A Local's Guide to St. Patrick's Day in Dublin
Yay! You’re coming to Dublin for Paddy’s (NOT Patty’s!) Day! The celebrations in Dublin this year will last over 5 days kicking off on Friday 13 March. For a full breakdown of events, which includes everything from music to tours to talks, I would suggest checking out the St. Patrick’s Festival website. I am not going to go into detail on the events of the St. Patrick’s Festival here because their own website does a fabulous job of that. PLEASE NOTE: This post was written prior to the main events of the St. Patrick’s Day Festival being canceled due to COVID-19.
This post is to serve as a local’s guide for those visiting specifically for the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Seeing as most of my readers are American and a lot of Americans come over to celebrate you will find a lot of this information is targeted towards y’all. That said, this guide (and this one, this one, and this one) is for everyone!
HELPFUL INFO
The River Liffey will not be dyed green like some cities (hey Savannah and Chicago!) do in America. The big parade will take place on Tuesday 17 March kicking off at 12pm. Keep in mind you will need to get into town earlier (streets start fill around 9am) to secure you get a spot with a good view.
Did you know in Ireland that St. Patrick’s Day is a holiday? That’s right – no work or school for us on Paddy’s Day. When I moved here, I learned quickly that because of this day off a lot of Irish people go drinking on the 16th when it is less (not much though) crowded in the pubs and use St. Patrick’s Day to nurse their hangovers.
You should wear green! It is part of the festive spirit but be warned that Irish people will NOT take kindly to a pinch if they’re not wearing green. That is purely an American thing.
Another American oddity – green beer. There is no green beer here. Don’t ask for it. Or do and look stupid. Your choice!
Going out in Dublin can be expensive. That’s just how it is. The closer you are to the city centre, the more price gouging you’re going to experience so don’t be shocked if you’re spending like €7 even for a Bud Light.
If you’re visiting Dublin for the festivities here is what you need to know:
The parade usually starts at Parnell Square and the route moves down O'Connell Street; crosses the O'Connell Bridge; continues down Westmoreland Street; turns down Dame Street; moves down Nicolas Street and Patrick Street; then follows Kevin Street and ends at Wexford Street right before St. Stephen's Green.
Because the parade will take place through the main part of the city certain streets will be closed and there will be Dublin Bus and LUAS diversions (the green line will stop at Stephen’s Green) on the 17th. The DART will probably be your best bet in terms of public transport. For more information on Dublin’s public transportation check out A Guide to Dublin’s Public Transportation.
Bundle up!! It will more likely than not be cold….and rainy. Dress accordingly. Ireland is also extremely windy so take that into account when picking out your outfit. Be sure to check out my packing guide for Ireland for some inspiration.
Wear durable footwear. I would say don’t wear anything you care too much about because you will probably end up with drinks on you at some point. From personal experience, wear shoes (absolutely nothing open) with a good sole because there is a lot broken glass around that you’ll more than likely end up walking over.
Pubs will be PACKED. Especially in Temple Bar – a tourist area I would advise not drinking in anyway. You will have to wait to get into most pubs so just be prepared.
WHERE SHOULD YOU GO?
Before we get into everything, to make things SUPER easy I have created this little map for y’all with all the pubs suggested below. I hope you find it helpful :)
Like I have already stated but I am going to say again for those of you who didn’t hear me the first time – Temple Bar is a tourist area and it will be PACKED. If you don’t care and you want that experience, go for it. Just know normally a pint of plain old Heineken is like €11 any other day so I am sure they will price gouge that to Hell and back on the 17th. Now if you don’t listen to me and go to Temple Bar anyway here is where I would say to go to:
The Foggy Dew (1 Fownes Street Upper, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 WP21)– I would typically come here on a Sunday when the music is right but the beers here are good, prices are good for Temple Bar, and I think it will be a good time! I’ve never had a bad time here anyway!
Palace Bar (21 Fleet St, Temple Bar, Dublin 2) – This is my favourite snug in Dublin. I doubt you’ll be able to get in it on Paddy’s Day but still worth a visit!
