Why is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated in Ireland?
Green, green, and more green! That’s the hue of St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland’s most famous celebration. While the event is now observed worldwide, Dublin remains the place to be, where the Irish spirit is most keenly felt, and the green remains most vibrant.
St. Patrick’s Day is annually commemorated on March 17th, but the streets of the Irish capital are brimming with festivities a few days before and after. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is a must-do experience at least once in a lifetime! Take a stroll through the bustling streets of Temple Bar, witness the colourful Grand Parade, and get to know the jovial and friendly Irish people, all while dancing to their traditional music! If you’re keen to learn more about this charismatic celebration, keep reading.
What are the symbols of Saint Patrick’s Day?
We’ve chosen two, the most common and representative symbols of the celebration. Firstly, the shamrock, which Irish people wear on their clothes for the occasion. Legend has it that Saint Patrick, after converting the entire Ireland to Christianity, used a shamrock leaf during a sermon to explain the Holy Trinity.
The second symbol is the leprechaun, a mythical character from Irish tradition. It’s a small, bearded sprite dressed in green and red, who lives in the forest, hides a pot of gold, and spends time making shoes. It’s said to be mischievous and sly, which is why the thousands of people who dress up as leprechauns on St. Patrick’s Day enjoy playing pranks!
If you’re looking for ideas on how to have fun in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day, here are some suggestions on things to do and see when the Irish capital turns green.
1. Joining the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin is one of the most anticipated events of the year in Ireland. It serves as the focal point of the celebration, drawing over 500,000 attendees annually. Typically commencing from Parnell Square, it winds its way through the city’s main streets, passing through the legendary Dublin O’Connell Street and College Green, before culminating at St. Patrick’s Cathedral.
The parade is a vibrant spectacle of colours, music, and dance, featuring decorated floats, traditional Irish costumes, and artistic performances. The streets are packed with Dubliners and visitors adorned in costumes and makeup, with green being the predominant colour of the day! Bands and musical groups continuously play traditional music, creating an atmosphere of unparalleled festivity and cheer.
2. Enjoying a pint (or more) at Temple Bar
On St. Patrick’s Day, all shops are closed except for bars and restaurants. Fortunately, this turns out to be a good thing! Because beer flows abundantly through the streets of Dublin, and not just any beer: the famous and delicious Irish brews. We’re talking about Guinness, the black beer with the white head that has captivated the world with its unique taste and texture.
Temple Bar is the most frequented area by tourists during St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin: it’s where most of the capital’s historic pubs are located. However, it’s also the busiest and loudest area, with a true crowd filling the narrow streets amidst street performers and plenty of entertainment. You won’t be able to resist a pint of Guinness in one of its historic pubs!
And for those who don’t fancy dark beer, there’s a wide range of lagers and light beers to choose from, such as Harp, Killian’s, and Kilkenny! Sláinte (Irish Gaelic for cheers)!
3. Embarking on a pub crawl: touring the pubs of Dublin
If you’re looking for a fun and sociable activity during St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, don’t miss the famous pub crawl. A pub crawl involves touring various pubs in the city, where you can sample different Irish beers and immerse yourself in the festive atmosphere of the celebration. During the pub crawl, tour guides will take you to different traditional pubs in the city. They’ll explain the history of each pub, the local beer, and Irish culture. You’ll also get to taste various Irish beers like Guinness, Kilkenny, Smithwick’s, and Bulmers.
The pub crawl is a great opportunity to meet new people from all walks of life and experience Dublin’s nightlife. Tour guides are often locals who share their passion for beer and Irish culture. They’ll provide recommendations on the best places to go out and help you find the liveliest and most characteristic pubs in the city.
4. Trying Irish dancing
If you truly want to immerse yourself in the culture of the Emerald Isle, why not take Irish dance lessons? During St. Patrick’s Day, some dance schools offer workshops and special lessons for tourists, introducing them to Irish dance in a festive and energetic atmosphere.
Irish dance is a rhythmic dance that utilizes a large number of fast-paced steps. It’s often performed in groups and is an important tradition in Ireland. Dance classes in Dublin are taught by professional and passionate instructors who will guide you through various moves and choreographies.
If you’re a beginner, don’t worry, the lessons are suitable for all levels. You’ll learn the basic steps, exercise your coordination, and have fun at the same time. If you’re a seasoned dancer, you can refine your technique and learn new movements.
5. Visiting the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery
If you’re seeking a unique and memorable experience for St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, don’t miss a visit to the Guinness Storehouse and the Jameson Distillery. These two iconic establishments are true pilgrimage sites for beer and whiskey enthusiasts.
If you’re interested in beer history, you can’t miss the Guinness Storehouse. This iconic Dublin brewery is a must-visit for any beer lover. You’ll learn about the history of Guinness beer and the brewing process, as well as enjoy a freshly poured pint while admiring the stunning city view from the Gravity Bar. On St. Patrick’s Day, the Guinness Storehouse hosts special events such as beer tastings, Irish music concerts, and traditional dances.
Ireland is also known for its whiskey, and the Jameson Distillery is one of the most popular places to visit in Dublin. On St. Patrick’s Day, the distillery offers special tours where you can learn about the production process of Jameson whiskey, visit the aging cellars, and participate in a tasting.
6. Admiring Dublin’s monuments adorned in the colors of the St. Patrick’s Day celebration
On St. Patrick’s Day, Dublin turns green. And guess how? By dressing its monuments in the official color of this celebration: green, of course! “Greening” the monuments is a relatively recent tradition but has quickly become one of the most popular symbols of St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin. Since its inception in 2010, the phenomenon has grown exponentially each year, involving more and more monuments and buildings.
In fact, the event has become so popular that every major city worldwide mobilizes on March 17th to pay homage to the Emerald Isle by choosing to illuminate one of its most beautiful monuments with this color!
Some of the most famous monuments that light up green during St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin include the Spire, the Molly Malone statue, Dublin Castle, the Guinness Storehouse, and even Christ Church Cathedral. There are also parades throughout the city, which you can enjoy surrounded by a great atmosphere.
7. Exploring the city’s historical attractions
In Dublin, there’s no shortage of activities for St. Patrick’s Day, but if you’re looking for something more tranquil and relaxing, you can also opt for a visit to the city’s museums. The Dublin Museum of Modern Art, for example, showcases permanent and temporary exhibitions by local and international artists, while the National Gallery of Ireland boasts an impressive collection of paintings, sculptures, and artifacts spanning from the Middle Ages to the present day.
If you prefer something more interactive, the National Museum of Ireland is the ideal choice. Here, you can explore Ireland’s history through interactive exhibits and artifacts, including archaeological objects like swords, jewelry, and ceramics. The museum also hosts an exhibition dedicated to the Easter Rising of 1916, a key event in Irish history.
Here’s a tip: gather a group of friends, purchase tickets to Dublin, and set off for a weekend filled with fun. Whether you’re passionate about music, dance, beer, or history, there’s something for everyone in this annual celebration. Of course, don’t forget to dress in green to blend in with the crowd and enjoy the festive atmosphere of this unique day. And as the Irish say, Have a good craic!
