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St Patricks Day Travel in Ireland

17 March marks St Patrick's Day, Ireland's national holiday and a significant cultural celebration. For UK travellers, Dublin and Belfast offer accessible destinations to experience authentic Irish festivities without long-haul flights. This guide covers the best ways to reach Ireland and what to expect.

Dublin: The Main Event

Getting There:

  • Flights: Ryanair, Aer Lingus, and British Airways operate frequent services from UK airports to Dublin. Flight time approximately 1 hour. Advance fares from £25-40 return.
  • Ferry: Stena Line and Irish Ferries sail Holyhead-Dublin and Liverpool-Dublin. Car plus 2 passengers from £79 return. Journey time 2-8 hours depending on route.
  • Train + Ferry: SailRail tickets combine rail to Holyhead with ferry crossing. From £50 return from anywhere in England and Wales.

St Patrick's Day in Dublin:

The parade on 17 March draws 500,000+ spectators. The route runs from Parnell Square to St Stephen's Green. Arrive early (before 10:00) for viewing spots.

What to expect:

  • Festival atmosphere throughout the city centre
  • Pubs operate extended hours (normal licensing laws suspended)
  • Accommodation prices double or triple for the weekend
  • Booking essential months in advance

Budget reality:

Dublin is expensive on St Patrick's Day weekend. A simple city break that might cost £200 in February becomes £400+ for the same dates in March. Consider 16 or 18 March for lower prices with residual atmosphere.

Belfast: Alternative Celebrations

Getting There:

  • Flights: EasyJet from London, Manchester, Birmingham, and Edinburgh. From £30 return.
  • Ferry: Stena Line Liverpool-Belfast and Cairnryan-Belfast. Car plus 2 from £89 return.
  • Train: No direct rail; fly or ferry essential.

St Patrick's Day in Belfast:

Smaller scale than Dublin but genuinely enjoyable. The parade draws 20,000 rather than 500,000. More manageable, easier to navigate, significantly cheaper.

Advantages:

  • Accommodation half Dublin prices
  • Parade more family-friendly
  • Titanic Quarter and Game of Thrones filming locations nearby
  • Easier to book last-minute

Alternative: The Week After

Travelling 23-25 March captures the atmosphere without the premiums:

  • Dublin accommodation returns to normal pricing
  • Pubs still offer Irish music and atmosphere
  • Tourist attractions less crowded
  • Weather often identical (unpredictable, potentially wet)

Transport Tips for the Holiday

Flying:

  • Book early morning flights (06:00-08:00) to avoid stag/hen party crowds
  • Dublin Airport Express bus (€6) reaches city centre in 30 minutes
  • Taxis from airport €25-30 fixed fare

Ferry:

  • Book cabins for overnight crossings (worth the extra £30-50)
  • Bring food and drink (onboard prices premium)
  • Check-in 60-90 minutes before sailing

SailRail:

  • Most flexible option for foot passengers
  • Valid on any train to Holyhead and any ferry same day
  • Purchase from National Rail stations or The Trainline

Cultural Notes

St Patrick's Day is a public holiday in Ireland. This means:

  • Banks and government offices closed
  • Reduced public transport schedules
  • Supermarkets may have limited hours
  • Pubs legally required to close 00:30-10:30 (Good Friday and Christmas Day only days with full pub closures)

The celebration is primarily cultural and religious, not just an excuse to drink (though the drinking is substantial).

Budget Breakdown Comparison

Dublin, 16-18 March (St Patrick's Day weekend):

  • Flights: £80-120 return
  • Hotel (2 nights): £300-400
  • Food and drink: £150-200
  • Activities: £50
  • Total: £580-770

Belfast, same dates:

  • Flights: £60-90 return
  • Hotel (2 nights): £150-200
  • Food and drink: £120-150
  • Activities: £40
  • Total: £370-480

Dublin, 23-25 March (week after):

  • Flights: £40-60 return
  • Hotel (2 nights): £150-200
  • Food and drink: £120-150
  • Activities: £50
  • Total: £360-460

Bottom Line

St Patrick's Day in Ireland offers memorable cultural experiences but at premium prices. Dublin provides the full spectacle but requires early booking and substantial budget. Belfast offers genuine alternative at lower cost. The week after delivers atmosphere without premiums.

For spontaneous travellers, Belfast works best. For planners committed to the main event, Dublin justifies the expense but book accommodation immediately if you have not already.

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Plan your trip:

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