Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a day of festivity in Ireland that has now gained popularity worldwide.
But if you’re in Cork, the second largest city in Ireland, the celebration takes on a whole new level. This article is your guide to the best places in Cork to visit on Saint Patrick’s Day.
Cork, known for its vibrant culture and historical significance, offers a unique blend of traditional and modern festivities on Saint Patrick’s Day.
From the grand parade that paints the town green to the traditional Irish music sessions in cozy pubs, there’s something for everyone. So, whether you’re a local or a tourist, buckle up as we take you through the top things to do in Cork on Saint Patrick’s Day.
The Grand Parade
One of the most anticipated events in Cork on Saint Patrick’s Day is the grand parade. This event is a spectacle of colors, music, and dance that brings together people from all walks of life.
The parade route is usually packed with locals and tourists alike, all eager to witness the vibrant floats, talented performers, and the overall festive atmosphere.
The Cork Saint Patrick’s Day parade is not just a local event, but a showcase of global cultures. It features participants from various community groups, schools, and organizations, both from within Ireland and abroad.
So, if you’re in Cork on Saint Patrick’s Day, make sure to secure a good spot early for the parade – it’s an experience you wouldn’t want to miss!
Family-Friendly Activities
Saint Patrick’s Day in Cork is not just for adults, but for kids too! There are plenty of family-friendly activities that you can enjoy with your little ones.
Cork City Saint Patrick’s Day Festival
The Cork City Saint Patrick’s Day Festival is a must-visit. This festival is packed with fun activities for kids of all ages. From face painting to puppet shows, your kids are sure to have a blast. And while they’re having fun, you can enjoy some traditional Irish music.
Visit the Local Parks
Cork is known for its beautiful parks, and they become even more lively on Saint Patrick’s Day. Pack a picnic and head to one of the local parks for a relaxing day out. Many parks host special events for Saint Patrick’s Day, including treasure hunts and outdoor games.
Best Pubs in Cork for Saint Patrick’s Day
Saint Patrick’s Day in Cork wouldn’t be complete without a visit to some of the city’s best pubs. Here are a few recommendations:
The Oliver Plunkett
The Oliver Plunkett is a traditional Irish pub that offers live music and a lively atmosphere. On Saint Patrick’s Day, you can expect to find traditional Irish music sessions and a crowd full of festive spirit.
Sin É
Sin É is known for its traditional Irish music sessions, making it a great place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. The pub has a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of beers.
The Franciscan Well Brewery and Brewpub
If you’re a fan of craft beers, The Franciscan Well Brewery and Brewpub is a must-visit. They offer a range of beers brewed on-site, and their outdoor seating area is a great place to relax if the weather is good.
Unique Ways to Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Cork
While parades, pubs, and parks are traditional ways to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in Cork, there are also some unique activities that you might want to consider:
Traditional Irish Music Sessions
Cork is known for its vibrant music scene, and Saint Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to immerse yourself in traditional Irish music. Many pubs and venues across the city host music sessions where local musicians gather to play. It’s a wonderful way to experience Irish culture.
Visit the English Market
The English Market is a food lover’s paradise. On Saint Patrick’s Day, many vendors offer special Irish-themed treats. It’s a great place to sample traditional Irish food and buy some local produce.
Take a Historical Walking Tour
Cork has a rich history, and a walking tour is a great way to learn more about it. Many tours are available on Saint Patrick’s Day, focusing on different aspects of the city’s history.
Practical Tips for Visiting Cork on Saint Patrick’s Day
If you’re planning to visit Cork for Saint Patrick’s Day, here are some practical tips to ensure you have a memorable experience:
Plan Your Visit in Advance
Saint Patrick’s Day is a popular time to visit Cork, so it’s advisable to plan your visit in advance. This includes booking your accommodation early and researching the events you want to attend.
Dress Appropriately
The weather in Cork in March can be unpredictable, so it’s best to dress in layers. And don’t forget to wear something green!
Stay Safe
While Saint Patrick’s Day is a time of celebration, it’s also important to stay safe. Be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas, and always have a plan for getting back to your accommodation.
Respect the Locals
Remember, Saint Patrick’s Day is not just a tourist event, but a day of cultural significance for the Irish people. Be respectful of local customs and traditions.
