One of the world’s most recognizable festivals is St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin. On this day, parades, music, dancing, and a spirit of unity fill the streets. Nothing compares to experiencing the day like a real native, even if people travel from all over the world to join in the celebrations in Dublin. Here’s your guide to making the most of your St. Patrick’s Day if you’re traveling to Dublin and want to enjoy the city like locals do.
Start with a Traditional Irish Breakfast
Like the Irish, begin your day with a substantial breakfast before venturing out to join the crowds of celebrants. Eggs, sausages, baked beans, grilled tomatoes, black and white pudding (a kind of blood sausage), and potato farls (flat scones made of potatoes) are the usual components of a traditional Irish breakfast, which is a feast in and of itself. There are many cafés and bars in Dublin that provide breakfast all morning, so choose a comfortable place to eat before the celebrations begin.
Go to a traditional location like The Woollen Mills or The Exchequer for a taste of traditional Irish comfort cuisine if you want to experience Dublin like never before.
Dress the Part
Embracing the green on St. Patrick’s Day requires dressing more stylishly and authentically than the average visitor. Locals like to keep it a little more subtle, but many visitors opt for flashy green accessories like big hats or eyeglasses styled like shamrocks.
Although many Dubliners dress in green, it’s often a part of their regular wardrobe. Consider wearing a sleek green jacket, knit caps, or green scarves as those you can find here https://www.shamrockgift.com/st-patricks-day-gifts . Additionally, you might come across folks wearing old Irish sports jerseys, especially from Gaelic football or rugby, or Celtic motifs. Try some temporary tattoos or face paint to truly get into the mood of the day, but don’t go crazy.
Join the Parade, but Don’t Make It the Focus
The world-famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin is indeed a sight to behold. Dubliners, however, don’t make the march their primary event of the day. They will spend time in pubs, meet friends, and celebrate together, but they will also frequently enjoy it as part of a daylong celebration.
Don’t feel pressured to reserve a spot hours in advance if you want to enjoy the parade like a native. Rather, arrive at the route a little later and stroll along with the crowd as the procession passes. After that, take your time enjoying the festive mood and striking up conversations with individuals as you go.
Hit the Pubs (But Not Just the Tourist Traps)
Dublin’s social life revolves around its pubs, and St. Patrick’s Day is the ideal occasion to take in the city’s renowned pub culture. The most well-known locations, such as The Temple Bar, draw large numbers of visitors, although locals steer clear of these highly marketed establishments. Rather, they like going to local bars where the music is more genuine and the ambiance is more laid back.
Visit pubs in places like Smithfield, Stoneybatter, or Ranelagh for a genuinely local experience. These neighborhoods provide a variety of vibrant and hospitable locations where you can mingle with locals while sipping a glass of Irish whiskey or a pint of Guinness.
End the Day in a Traditional Irish Way
It’s time to relax after a day of parades, concerts, food, and beverages. In order to reflect on the celebrations and maybe have a last pint of Irish whiskey or a local beer, locals usually travel to one last pub on St. Patrick’s Day. Dubliners know how to enjoy the day and allow it to go well into the evening, so there’s no rush.
If you’re up for the challenge, you can also stop by any of Dublin’s late-night bars, where you could meet new people who are still enjoying the Irish spirit or see an unplanned traditional music performance.
