Amanda PhillipsCelebrating St Patrick’s Day
Dublin always makes for an exciting city break: copious shops, Guinness, vibrant nightlife, art galleries and cobbled streets. It’s already an impressive city, but this month will see Dublin dial it up a notch (and turn slightly green) for its St Patrick’s Day festivities. The UK celebrates the 17th of March every year anyway, but if you really want to pay homage to the Patron Saint of Ireland a trip across the Irish Sea is in order to be shown how it’s really done.
Sip Guinness at the official store house
The Guinness Storehouse is a must-stop location no matter what time of year you hit up Dublin. On the 17th of March however the tour also includes live music and ceilí dancers, as well as VIP treatment for anyone with the name Patrick (or a derived form).
Walk in the footsteps of St Patrick
If you’d rather celebrate in a low-key style, then step back in history on a walking tour of St Patrick’s Dublin life. The tour starts at the Mary Malone statue outside the converted church on Suffolk Street and finishes at St Patrick’s Cathedral. It runs throughout the week of St Paddy’s and more information can be found here.
Stand by and watch the parade
If you want a bit of excitement, but aren’t up for a late night the annual daytime St Patrick’s Day parade is the best shout. It’s a free event that starts at Parnell Square and loops right round the streets of Dublin city centre.
Laugh over your pint at a comedy show
The Laughter Lounge brings together six of Ireland’s best comedians for this St Patrick’s Day comedy contest. The acts are all award-winning and are sure to offer comedy fans a cracking night.
Party in Temple Bar
Dublin’s main nightlife district, it’s popular with tourists looking for a drink into the small hours. St Patrick’s Day is its busiest night of the year and if you’re looking for a full-on party experience, it’s where you need to head to (and get yourself on the livestream).
Admire the green architecture
Well, not literally green. Green-coloured floodlights get pointed towards notable buildings such as The Mansion House and the Convention Centre. Even if you do choose to travel somewhere else over this date you’ll likely see other famous landmarks illuminated as a nod to the Irish.