland’s capital. I went to the festival solo in 2017 and learned first-hand what to do (and what I wish I’d known earlier). In this post, I’m sharing real tips on the parade, how to find last-minute accommodation, and what to expect from the crowds, events, and energy. Whether you’re going solo or with friends, here’s how to plan your St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin like a pro.
- When Is St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin?
- What to Expect at the Festival
- Must Do Activities in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day
- Tips for Booking Accommodations in Dublin
- St. Patrick’s Day Parade Tips
- Should You Visit the Guinness Storehouse During the Festival?
- What to Pack and What to Expect (Weather, Crowds, Closures)
- Temple Bar Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day
- Final Tips for Visiting Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day
- What I Wish I Knew
When Is St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin?
St. Patrick’s Day is March 17, every year. The St. Patrick’s Day Festival typically is held from March 16 to about March 19 in the City of Dublin. The festival schedule comes out early February and events are added until the beginning of March.
💡 Pro tip: Check the website often and request tickets to events early!
What to Expect at the Festival
There are a few paid events and a lot of free ones. Events that require tickets book quickly. I recommend the Festival Ceili (free), St Patrick’s Day Parade (free) and a walking tour ($). If you can, get tickets to the city wide scavenger hunt (free). You’ll find a full list of festival activities on the City’s website.
Of course there are lots of people day drinking in the city (particularly along Temple Bar) and keep in mind March 17 is a public holiday in Ireland and many businesses may close, like banks and smaller shops.
Must Do Activities in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day
Dublin turns into a sea of green during the festival weekend. Expect high energy, big crowds (especially near Temple Bar), and limited seating at pubs and cafés. Street closures and transit changes are common, and the weather can be unpredictable. Prepare for rain, queues, and excitement all at once.
Free Festival Events:
- Festival Céilí
- Parade
- Light shows and public installations
- Street performers
Paid Festival Events:
- Walking tours
- Concerts
- Guinness Storehouse or Jameson tours
Tips for Booking Accommodations in Dublin
St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is a city-wide festival event. Many hotels and hostels release rooms in blocks so you might not be able to book a hotel months in advance but there are some rooms still available the day you arrive. I met people from the USA and New Zealand who arrived at the hostel I stayed at the day before St. Patrick’s Day and found a room. If you visit in a group, you may have to split up if you don’t book in advance.
💡 Pro Tip: Even if a hostel looks fully booked online, email them directly. They often hold back last-minute dorm beds or release rooms in waves.
Story time: I tried booking accommodations in January 2017 to attend in March 2017. Most places required you to book a minimum of 3 nights (some were 5 or 7) between dates surrounding March 17. The problem with booking online was that March 17 sold out the fastest. So, when I looked in January only one place was available for a minimum booking of 3 nights but March 17 was booked solid (i.e. I had to book for the 15, 16 and 18 online but couldn’t find a room for the 17). I emailed the hostel and they were able to book me a private room ($$$$$$$). BUT, when I checked in they had single beds in multi dorms available and let me switch and offered me the cheaper rate. I spoke with other people who were staying at my hostel who booked up to a week before St. Patrick’s Day and they were able to get one or two nights’ accommodation. Another guy literally showed up on the 16th and asked if they had any beds available. I recommend looking online but check regularly to get a place you want. If you’re more spontaneous you can certainly show up day of to see if there is anything available but if you’re going with a group then chances are you’ll be split up.
✍️ Lesson learned? Book early if you’re picky, but if you’re flexible, don’t panic. Beds open up last-minute more often than you’d think.
Where to Stay in Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day
If you want to be in the heart of the action, stay near Temple Bar. It’s one of Dublin’s most iconic nightlife districts. Just to clarify: Temple Bar is both the name of a bar and the name of the surrounding area, which is packed with pubs, restaurants, and cobblestone streets buzzing with activity. It’s lively year-round, but especially intense over St. Patrick’s Day weekend.
If you prefer a quieter stay but still want to be within walking distance, consider neighborhoods like Smithfield, St. Stephen’s Green, or the Docklands. These areas tend to be a bit calmer, but you’ll still be close to major attractions and public transit.
Wherever you stay, book as early as possible. Most accommodations have minimum stay requirements (3+ nights) and fill up fast during festival weekend.
💡 Solo Female Tip: If you plan on having a drink or two near Temple Bar, then book a stay near Temple Bar. That way, you don’t have to walk home alone, or try to find a cab during the insanely busy time.
