St Patrick’s Day 2024 in Dublin: everything you need to know

23.02.2024 - 17:09 / lonelyplanet.com

Millions of people around the world, Irish or not, celebrate St Patrick's Day on March 17. Major cities from Chicago to Buenos Aires and Sydney to Vancouver, especially those with large Irish communities, host vibrant festivities open to everyone. 

However, there's no better place to celebrate Ireland's national holiday than in the Irish capital. Dublin hosts a four-day foot-stomping, pub-hopping, firework-popping party that runs from Friday, March 15 to Monday, March 18. This four-day event includes everything from parades and family-friendly activities to nightlife that extends into the early morning hours.

Want in? Here’s everything you need to know about celebrating Paddy's Day (never Patty) in Dublin — including where to get a decent pint of the black stuff.

Commemorating the anniversary of the death of Ireland’s patron saint, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated as a national holiday and is a showcase of Irish pride. Each year the country comes to life in vibrant color with trad music sessions, cèilidh (Irish dance parties), costumes, comedy and plenty of great craic in the pub. Subtle it is not.

Although the entire country will join in the celebrations, Dublin is at the center of the action. The capital doesn’t dye the River Liffey green – that’s the Chicago River in the US – but you can expect to see plenty of emerald-colored shamrocks. When St Patrick first introduced Christianity to Ireland, he was said to have used the shamrock as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity. That’s why you’ll see it everywhere. And not the four-leaf clover as it's sometimes mistaken as.

One of the best ways to experience Dublin during Paddy’s Day is to hit the streets and soak up the atmosphere. It’s often the small things that showcase the Irish spirit the most, like the keen camaraderie and bars teeming with people ready to let loose and have fun. 

First hosted in 1931, half a million people are expected to line the streets of Dublin for the annual St Patrick's Day parade in 2024. It takes place on Sunday, March 17. 

Featuring marching bands from across Ireland as well as North America, there will be more than 4000 people taking part in the parade. This includes creative pageants and larger, showpiece performances. The theme for 2024 is Spréach, which is Irish for "Spark".

For the first time, the parade will include a special "Relaxed Parade Space" at College Green. It's designed for neurodivergent individuals and those with sensory sensitivities. Organizers say there'll be different volume zones within the space for those who want to experience the parade at low, medium or full volume and the area will be wheelchair-accessible too. Families who want to join in the fun in the Relaxed Space can apply here.

The parade will leave