Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held every 17th of March, is a significant event in Ireland. It’s a day when the Emerald Isle is awash with festivities, parades, and the wearing of green attire.
If you’re planning a visit, experiencing the 15 Best Places to Visit in Ireland on Saint Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the rich culture, heritage, and breathtaking landscapes of this beautiful country.
15 Best Places to Visit in Ireland on Saint Patrick’s Day
- Dublin
- Galway
- Historic City of Cork
- Killarney
- Dingle
- Belfast
- Kilkenny
- Limerick
- Waterford
- Donegal
- Athlone
- Tralee
- Drogheda
- Vibrant Sligo
- Carlingford
1. The Magic of Dublin on Saint Patrick’s Day
Dublin, the vibrant capital of Ireland, is the epicenter of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The city is renowned for its grand Saint Patrick’s Day Parade, a spectacle that attracts visitors from around the globe.
The parade is a riot of color and sound, featuring spectacular floats, marching bands, and performers showcasing Irish culture and heritage.
The streets of Dublin come alive with music, dance, and merriment, creating an atmosphere that is both festive and welcoming.
2. Galway
Galway, known as Ireland’s Cultural Heart, offers a unique Saint Patrick’s Day experience.
The city’s parade is a showcase of creativity, featuring local arts groups, community organizations, and schools.
The lively atmosphere is complemented by the city’s rich cultural scene, with numerous events taking place throughout the day.
3. Historic City of Cork
Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, offers a blend of history, culture, and Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The city’s parade is a visual treat, with local community groups and businesses showcasing their creativity through floats and performances.
The local pubs and restaurants offer special menus for the day, providing an opportunity to sample traditional Irish cuisine.
4. Killarney
Killarney, a town on the northeastern shore of Lough Leane, is part of Killarney National Park and is known for its scenic beauty and outdoor activities.
On Saint Patrick’s Day, the town hosts a parade featuring local community groups and businesses.
After the parade, visitors can explore the Killarney National Park, home to the famous Lakes of Killarney, and Muckross House, a preserved 19th-century mansion.
A boat trip on the Lakes of Killarney offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and wildlife.
5. Dingle
Dingle, a small port town on southwest Ireland’s Dingle Peninsula, is known for its rugged scenery, trails, and sandy beaches.
On Saint Patrick’s Day, the town comes alive with a community parade and traditional Irish music sessions in local pubs.
Dingle Oceanworld Aquarium is a popular attraction, offering visitors a chance to see a variety of marine life.
But the town’s most famous resident is Fungie, a wild Bottlenose Dolphin that lives in the harbor and often accompanies boats on their trips.
6. Belfast
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, offers a unique blend of Irish and British cultures.
The city’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations include a vibrant parade and a free concert at Custom House Square.
Key attractions include the Titanic Belfast, an interactive museum located on the site where the RMS Titanic was built; Belfast Castle, set on the slopes of Cavehill Country Park; and the Botanic Gardens, a public park that features a Palm House and a Tropical Ravine.
7. Kilkenny
Kilkenny, known for its medieval architecture, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a parade that showcases the creativity of local communities.
After the festivities, visitors can explore Kilkenny Castle, a 12th-century castle that was remodeled in Victorian times and set in extensive parklands.
St. Canice’s Cathedral, another must-visit, is a magnificent 13th-century Gothic cathedral with an imposing round tower that offers panoramic views of the city.
The Medieval Mile Museum, located in the 13th-century St. Mary’s church, tells the story of Kilkenny’s history as a medieval city.
8. Limerick
Limerick, a city on the River Shannon, is known for its rich history and vibrant arts scene.
On Saint Patrick’s Day, the city hosts one of Ireland’s largest parades, featuring local schools, sports clubs, and community groups.
The city’s cultural landmarks, such as King John’s Castle and the Hunt Museum, offer a glimpse into Ireland’s past.
The city is also home to the University of Limerick, which has a strong tradition of supporting the arts and often hosts concerts and exhibitions.
9. Waterford
Waterford, Ireland’s oldest city, offers a unique Saint Patrick’s Day experience with its parade and the annual Waterford City Spraoi.
The city’s rich history can be explored at the Waterford Treasures – three museums in the Viking Triangle that tell the story of Waterford’s Viking, Medieval, and Georgian past.
The House of Waterford Crystal, where you can see master craftsmen create beautiful crystal pieces, is another must-visit.
10. Donegal
Donegal, known for its castles, rugged coastline, and mountains, is a great place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day. The town’s parade is a highlight, and the scenic beauty of Donegal is a must-see.
