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Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
Luke McLeod
| Last Updated: Wednesday, 20 November 2024
| Minute Read
Luke McLeod
Last Updated: Wednesday, 20 November 2024
Minute Read
- St Patrick’s Day in Dublin is the big one, a national holiday. It is a real celebration of Irish Dancing, Traditional Music and Irish Food, along with a great Guinness. St. Patrick’s Festival is a three day event, held around Dublin City. In 2025, the event will take place from 14-17th of March.
Saint Patrick’s day is celebrated on the 17th of March. This year, the day falls on Monday. The 17th of March is a public holiday in Ireland.
History of the Holiday
Saint Patrick was born in late Roman Britain, around the early 5th century. While debated, it’s believed that the location is Wales. At age 16, he was taken to Ireland as a slave. In six years of prayer, he finally escaped and returned to his family in England.
During this time in England, Saint Patrick heard a calling from the Irish People. He returned to Wicklow as a christian missionary. He thought the people of the Holy Trinity using a shamrock.
Another legend of Saint Patrick is that he banished snakes from Ireland. It is said that he chased all the snakes into the sea, after they attacked him while he was fasting on the mountains.
Development of the Holiday
Ironically, the Welsh born, patron saint of Ireland’s, feast day is celebrated world wide. From Spain to Malta, Australia to Japan and in almost every state in the USA, Ireland’s Saint Patrick is honoured in some sense.
The first noting of the official feast day came in the early 17th century. Modern celebrations have been influenced by the Irish Diaspora, with the forming of the holiday as we know it today happening in the early 20th century.
Traditional Celebrations in Dublin
As expected, Dublin is the place to be on the 17th of March. Clontarf Castle has everything you could wish for on vacation in Ireland. The St. Patrick’s Festival is a unique three day celebration of Irish Music, Culture and Heritage.
Wearing Green and Its Significance
As we know, the Shamrock was used to teach the Holy Trinity, and this has become a major significance in celebrations. Wearing green ribbons or clothing has been a tradition since atleast the 17th century. This has continued into much of Ireland’s landscape, with post boxes, flags and even some passports all being green!
A lapel pin of shamrock is customary for elder gents, and you will find a box of shamrocks in many stores around Clontarf Castle. When the Irish Taoiseach visits the White House each year, he gifts a bowl of shamrock to the US President as a token of the relationship between Ireland and America.
After all, Ireland is known as the Emerald Isle. The Leprechauns may pinch you if you’re not wearing anything green!
Key Events During St. Patrick’s Day
When you come to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day, having Clontarf Castle as your base is ideal. Away from the packed streets of the city centre, but still close enough to the atmosphere at music gigs, street parties, and the magic of Temple Bar.
The Iconic Parade
Dublin’s st patrick’s day parade is the largest in the world. Starting from Parnell Square, then visiting O’ Connell Street, passing Trinity College, Christchurch Cathedral, and finishing off in Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.
There are a number of vantage points, as well as grandstands. The first place to watch the parade from would be O’Connell bridge, this wide street has a lot of space to see all the action. The official opening of the parade happens right here.
There are six grandstands to choose from. Each offers covered, tiered, allocated seating. Pricing for seats and commentary starts from €115. If you would like to create a unique memory of your trip to Ireland for St Patrick’s day, you can opt for hospitality packages. These include reserved grandstand seats, lunch, live music and entertainment.
Pub Gatherings and Celebrations
On the top of Dame street, there is a perfect pub for parade watching. The Lord Edward, is a traditional pub that is frequented by locals and tourists alike. Spread over three floors, their kerbside presence is perfect for looking out as the parade passes by.
If you’re looking for a bit craic, a chat and a few pints, The Lord Edward suits the bill perfectly.
Saint Patrick’s Festival District Activities
Each year in the festival quarter, you will find tonnes of things to do. It’s hosted in Collins Barracks, a busy and bustling hub with a lot of transport options. The main stage holds up to 3,000, and there are other relaxed areas around the grounds too.
Food & Craft Village will have a number of food trucks, craft vendors and street performers. Access to this area is free of charge, and a must visit on your trip to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day.
Celebrations Around the World
From New York to Chicago, LA to Boston, the USA is a huge celebrator of this feast day. Lighting up monuments, dying rivers and fountains green. Of course, the gift of a bowl of shamrocks to the US President.
Dignitaries from Ireland visit cities and countries all over the world in a time honoured tradition of celebration.
Tips for Visiting Dublin During the Festival
Dublin is a big place, with a lot to see and do. Clontarf Castle is the perfect base for you stay. Our rich history dates back to the 13th Century, although it is more modern now!
Book accommodation that is near to the action of Dublin city, whilst also has a tranquil setting it important. You will want to relax during your vacation also, the Castle is moments away from the scenic St Anne’s park. There are a number of coffee shops to try out and you can brave the water of Dublin bay for a sea swim!
Dining on Traditional Irish Cuisine
There is no better time for you to sample Irish Cuisine than in Ireland. At Clontarf Castle, we have two styles of dining.
Casual dining in the Knights Bar is an excellent option for lunch. Polished wooden floors, warm leather banquettes & classic upholstered booths, open fireplaces & ornate pitched ceiling. Classical features are paired with modern takes on classic cookery.
The 2 AA Rosette Fahrenheit has a majestic atmosphere with striking wooden beams, stained glass windows and panelled walls. A polished dining service with white linens and silver cutlery. Royal treatment, but with a new twist on Irish Cuisine.
The Wrap Up
Coming to Dublin for St Patrick’s Day may sound like a once in a lifetime idea. Though when you stay at Clontarf Castle, you will want to return every year. The familiar cheer at the Castle is a year round feeling. Our welcoming staff are here to make the most of your stay!
Not sure on directions? Just ask! Need a cab? We’ve got one on dial! Reservations? We’ll make the booking!
Book your stay at Clontarf Castle for St Patrick’s Day, and feel the luck’o the Irish from the moment you walk in!
Luke McLeod
Luke is a seasoned travel writer, with years of experience around Europe, America and at home in Dublin.
If it’s not discovering some of Clontarf’s finest coffee shops, Luke can be found in the city centre tracing over historic steps of Irish history or chatting with some of his favourite artisan producers in the town.
Wether it’s a pub for a quiet pint, a day trip from the capital or a dainty market to spend your Saturday morning, Luke’s travel tips will ensure your stay at Clontarf Castle Hotel is a unique experience.
