St. Patrick's day

St. Patrick's day in Ireland is a RELIGIOUS holiday. Not quite the same celebratory "function" it is here. You may want to check opening times (and some sites may be closed), etc. Churches will be having services that day.

Yes I understand that. That is what I'm saying, i'm not interested in "American" celebrating. But yes I'll have to look into closings etc...eek!

LOL ,, I am not an American so not sure what American celebrating is, but it sure sounds like the Irish have fun then too!! Its almost enough to make me want to go to Ireland, but having spent a march in London once all I can remember is RAIN and cold, thinking it might be similar in Ireland then too! The St Patricks day I spent in London was low key of course, but a local friend took me to a pub and I loved the way it was filled with all ages( not just rowdy young adults,, old grannys and grandpas too) many wearing some real shamrock on their lapels,, and best of all, the pub itself was filled with SONGS as groups would start singing old Irish songs.. loved that. That I think is part of the Irish culture.

Hello Katie, I was in Dublin last year on St Patricks Day. Prior to the parade any place North of the river Liffey near O'Connell street was absolute chaos. Come to think of it after the parade South of the river was worse particularly in the Temple Bar area. You will be fine until about ten/eleven in the morning when the crowd really begins to arrive for the parade which will start around one p.m. It's a fun time and a parade that you will thoroughly enjoy but it is more than crowded. About three hours after the parade ends - It's ANARCHY - think of Tianamen Square on steroids. If you really do not like crowds rent an auto and get out of town. I would suggest South to Glendalough and the Wicklow Mountain area. It's only a short distance away but it should be both beautiful and quiet. Have a wonderful trip. Susan

Pat is correct about the weather - ever changing. But... those of you that have been in London/Dublin/Paris in the Spring may not be surprised to read the following: last year I arrived in Dublin on the 15th of March, departed on the 19th for London, day/night trip to Paris, back to London and never saw a cloud in the eleven day trip. A light coat during the day was optional; at night it was mandatory. Carrying an umbrella was simply added weight. Best Wishes, Susan

Susan, I am jealous, I have only been to London 4 times, and three of those times were in either July or August, and it rained all of them,, lol. Last time when I checked into my hotel I jokingly asked if it ever stopped raining ,, and clerk straight panned back" no" then we both laughed.. it wouldn't stop me, but I would think hard about going in winter or early spring,, its the wimp in me. lol

We traveled in the British Isles in May and had really nice weather for the most part. One day in London, we went to British Library in the morning, then British Museum in the afternoon. The weather was so nice we stopped at the hotel in between to drop off our jackets. When we came out of the Museum later in the afternoon, it was raining cats and dogs. We were completely soaked just running the block to the Tube. Since then, I won't get caught without rain protection in the British Isles - even if it looks like there's no chance of rain. As far as St. Patrick's day goes, I think the only place that will resemble a US celebration is the Temple Bar area. As long as you avoid that, you should be fine. A day trip (with bus Eirenn) to Glendalough, if it's open, might be a really good way to celebrate the day.