The Donegal Castle, a 15th-century fortress, and the Glenveagh National Park, one of six national parks in Ireland, are among the top attractions.
The Slieve League Cliffs, some of the highest sea cliffs in Europe, offer breathtaking views.
11. Athlone
Athlone, located on the River Shannon, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a parade and family-friendly events.
The town’s attractions include Athlone Castle, a 13th-century stone castle offering panoramic views of the town, and the Luan Gallery, showcasing the work of contemporary Irish and international artists.
The tranquil setting of the town, combined with its rich history and vibrant arts scene, makes Athlone a great place to visit on Saint Patrick’s Day.
12. Tralee
Tralee, the largest town in County Kerry, is known for its friendly people and festive atmosphere, especially on Saint Patrick’s Day.
The town hosts a lively parade featuring local schools, sports clubs, and community groups. After the parade, visitors can explore the town’s attractions, such as the Tralee Bay Wetlands Centre and the Kerry County Museum.
Tralee is also famous for the Rose of Tralee International Festival, an international competition that is celebrated with a variety of events throughout the town.
13. Drogheda
Drogheda, one of the oldest towns in Ireland, celebrates Saint Patrick’s Day with a parade featuring local schools, sports clubs, and community groups.
The town’s rich history can be explored at the Battle of the Boyne Visitor Centre, which offers insights into the historic battle that took place in 1690.
St. Peter’s Church, another must-visit, is a beautiful Gothic Revival church known for housing a shrine to Saint Oliver Plunkett.
The town’s vibrant arts scene, with numerous galleries and studios, adds to the charm of visiting Drogheda on Saint Patrick’s Day.
14. Vibrant Sligo
Sligo, a coastal seaport and the county town of County Sligo, is known for its literary heritage and rugged countryside.
The town’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade is a highlight, featuring local community groups and showcasing the town’s rich cultural heritage.
Sligo is synonymous with the poet W.B. Yeats, and visitors can explore this connection at the Yeats Memorial Building and the Drumcliffe Churchyard, where Yeats is buried.
The natural beauty of Sligo, with attractions like Benbulben Mountain and Glencar Waterfall, makes it a great place to visit on Saint Patrick’s Day.
15. Carlingford
Carlingford, a coastal town and civil parish in northern County Louth, Ireland, is known for its oyster farms, outdoor activities, and historical sites.
On Saint Patrick’s Day, the town has its celebrations, adding to the charm of this enchanting place.
Visitors can explore the Carlingford Heritage Centre, enjoy the breathtaking views of Carlingford Lough, and taste the famous Carlingford Oysters.
The town’s medieval layout and ancient buildings make it a unique place to visit on Saint Patrick’s Day.
Conclusion
Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland offers a unique and unforgettable experience.
The 15 Best Places to Visit in Ireland on Saint Patrick’s Day each has its charm and attractions, providing a diverse range of experiences from vibrant parades to tranquil landscapes, historic sites to cultural hubs.
Whether you’re a history buff, a nature lover, or a culture enthusiast, there’s something for everyone in these destinations. So why wait? Plan your Saint Patrick’s Day trip to Ireland now and create unforgettable memories!
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on the 17th of March in Ireland. It commemorates Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s Day in Ireland is marked by public parades, festivals, wearing of green attire, and public parties. The streets come alive with music, dance, and merriment.
Yes, Ireland has a good network of public transportation. However, it’s advisable to plan your travel in advance as some routes may be busy or disrupted due to the celebrations.
March in Ireland can be unpredictable, with a chance of both sunny and rainy days. It’s advisable to check the weather forecast before your trip and pack accordingly.
Yes, traditional Irish foods like corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and soda bread are often enjoyed on Saint Patrick’s Day. Many also enjoy Irish drinks like Guinness, Irish whiskey, and Irish coffee.
Yes, it’s highly recommended to book your accommodations well in advance as hotels and guesthouses can fill up quickly for Saint Patrick’s Day.
Yes, many of the parades and events during Saint Patrick’s Day are family-friendly. However, it’s advisable to check the details of specific events in advance.
Wearing green is a popular tradition on Saint Patrick’s Day. Many people also wear accessories like shamrock-shaped badges or hats.
Most of the parades are for viewing rather than participating. However, there are plenty of other ways to get involved in the celebrations, such as attending concerts, festivals, and community events.
Visiting local museums, historical sites, and cultural landmarks is a great way to learn about Ireland’s rich history and culture. Many cities also offer guided tours that provide valuable insights into the local heritage.