There are plenty of things to do on St Patrick’s Day in Dublin, both for those that want to embrace the festivities and for those that want to avoid the crowds!
For those visiting Ireland for St Patrick’s Day, the big parade in Dublin City and (although hopefully not…) Temple Bar will likely be at the top of your list.
For those of you, like me, who live in the capital and want to avoid the mayhem, you’ve plenty of options, too!
In the guide below, you’ll discover what to do in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day, from hikes and mass services to unique tours and live traditional music sessions!
What to do in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day 2025
Photo courtesy St Patrick’s Festival Dublin by Clare Keogh
I’m going to include the main festive things to do on St Patrick’s Day in Dublin along with some non-festive activities.
Below, you’ll find everything from the St Patrick’s Day Parade and trad music sessions to walks, hikes and unique St Patrick’s Day activities.
1. The Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 17th)
Map and photos courtesy St Patrick’s Festival Dublin
Many tourists spend St Patrick’s Day in Dublin solely to experience the St Patrick’s Day Parade, however, it’s popular amongst many locals, too.
A spectacle of colour, music, and pageantry, this world-famous celebration draws over half a million spectators to watch 4,000 performers—marching bands, dancers, and towering floats—wind through the capital.
2025’s theme, ‘Eachtraí’ (Adventures), honours Ireland’s fearless spirit. Expect a day of joy, creativity, and community as Dublin takes centre stage in the global St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
Key info: The parade starts at Parnell Sq. North at 12pm on March 17th and there is expected to be 400,000 people in attendance
2. The ‘Greening’ (March 15th – 17th)
Photos via Shutterstock
One of the more popular things to do in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day is to take in the green landmarks.
Dublin will glow green this St. Patrick’s Festival as landmarks and buildings across the city light up from Saturday, March 15, to Monday, March 17, 2025.
The main landmarks going green are:
- Bank of Ireland College Green
- Convention Centre
- Custom House
- The Olympia Theatre
- Regent House, Trinity College
- The Rotunda
- St. Stephen’s Green Shopping Centre
- The Mansion House
3. Céilí Mór (March 17th)
Step onto the dance floor at Céilí Mór, a free, high-energy celebration of Irish music and dance on Monday, March 17, 2025, from 2pm to 5pm at Merrion Square West.
Led by former Riverdancer and champion step-dancer Dearbhla Lennon, this bilingual outdoor event invites all—beginners and seasoned dancers alike—to join in the fun.
The Beartla Ó Flatharta Céilí Band, fresh from their Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2024 win, will provide the lively soundtrack for an unforgettable afternoon of reels, jigs, and ceol galore.
4. St. Patrick’s Festival After Dark (March 15th – 17th)
If you’re wondering what to do in Dublin when the lights go down, you’re in luck!
As the sun sets, St. Patrick’s Festival After Dark takes over Dublin with a cutting-edge electronic music and club culture lineup across five top venues.
Saturday, March 15
- The Complex – Ping Pong Disco presents “Paddy Issues” (8pm)
- The Sound House – Sharpson, Luke Grogan, Choki Biki DJs & more (11pm)
Sunday, March 16
- Pygmalion – DJ Tennis, Gerd Janson, Colin Perkins (8pm)
Monday, March 17
- Wigwam – Slither present: Prozac Clouds & more (10pm)
- Index – Patrick Mason (11pm)
5. Head to a trad music session
Plenty of pubs run trad sessions on St Patrick’s Day in Dublin (see our guide to live music pubs in Dublin).
The soundtrack to Ireland and Irish culture is trad music and there are an almost endless amount of options in Dublin if you want to hear a few tunes.
Arguably the best spot to head to is The Cobblestone in Smithfield. It’s a short trip away on the Luas and the sessions here are always memorable.
Some other notable live music pubs in Dublin are Darkey Kelly’s, the Celt, the Old Storehouse and O’Donohues on Merrion Row.
6. Walk in the footsteps of St. Patrick (March 15th, 16th and 18th)
Photos courtesy Fionn McCann via Fáilte Ireland
Step back in time and uncover the real St. Patrick on this fascinating guided walk led by Pat Liddy’s Walking Tours.
Follow the route Dublin’s patron saint is believed to have taken, explore ancient sites often overlooked, and separate fact from myth in the story of Ireland’s most famous figure.
The tour concludes with a self-guided visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral, included in your ticket.
