Has anyone been to Ireland during St. Patrick's day? Going in March for 12 days and trying to figure out Itinerary. Flying into Dublin, staying the night, and then going to head North and go towards west from there. Staying first in Donegal then Galway, Kenmare or Killarney and back to Dublin. However, after further thought, I was thinking that we should head South first and do Northern Ireland last before heading back to Dublin. My problem is where to stay for St Patrick's day. We do not want to be in Dublin on that day but thought somewhere on a smaller scale and more "real" Ireland. We would probably spend the whole day in town people watching and enjoying locals. Any suggestions because I want to book lodging soon because I know it probably will be hard to find. Thanks for suggestions and time.
Posted by
Eastern Iowa, USA
7534 posts
I may be wrong, but based on looking I have done before, St. Patrick's Day, as a celebration, is low key to non-existent in most of Ireland. Dublin however has adopted the US version of the observance of the day, with parades and parties, as has Cork. Other areas probably are ramping up festivities, but more focused on tourists than the locals. Traditionally the day was a religious holiday, not a party. Northern Ireland of course has some celebrations as well, mostly in Belfast and Londonderry, but also in Downpatrick, the traditional burial site of St.Patrick, maybe that is the most "authentic". Most of the places that do celebrate to the party side will have multi-day festivals, so staying in Dublin on the 15th or 16th, you will still encounter some events.
Posted by
11152 posts
We were in Ireland on St. Patrick's Day. It is a combination of a religious and a national holiday, church services and a town parade with scouts marching, etc. Irish people wear real shamrocks, roots and all, pinned to their coats. No one was in green! We ended up in a pub in a small town, perfect, nothing planned ahead. Dublin may be different but we loved what we experienced in Ireland.
Posted by
11152 posts
I really do not think lodging will be any problem but always wise to book ahead. We were outside of Kinsale.