What to do in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day 2026

There are plenty of things to do in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17th, and even more in the days leading up to it as part of the wider St. Patrick’s Festival (March 14th – 17th 2026).

Across four packed days, the city plays host to the world-famous parade, open-air céilís, family-friendly villages, hands-on workshops, live performances and late-night gigs spread right across the capital.

Below, you’ll find what to do in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day 2026, along with the standout events happening throughout the festival in the lead-up to March 17th.

What to do in Dublin on St Patrick’s Day 2026

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 St. Patrick’s Festival (March 14th – 17th)

While March 17th grabs the headlines, Dublin during St. Patrick’s Day kicks off days earlier with family events, cultural workshops, live performances and city-centre entertainment.

If you’re in Dublin before the parade, there’s plenty happening to get you into the spirit without the March 17th crowds.

• Family Village (Wood Quay): A family-focused hub with live shows, games and workshops
• St. Patrick’s Park (St. Patrick’s Cathedral): Outdoor wooden myth-inspired games, retro-style “Actual Reality Arcade” installations and more
• City Funfair (Custom House Quay): A classic carnival setup with waltzers, bumper cars and fairground rides
• Northern Lights Cabaret (Wolfe Tone Park): An outdoor LED circus light show
• Viking House Excavation (Wood Quay Amphitheatre): A free, hands-on archaeology workshop where kids can excavate a mock Viking house
• Aran Knitting Workshop (The Pearse Centre): A ticketed indoor workshop teaching traditional Aran scarf knitting
• Cures & Curses Storytelling (The Pearse Centre): A 45-minute folklore performance exploring traditional Irish cures, curses and mythology

2. The Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 17th)

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, the National St. Patrick’s Day Parade begins at 12pm on March 17th and runs from Granby Row, down O’Connell Street, across O’Connell Bridge and through the south inner city, finishing at Cuffe Street/Kevin Street.

The 2026 parade will feature 12 large-scale floats and over 3,000 participants, including Irish pageant companies and international marching bands.

Key info: The parade begins at 12pm on March 17th at Parnell Sq. North. No tickets are required – simply pick a viewing spot along the route, although grandstand seats can be purchased in advance.

3. The ‘Greening’ (March 15th – 17th)

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.

The main landmarks going green are:

• The Mansion House
• 3 Arena and 3 Olympia
• Rotunda Hospital
• Liberty Hall Canopy
• National Museum Kildare Street
• Convention Centre
• Google Dublin (Bridge)
• Custom House
• National Maternity Hospital

4. Céilí Mór (March 17th)

Step onto the dance floor at Céilí Mór, a free, high-energy celebration of Irish music and dance. It takes place at Merrion Square West and is free to attend.

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, still fresh from their Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann win, will provide the lively soundtrack for an unforgettable afternoon of reels, jigs, and ceol galore.

5. 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 several venues, including:

• Wigwam
• Token
• The Grand Social
• Pygmalion

6. Live music sessions in pubs

Plenty of pubs run trad sessions on St Patrick’s Day in Dublin (see my 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.

7. Walk in the footsteps of St. Patrick (March 14th – 16th)

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.

8. Or escape the crowds on a walk

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

9. 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.

10. Or get lost in the merriment of Temple Bar’s mayhem

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.

11. Take one of many day trips from Dublin

Crowds descend on Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day. This is great if you want to get caught up in the merriment, but if you, like me, aren’t fond of crowds, it can be a bit overwhelming.

Personally, I always try and steer clear of the city centre on St. Patrick’s Day, opting to head off on a stroll. Luckily, there’s plenty to see and do a short trip from the capital:

• For those with a car: See my 1/2 day and full day trips from Dublin
• For those without a car: See my guide to day trips from Dublin by train

12. Attend a St Patrick’s Day mass service

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! 

13. The St. Patrick’s Day Jameson event

Raise a glass to St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin at the most famous of the distilleries in Dublin! The distillery on Bow Street is back again this year with a festive event.

No tickets are required and there’ll be performances from the likes of:

• Lisa Murphy
• Ispíní na hÉireann
• The Wran
• Mega Trad
• Plenty more (see above)

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