St Patrick's Day in Ireland

Background

St Patrick's Day commemorates St Patrick, who spread Christianity in Ireland in the 5th century, and the shamrock and the colour green are its symbols. Dublin's modern multi-day festival began in 1996, and since 2010 landmarks around the world have also been lit green on the day. The festival peaks with the national parade at noon on 17 March: it sets off from Parnell Square in the north of the city, heads down O'Connell Street, crosses O'Connell Bridge and passes through the south side to finish at the junction of Cuffe Street and Kevin Street, with international bands and large floats. During the festival, buildings in the city are lit green, there is music and family entertainment in the festival areas, and the pubs host traditional Irish music sessions.

Local customs

• Watch the national parade along its route
• see the city's buildings lit green at night
• join the music and family activities in the festival areas
• listen to traditional Irish music in a pub.

Travel tips

• St Patrick's Day is fixed on 17 March each year, and Dublin's festival usually runs for several days around it, with the programme announced on the St Patrick's Festival website
• the parade starts at noon, and grandstand tickets and events are subject to official announcement. Traffic restrictions apply along the parade route, so it is best to come by public transport or on foot and arrive early to find a spot along the route.

2027 schedule

Dublin's 2027 festival runs from 13 to 17 March, with the national parade at noon on Wednesday 17 March, as announced on the St Patrick's Festival website.