How to Find Accommodations in Dublin
Finding a place to stay during St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin can be a bit of a scramble, but it’s not impossible. If you’re planning last minute, don’t panic.
Many hostels and hotels release rooms in waves, so it’s worth checking sites like Hostelworld and Booking.com regularly, especially in the few weeks leading up to the festival.
💡 Pro tip: Even if a property looks sold out online, try emailing them directly. Hostels often keep a few dorm beds offline or offer last-minute availability due to cancellations.
On my trip, I met travelers from New Zealand and the U.S. who managed to snag beds the night before or even the day of the parade. So while booking early is ideal, spontaneous travelers still have a chance. Just be prepared to be flexible, and possibly split your stay across multiple hostels or private rooms.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Tips
Go early for a spot. The Dublin parade is held March 17 and typically starts at 12:00 pm, and many people set up between 10-11 AM. A few bars along the route open around 12 PM and you may be able to snag a seat by a window. The parade itself was fantastic! Think green and Irish heritage pride!
The best places to stand are on Dame Street and near Trinity, but make sure to check the parade map for the route. It sometimes changes!
You can find the official Parade Map online.
Should You Visit the Guinness Storehouse During the Festival?
Expect everywhere to be busy. If you are here just for the festival, then yes! Your admission includes a self-guided tour and one pint of Guinness. You can line up for the “Perfect Pour” station or grab one at the Gravity Bar. I recommend doing the Perfect Pour, and then heading up to the Gravity Bar to see the view of Dublin from above.
What to Pack and What to Expect (Weather, Crowds, Closures)
What to Pack for March in Dublin:
- Waterproof jacket (light rain is common)
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Layers for temps around 5–12°C
- Green accessories (you’ll fit right in!)
- Reusable water bottle
March 17 is a national Irish holiday, so there are a lot of places closed both on the holiday and during the festival.
Temple Bar Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day
Temple Bar is the place most people think of when it comes to Dublin nightlife. On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s absolute chaos (in the best and worst ways).
The cobblestone streets are jam-packed with people dressed in green, pubs are overflowing by early afternoon, and music pours out onto the sidewalks. It’s a high-energy, party-heavy scene and for many, it’s the quintessential Irish festival experience.
If you want to experience Temple Bar on March 17, here are a few tips:
- Go early: Pubs fill up by midday, and many won’t let you in once they’re at capacity.
- Expect crowds and queues: Even outdoor spaces are shoulder-to-shoulder. If you’re not into packed bars or standing-room-only Guinness, consider visiting earlier in the day or skipping it altogether.
- Watch your belongings: Pickpockets are rare but not unheard of during major events like this.
- Budget accordingly: Prices in Temple Bar are notoriously inflated — a pint can easily run €8–€10+ during the festival.
If you love loud music, dancing strangers, and high-energy crowds, Temple Bar is an unforgettable experience. But if you’re looking for a more relaxed vibe, try pubs a few blocks away like The Brazen Head, The Stag’s Head, or anything south of Dame Street.
Final Tips for Visiting Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day
As with many festivals around the world, it will be busy. All bars, festival activities and even tourist attractions will be a lot busier than usual. If you’re not interested in visiting Dublin for the St. Patrick’s Day Festival, I recommend avoiding the city during this time. However, it is a wonderful time to visit and the festival activities show you a lot about Irish culture, like the Festival Ceili.
What I Wish I Knew
- Book accommodations early or at least keep checking! Many hostels release new beds closer to the date, but the best options sell out fast.
- Plan your festival schedule ahead of time. Events fill up quickly, and I missed a few I really wanted to do simply because I didn’t request tickets early enough.
- Temple Bar gets packed. It was way more chaotic than I expected. Go early if you want to experience it or skip it entirely for a more relaxed pint elsewhere.
- The Guinness Storehouse stays busy even after March 17. Don’t expect a quiet morning visit the day after; crowds stick around through the weekend.
- If you’re introverted, it can feel isolating being surrounded by groups of friends and families. But it’s a great opportunity to break out of your comfort zone. Say hi to someone at the hostel, join a walking tour, or strike up a conversation at a pub. I met great people that way!
Planning a longer trip to Ireland?
I’ve got more guides coming soon including solo travel tips, best day trips from Dublin, and underrated gems across the country. Be sure to check out my archive or follow along on Instagram @passportunities for real-time adventures!