Garage Bar (10 Essex St E, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, D02 TF24) – This is one of a kind with petrol pumps, tires, car fronts, and walls covered with images of rock and roll icons. The music policy is simply rock and roll, though in all forms from Northern Soul to Motown, Punk to New Wave and Indie.
The Auld Dubliner (24 - 25 Temple Bar, Dublin) – On Paddy’s Day this is going to be packed. They do music each night so I would guess they’ll have something booked for the day.
Merchant’s Arch (48-49 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 EY65) – I know y’all need something to Instagram and the staircase here is it. You’re welcome.
Oliver St. John Gogarty’s (5 Anglesea St, Temple Bar, Dublin) – Make sure you get one of the straw hats if you visit. I don’t really remember the time I was here, but I got a hat.
Fitzsimons (21/22 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin) – This was the first stop on my first Paddy’s Day in Dublin. My friend and I figured Harp would be the cheapest pint….it was not. They had cheesy music on, so our group left and went to The Workman’s Club.
The Workman’s Club (10 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 VX36) –This is not a traditional pub but for that reason it doesn’t get too crazy.
Bison Bar (11 Wellington Quay, Temple Bar, Dublin Southside, Co. Dublin, D02 XY28) – This is connected to The Workman’s Club and super American, but they have good beer and whiskey! I’m not sure if they will be serving food on Paddy’s Day as they normally do but the food is tasty if it is going.
The Mezz (23/24 Eustace St, Temple Bar, Dublin, D02 YP77) – This was my last stop on my first Paddy’s Day in Dublin. The night ended with me by a speaker blaring 90s hip hop (RIP my left ear the next day) and my friend stealing pints from the bar so overall a good time! I have never been back since.
IF YOU WANT TO STAY IN CITY CENTRE
I am assuming that you will be in the city centre (think of this as downtown) for the parade, so if you are, I would suggest the following pubs:
JW Sweetman (1-2 Burgh Quay, Dublin 2, D02 F243) – Let’s not beat around this bush - this place will be packed. Try to get a seat upstairs in the window if you can! Their own brews are tasty!
McNeills’ Pub (140 Capel St, North City, Dublin, D01 F9R2) – This pub is tiny but once the trad music gets going you won’t mind the close quarters.
The Stag’s Head (1 Dame Ct, Dublin, D02 TW84) – A traditional Irish pub where you’ll feel like you’ve stepped back in time with their wrought-iron chandeliers, polished granite, old barrels and ceiling-high mirrors.
The Brazen Head (20 Lower Bridge St, Usher's Quay, Dublin, D08 WC64) – Officially Ireland's oldest pub, dating back to 1198, the Brazen Head served as a meeting place for historic rebels. Live music each night!
Brogan’s (75 Dame St, Temple Bar, Dublin) – I know the address says Temple Bar, but it isn’t. The ground floor is traditional while downstairs serves different craft beers if that is your thing.
Kennedy’s (30-32 Westland Row, Dublin 2, D02 DP70)– We came here last year on Paddy’s Day and it wasn’t that crowded if you’re looking for a more lowkey experience but still want to go out on the day.
Grogan’s (15 William St S, Dublin 2, D02 H336) – If you want an authentic Irish pub experience look no further.
Mary’s Bar & Hardware Shop (8 Wicklow St, Dublin 2, D02 AX90)– This is the creamiest pint of Guinness you’re going to get outside of the Guinness Storehouse.
IF YOU WANT TO GET OUT OF CITY CENTRE
Like I said, please keep in mind it is going to be PACKED. So, if you get to any of these places and are like, “Alex recommend this and it isn’t in Temple Bar – why is it so packed?” it is because you are out in Dublin, Ireland on the 17th of March. And keep in mind, most of my favourite spots are local, neighbourhood pubs. I would rarely go out in city centre but on Paddy’s Day everything will be packed.
