St Patrick's Festival: Dublin turns green

Ireland's national day is celebrated in Dublin with a multi-day festival of music, performance and a big parade on 17 March. Landmarks are lit in green, pubs overflow with traditional music, and visitors from around the world join the party.

Fun facts

• Saint Patrick, Ireland's patron saint, lived in the 5th century and is said to have used the shamrock to explain the Trinity.
• The modern St Patrick's Festival in Dublin began in 1996.
• Guinness has been brewed at St James's Gate in Dublin since 1759.

What to see

• The St Patrick's Day parade through the city centre.
• St Patrick's Cathedral, Ireland's largest church.
• The Book of Kells at Trinity College.

What to taste

• A pint of Guinness, ideally in a traditional Dublin pub.
• Irish stew made with lamb, potatoes and root vegetables.
• Soda bread with Irish butter, simple but excellent.

What to do

• Find a traditional music session in a pub outside Temple Bar, where prices are lower.
• Take the DART train to Howth for a cliff walk and seafood.
• Visit the Guinness Storehouse or a whiskey distillery.

💡 Tip: Airport buses and coaches run to the city centre in about 30 to 40 minutes. Accommodation prices rise sharply around 17 March, so book well ahead.