Table
| No. | Place | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Grand Parade | The heart of the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, featuring a vibrant parade with music, dance, and colorful floats. |
| 2 | The English Market | A food lover’s paradise, offering special Irish-themed treats on Saint Patrick’s Day. |
| 3 | Hotel Isaacs Cork City | A boutique hotel located just a 5-minute walk from the city center, offering spacious rooms and a restaurant. |
| 4 | Le Chateau | A traditional Irish pub on Patrick Street, known for its extensive beer, wine, and whiskey list. |
| 5 | The Oliver Plunkett | A traditional Irish pub offering live music and a lively atmosphere on Saint Patrick’s Day. |
| 6 | Sin É | Known for its traditional Irish music sessions, making it a great place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. |
| 7 | The Franciscan Well Brewery and Brewpub | A must-visit for craft beer lovers, offering a range of beers brewed on-site. |
| 8 | Dan Lowrey’s Tavern | A traditional Irish pub in Cork city, located near River Lee. |
| 9 | Cork City Saint Patrick’s Day Festival | A family-friendly festival packed with fun activities for kids of all ages. |
| 10 | Local Parks | Many local parks host special events for Saint Patrick’s Day, including treasure hunts and outdoor games. |
| 11 | Historical Walking Tour | A great way to learn more about Cork’s rich history. |
| 12 | Crawford Art Gallery | An art museum in the heart of Cork city, featuring a collection of Irish and international visual arts. |
| 13 | The Mutton Lane Inn | One of the oldest pubs in Cork, offering a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of drinks. |
| 14 | Cork Opera House | A theatre and opera house offering a variety of performances, including concerts, plays, and operas. |
| 15 | Fitzgerald Park | A public park located on the outskirts of Cork city, offering beautiful gardens and a museum. |
| 16 | Blarney Castle & Gardens | A historic castle best known for the Blarney Stone, located just outside of Cork city. |
| 17 | Cork City Gaol | A former prison now operating as a museum, offering insight into the 19th century Irish prison system. |
| 18 | Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral | A beautiful cathedral located in the center of Cork city, featuring stunning architecture. |
| 19 | The Butter Museum | A unique museum offering insight into the history of butter making in Ireland. |
| 20 | Blackrock Castle Observatory | A castle located on the banks of the River Lee, offering a planetarium and interactive exhibits. |
| 21 | The Farmgate Café | A popular café located in the English Market, offering traditional Irish food. |
| 22 | The Rising Sons Brewery | A microbrewery and bar located in the heart of Cork city, offering a selection of house-brewed beers. |
| 23 | The Roundy | A popular bar offering live music and a rooftop beer garden. |
| 24 | The Everyman | A beautiful Victorian theatre offering a variety of performances, including plays, concerts, and comedy shows. |
Best Places in Cork to Visit on Saint Patrick’s Day
- The Grand Parade: The heart of the city’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, featuring a vibrant parade with music, dance, and colorful floats.
- The English Market: A food lover’s paradise, offering special Irish-themed treats on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Hotel Isaacs Cork City: A boutique hotel located just a 5-minute walk from the city center, offering spacious rooms and a restaurant.
- Le Chateau: A traditional Irish pub on Patrick Street, known for its extensive beer, wine, and whiskey list.
- The Oliver Plunkett: A traditional Irish pub offering live music and a lively atmosphere on Saint Patrick’s Day.
- Sin É: Known for its traditional Irish music sessions, making it a great place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
- The Franciscan Well Brewery and Brewpub: A must-visit for craft beer lovers, offering a range of beers brewed on-site.
- Dan Lowrey’s Tavern: A traditional Irish pub in Cork city, located near River Lee.
- Cork City Saint Patrick’s Day Festival: A family-friendly festival packed with fun activities for kids of all ages.
- Local Parks: Many local parks host special events for Saint Patrick’s Day, including treasure hunts and outdoor games.
- Historical Walking Tour: A great way to learn more about Cork’s rich history.
- Crawford Art Gallery: An art museum in the heart of Cork city, featuring a collection of Irish and international visual arts.
- The Mutton Lane Inn: One of the oldest pubs in Cork, offering a cozy atmosphere and a wide selection of drinks.
- Cork Opera House: A theatre and opera house offering a variety of performances, including concerts, plays, and operas.
- Fitzgerald Park: A public park located on the outskirts of Cork city, offering beautiful gardens and a museum.
- Blarney Castle & Gardens: A historic castle best known for the Blarney Stone, located just outside of Cork city.
- Cork City Gaol: A former prison now operating as a museum, offering insight into the 19th century Irish prison system.
- Saint Fin Barre’s Cathedral: A beautiful cathedral located in the center of Cork city, featuring stunning architecture.
- The Butter Museum: A unique museum offering insight into the history of butter making in Ireland.
- Blackrock Castle Observatory: A castle located on the banks of the River Lee, offering a planetarium and interactive exhibits.
- The Farmgate Café: A popular café located in the English Market, offering traditional Irish food.
- The Rising Sons Brewery: A microbrewery and bar located in the heart of Cork city, offering a selection of house-brewed beers.
- The Roundy: A popular bar offering live music and a rooftop beer garden.
- The Everyman: A beautiful Victorian theatre offering a variety of performances, including plays, concerts, and comedy shows.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in Cork is a celebration like no other. From the grand parade to the traditional Irish music sessions, there’s something for everyone. Whether you’re a local or a tourist, young or old, there’s no better place to be on Saint Patrick’s Day than in Cork.
FAQs
Absolutely! Cork offers a unique blend of traditional and modern festivities on Saint Patrick’s Day. It’s a day filled with music, dance, food, and most importantly, the Irish spirit.
There are plenty of free activities to enjoy in Cork on Saint Patrick’s Day. The grand parade is a must-see, and many local parks host special events. You can also enjoy traditional Irish music sessions in various pubs and venues across the city.
Cork has a wide range of accommodation options to suit different budgets. It’s advisable to book your accommodation early as places can fill up quickly around Saint Patrick’s Day.
Yes, Cork is generally a safe city. However, like any major event, it’s important to be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas.
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