Cobblestone (77 King St N, Smithfield, Dublin, D07 TP2) – Not too far a walk from city centre or a quick red line LUAS ride (when it is back operating again) this is in an area called Smithfield which always has some St. Patrick’s Festival activities set up in the square. Cobblestone always have great traditional music so Paddy’s Day should be no different.
Frank Ryan’s (5 Queen St, Smithfield, Dublin 7, D07 T227)– Also in Smithfield this is more of a dive bar. I love a dive bar, but I know they aren’t for everyone. Sometimes there is a dog here!!
Whelan’s (25 Wexford St, Portobello, Dublin 2, D02 H527)- This music venue will probably be a bit of craic on Paddy’s Day!
The Bleeding Horse (24-25 Camden Street Upper, Saint Kevin's, Dublin)- This pub is spacious. Good selection if people in your party want more than pints.
Anseo (18 Camden St, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 8) – A bit hip (lots of craft beer!) this won’t be too insane if you’re looking to get out on the day but don’t want anything wild.
Devitt’s Pub (78 Camden Street Lower, Saint Kevin's, Dublin 2, D02 C642) – This is a family-run pub that has live trad sessions each night. They also have Blue Moon which can be hard to find in Dublin, so Devitt’s is in my good books. And this concludes your Camden Street pub crawl!
O’Donoghue’s Bar (5 Merrion Row, Dublin) – Amazing trad sessions, good beer and toasties!! There is literally nothing more you could want. If you get a seat in here don’t give it up.
Toner’s (139 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2) – You will feel like you’re in another era when you walk through the doors of Toner’s. A popular beer garden awaits you out back -if it is nice enough weather for a beer garden anyway!
Doheny & Nesbitt (5 Baggot Street Lower, Dublin 2, D02 F866) – You’ll be surrounded by plenty of Dublin landmarks (Grafton Street, Dáil Éireann, etc.) here. The pub has many original features and snugs. Tourists and locals both frequent here so you know its good.
Don’t forget to say sláinte (pronounced slawn-cha)!! This is the Irish word meaning ‘health’ but it is used in place of ‘cheers’ when clinking glasses together.
WHERE SHOULD I AVOID?
Now, I feel I would be doing you a disservice if I didn’t tell you a couple of places to AVOID:
Peter’s Pub (1 Johnson Pl, Dublin, D02 HW58) – After hearing my American accent they tried to overcharge me. P put them in their place, but I will never go back now and tell others to avoid too!
Porterhouse Central Bar (47 Nassau St, Dublin, D02 RP20) -As soon as they hear your American accent, they will try to charge you more and/or give you the wrong drinks! They pulled this with me a couple of years ago on March 16th and I had to put them in their place!
If you need some soakage for all your boozin’ please let me suggest:
Bunsen – The best burgers in all of Dublin. Trust me, go and make sure you get the shoestring fries. This is gluten-free too! There are multiple locations too so you shouldn’t get stuck.
Mad Egg – These chicken sandwiches are another level. The crack fries are what I assume the high of crack is like.
Boojum – The closest thing you’re going to get to Chipotle in Ireland. Especially tasty after a few drinks. There are a few locations to serve you around town! Veggie options here!
Ray’s Pizza– Cheap pizza in Temple Bar. You’re probably going to need it. Veggie options here!
Zaytoon – It is soakage and there are a few of them around the city. Veggie options here!
Okay, I feel like this should get you going (….I mean there are 30 pubs on here that I just thought of off the top of my head) but if have any questions just send them here or DM me on Instagram!
ONE MORE THING! I know, I know, common sense but PLEASE stay safe. Be alert! This is a BUSY day with a lot of people around so be vigilant.
Have a set place and time to meet up with friends if you get separated. I would recommend bringing a portable charging battery out with you if you can fit it to avoid any dead phone emergencies.
And text your mom and your friends when you make it back to your accommodation safely.
Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!!!
*all images original to Alexandra Furbee
Author’s Note: This post was originally published on my old blog in March 2020
This post was updated February 2023 to remove pubs that are no longer open after Covid.
