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St. Patrick’s Day is coming up, and I’ve found myself reminiscing on my first St. Patrick’s Day experience in Dublin last year. Over half a million people travel to the city from all over the world to celebrate March 17 in Ireland’s capital. Some people will tell you it’s overpriced, overcrowded and chaotic. They’re not wrong, and yet, I’m so glad I went. I would do it again – some things differently and some, the same.
Booking Last Minute (Don’t Do What I Did)
I booked this trip with my mom very last minute (11 days in advance) and flew from Toronto to Dublin with Air Canada. Flights were significantly more expensive than they would have been had we planned further ahead. The total came to $1,709.95 for Economy Standard for one person. With a few months’ lead time, you can typically find round-trip Economy flights from Toronto for about $800 – $1,100, compared to roughly $600 – $900 during non-peak periods.
Hotels are where the the biggest surge happens. Rates are often three times higher than usual tourist season, and leaving it until the last minute can push them even further. A typical mid-range Dublin hotel during St. Patrick’s Day weekend costs about $450 – $700 per night. We stayed at Beckett Locke, which cost $475 per night (including breakfast each morning for two people). In non-peak periods, rooms typically go for around $180 per night, which really highlights the holiday premium.
Beckett Locke Hotel (Source: Locke Hotels)
The location however, was excellent. Situated just on the edge of Dublin’s city centre, it struck the perfect balance. We were removed from the core party zones, which meant we avoided the excessive late-night noise but we were still close enough to easily walk to Grafton Street in less than 20 minutes. Plus, the walk was scenic and really enjoyable.
Views on the walk from Beckett Locke Hotel to Grafton Street
If you’re visiting for St. Patrick’s Day, I’d recommend this area – and this hotel specifically – for that ideal mix of convenience and calm.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 in Dublin
The Parade
The St. Patrick’s Day parade was way more fun than I expected. It started at noon and lasted about two hours and since parades aren’t usually my thing, I went in with fairly low expectations. But it won me over. The performances featured marching bands, elaborate floats, pageants, and cultural performances celebrating Irish heritage. It was incredibly well-done and it was entertaining for all generations. The energy of the crowd really added to the overall experience. You could feel the excitement all throughout the streets.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 in Dublin
That said, it was extremely crowded. At times, it was hard to see. The streets were packed shoulder-to-shoulder with tourists who all had the exact same idea: “let’s go find a good viewing spot.” If I were doing it again or offering advice, I would either purchase tickets for a designated viewing area or arrive early to claim a spot somewhere elevated. People were lining up more than three hours early, so arriving early is definitely a commitment. I would probably opt for the designated seating because it’s more reliable and comfortable. If you’re already investing the time and money to be in Ireland for such an iconic celebration, you might as well spend a little extra to experience it properly.
The Dress Code: Go All Out
Another thing I would do differently next time is commit harder to the outfit. I wore the typical festive basics: a beaded necklace, headband and St. Paddy’s Day themed socks. But the norm was full commitment. At one point, I passed a group of seven men wearing matching clover-print suits. Head to toe, no hesitation. One of my biggest regrets was not going all out in green. It might sound like a small detail, but I remember spending the day wishing I’d worn something wildly festive. So if you’re planning to attend, fully embrace the spirit and dress the part. As they say, go big or go home!
2025 St. Patrick’s Day Festivities in Dublin
Unexpected Tip: Escape the Chaos for a Few Hours
The parade and parties were a lot of fun, but the crowds can be exhausting. Last year, we broke up the day by taking a tour to Glendalough after the parade and before the nighttime celebrations, and I can’t recommend this enough, especially if you’re not keen on being in big, loud crowds all day and night.
Glendalough, Ireland
It was the perfect reset: a small-group tour with Paddywagon Tours that took us to the peaceful Irish countryside for about four hours in between the festivities. It was far better than simply retreating to our hotel room to recharge. The scenery was stunning, the guide was fantastic, and it gave us a sense of calm before heading back into Dublin for the evening celebrations.
When the Day Turns Into Night
After the daytime activities ended and the afternoon turned into the evening, the energy in Dublin shifted. It turned from family-friendly festivities to extreme party mode. Every pub was overflowing, outdoor stages kept the music going, and Irish bands played non-stop. The streets were buzzing and once the sun went down, the celebrations intensified.
This is where the night can go in two very different directions, depending on where you choose to spend it. If you stay around Temple Bar – Dublin’s most famous party district – the vibe can quickly tip from lively to overwhelming. By nightfall, the crowds were so dense and rowdy that it became hard to enjoy. I’d recommend wandering a bit farther into one of the other pub neighbourhoods instead, like we did. The atmosphere is still festive and joyful, just far more manageable. We ended up in a traditional Irish pub that was packed with celebration and live music, yet somehow still warm and convivial rather than obnoxious.
So, is it Worth it?
Yes. St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin is loud, crowded, expensive and at times completely chaotic. And yet, there’s something special about being there. The pride in Irish heritage, the collective excitement, and the way strangers sing together in pubs as if they’ve known each other for years.
It’s not the most relaxing way to experience Ireland, but it’s one of the most memorable. And sometimes, that’s the point of travel; not comfort, but unique experiences.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2025 in Dublin
