Celebrating St Patrick's Day 2023 In Dublin

St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is one of the most highly anticipated events of the year, and we can surely see why considering this city is hailed as the party capital of the world.

It’s only a short while away until the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations kick off so be sure to start planning your festivities now.

Lucky for all you students studying in Dublin, we’ve put together this guide on everything that’s taking place and all you need to know in preparation for March 17th.

Don’t stop there, find out more…

What Is St. Patrick’s Day?

Initially, St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious celebration in the 17th century to commemorate the life of Saint Patrick and mark bringing Christianity to Ireland.

The holiday has been celebrated for 1,000 years and is celebrated across the world, with huge celebrations taking place in Dublin, the Capital of the Republic of Ireland.

Today, it’s not so much a religious holiday although people still do honour the patron saint of Ireland on the day of his death.

Now, the annual day has become a symbol of Irish pride and culture with celebrations taking place through parades, festivals, street performances, gatherings, and all sorts of other festivities.

People of all backgrounds come together to partake in Paddy’s Day, so if you haven’t celebrated it before, be sure to get involved this year.

St. Patrick’s Day In Dublin

Are you ready to join in on the craic during St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin? We certainly are!

We’ll be discussing all there is to know about the iconic events taking place in the vibrant and diverse city of Dublin, with so much to do and see across numerous dates, you’ll have your work cut out for you.

People come from far and wide for this annual event, make sure you’re spending St Patrick’s Day the right way…

St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Possibly one of the most well-known celebrations taking place in Dublin for Paddy’s is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The lively and colourful parade is traditionally the highlight of the city’s festivities.

With huge crowds making their way through the streets of Dublin, starting at Parnell Square and heading through to St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

Taking place from noon on Friday 17th March, you can expect live music, dance performances, artistic elements, floats, and costumes.

Of course, you can also expect to see green everything!

Don’t worry, tickets aren’t required to attend the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

You just have to pick a spot along the route and help paint the streets green, it really is so much fun.

If you’re studying in the city, make sure to participate in the parade for a true celebration of Irish culture, and remember that ‘Mar a chéile sinn’ (we are one).

Although, we’d suggest trying to plan where you’re going to meet and prepare yourself for super busy crowds as half a million people are expected to line this year’s route.

St. Patrick’s Day Festival

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated to pay tribute to Ireland’s rich history and heritage, with tons of different festivities taking place within the city to mark the occasion.

Although, no other event is quite like the famous St. Patrick’s Day Festival with multiple days of walking tours, food and drink fairs, art exhibitions and the iconic dance party known as the Céilí Mór taking place.

We just love the fact that the fun never has to stop for Paddy’s with something different on each day in Dublin from the 16th to the 18th, you don’t have to wait until summer for a festival!

So, you’re probably wondering what’s actually taking place for the St. Patrick’s Festival Quarter at the National Museum of Ireland?

Well, we’ve done our research and found out everything that’s taking place during the day and night.

Festival Quarter Day Time Activities

There’s different activities taking place day and night at the St. Patrick’s Day Festival so you’re spoiled for choice with things to do.

During the day, there’s free access to the festival, although it’s more aimed at families with street theatre, interactive games, circus and science shows, talks, film screenings and tons more.

It may still be worth heading on over, especially if it doesn’t cost a penny too!

There’s also the Irish Food & Craft Village where you can try some delicious traditional Irish food from independent traders.

Of course, scran down on some authentic Irish cuisine whilst enjoying the live entertainment and DJs from the Festival Quarter Bandstand.

Prepare for good times and head on down, we’re sure it’ll be a great celebration in true Irish fashion.

When: Friday 17th (12pm-6pm), Saturday 18th March (12pm-5pm)

Festival Quarter Night Time Activities

By night, from 6pm onwards the Festival Quarter Nights will feature fantastic light displays and decor, contemporary and traditional music as well as a diverse food village, a variety of bars and seating spaces.

Talk about an urban festival like no other, we don’t know about you but we’re absolutely buzzing to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style at Collins Barracks.

So, you can relax and soak up the atmosphere and maybe a few pints of Guinness or green beer!

The festival closes daily at 10:30pm but you can then head out and about to Dublin’s iconic Temple Bar District if you fancy it – it’s gotta be done for Paddy’s.

When: Thursday 16th – Saturday 18th March, 6pm – 10.30pm  daily

One City

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is never boring with so much taking place for the festivities across numerous days, you’ve got your fair share of plans to decide upon.

One City is a curated programme of live events and club nights taking place in Dublin City Centre for Saint Patrick’s Day, and we’re absolutely buzzing for this.

There’s everything from art exhibitions to concerts to theatre productions to yoga classes to nightclub events to walking tours to skiff racing and so much more taking place.

Not only is this a great opportunity to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, but it will also give you the chance to fully delve into the art and culture of the lively and multicultural city of Dublin.

As we stated, the theme for this year’s celebrations is “we are one” so what better way to connect with others in the city?

For the full One City Festival Programme head to the St. Patrick’s Day Festival website.

Whether you’re studying in Dublin or coming to visit for St. Patrick’s Day 2023, you’ll be blown away with the amazing celebrations taking place in this vibrant city.

From lining the streets of the city centre for the St. Patrick’s Day parade to heading to the festival quarter to enjoy Irish food and drink to exploring the city centre venues, there’s so many spectacular events taking place in 2023!

We’d love to see your St. Patrick’s Day outfits so don’t forget to get your best green fit on and tag us @_homesforstudents.

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