7. Or escape the crowds on a hike
If you’re wondering what to do in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day that keeps you well aways from the crowds, tackle one of the many walks in Dublin.
Regardless of whether you head to the Dublin Mountains or take a spin out to do the Poolbeg Lighthouse Walk, you’ll succeed in avoiding the hustle and bustle in the city.
From wind-whipped trails to forested strolls, there are some lovely walks and gorgeous views to be enjoyed and the drive out to the mountains from Dublin should only take around 30 minutes.
Some of our favourites include the 5.5km Ticknock Fairy Castle Loop, the steep 5.5km Hellfire Club walk and the 2.5km Tibradden Wood Walk.
Handy tip: March 17th is a public holiday. If the weather is in any way good, expect many walking trails to be busy
8. Dodge Temple Bar and kick-back in an old-school pub
Many of those visiting Dublin for St Patrick’s Day head for Temple Bar. The result is absolute chaos.
Why not dodge the messiness of Temple Bar and enjoy the atmosphere and ornate surroundings in some of the more historic pubs in Dublin?!
If you want to start with the oldest pubs in Dublin, then make a beeline for the ancient Brazen Head (dating back to 1198, no less!).
Also up for consideration is Slattery’s and its gorgeous tiled mosaic floor, while the Long Hall’s Victorian mahogany bar and red ceiling catch the eye immediately.
9. Or get lost in the merriment of Temple Bar’s mayhem
Photos via Shutterstock
One of the most popular things to do in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day is to visit Temple Bar.
Personally, I’d give Temple Bar a wide berth on a day like St Patrick’s Day as it’s always carnage, but there’s no denying that it’s popular with tourists.
Expect massive crowds, huge queues for toilets, drinks and food and general chaos. Throw in live music (if you can actually squeeze in anywhere) and you’ve a recipe for a headache.
Tourist tip: If you’re planning on visiting Temple Bar, get in and out early. The Garda (police) often cordon it off due to overcrowding.
10. Escape to the coast for the day
If you’re looking for active things to do in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day, head for the coast – the only decision to make is north or south?
To the north, the Howth peninsula offers a mighty cliff walk, several beaches and a harbour packing in some fine restaurants with nice views up towards Lambay Island.
To the south, Dalkey boasts a walk past the swanky mansions on Vico Road, spectacular views from Killiney Hill and some excellent restaurants in Dalkey Village.
11. Attend a St Patrick’s Day mass service
Photos via Shutterstock
If you’d like to pay homage to St Patrick in the original way it was intended (before the green and the Guinness got involved, anyway!), then why not attend a mass service on St Patrick’s Day in Dublin?
1000 years ago, simple religious services were all that took place on March 17th, and you can do that at a number of cathedrals and churches around the capital.
Though perhaps the most appropriate place to attend mass would be his namesake – St Patrick’s Cathedral!
12. The St. Patrick’s Day Jameson event (March 17th)
Raise a glass to St. Patrick’s Day at the most famous of the distilleries in Dublin! This special event blends Irish whiskey, music, art, and dance for a one-of-a-kind celebration in the heart of Dublin.
- Live Music – Soulful singer-songwriter KK Lewis kicks off the festivities, followed by the spellbinding fiddle melodies of The Kane Sisters
- Traditional Dance – Caoimhe Ní Mhaolagáin brings the rhythm with her sean-nós dancing
- Live Art – Watch Rotten Rogue capture the moment with a real-time painting
If you don’t fancy this one, there are plenty of other Dublin Whiskey Tours and you also have the likes of the Guinness Storehouse, too.
Spending St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin? Here are some traditions to be aware of!
Now you know what to do in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day, it’s time to learn all about the big day:
- St. Patrick’s Day In Ireland
- How To Say Happy St. Patrick’s Day In Irish
- Fact’s About St. Patrick’ Day
- 33 Interesting Facts About Ireland
- St. Patrick’s Day Jokes
- The Best Irish Songs And The Best Irish Films Of All Time
- St. Patrick’s Day Cocktails
- St. Patrick’s Day Prayers
Keith O’Hara has lived in Ireland for 35 years and has spent much of the last 13 creating what is now The Irish Road Trip guide. Over the years, the website has published thousands of meticulously researched Ireland travel guides, welcoming 40 million+ visitors along the way. In 2022, the Irish Road Trip team published the world’s largest collection of Irish Road Trip itineraries. Keith lives in Dublin with his dog Toby and finds writing in the 3rd person minus craic altogether.