If you plan on studying abroad in Europe during the spring semester, a trip that should not be missed is St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin, Ireland. Now, I know in America every college campus uses this day as an excuse to throw a basic theme party, but experiencing this holiday in Ireland really puts everything else to shame.
A bunch of girls that I go to school with back in the states all met up with me in Dublin. To make our lives easier, we booked a prepackaged trip through WSA Europe. They took care of the entire week from hostels to the Guinness Brewery tour and even organized day trips, which made everything stress free. Especially since it was going to be a crazy week, it was awesome having locals guiding us around and taking us to the best spots.
The party isn’t just on St. Patrick’s Day but is a several day festivity. In fact, the night before the 17th might have even been crazier! That is probably because most people go too hard during the day and don’t make it back out that night (aka my twin sister, sorry Niki). Especially on this day, you have to keep in mind that slow and steady wins the race. Taking a few hours in the afternoon to recharge was the best call I made all week.
On St. Patrick’s Day, the festivities start early. You can go to mass at the St. Mary’s Pro Cathedral, or go straight to the streets to stake a spot for the St. Patrick’s Day parade. This parade goes throughout town and is the biggest activity all day. Once the parade is over, that’s when the real party begins.
Excursions
I highly recommend getting to Dublin a few days before the festivities start. There is so much to do and see around the city that will be way too crowded the weekend of St. Patrick’s Day. Our program, WSA Europe, organized a walking tour around the city the first day, which is a great way to familiarize your self with the area. On our second full day, WSA took us to a fisherman’s village called Howth. We spent the morning hiking along Ireland’s rugged coastline with incredible panoramic views.
Later that afternoon we made a stop in Phoenix Park and finished our afternoon at the Guinness Storehouse.
If you have an extra day in Dublin, make sure to do a day trip to the Cliffs of Moher. Many companies offer excursions from Dublin for around 40 euros, and it is honestly worth every penny. Don’t even think about leaving Ireland without visiting this dreamy landscape!
What to Drink
Of course St. Patrick’s Day would not be the same without a few pints of Guinness. Let’s be real, that is what Ireland is mostly associated with anyways. When people say Guinness tastes like a different beer in America compared to in Ireland, they really aren’t kidding. Even though I have just recently found a love for beer, I surprisingly really liked Guinness! Although I couldn’t sip on Guinness’s all night since they were too filling, I would always have that as my first drink at every bar. If Guinness isn’t your thing, all the bars serve a wide variety of beers and cocktails. They even have ciders, which are my absolute favorite. Do not leave Ireland without getting yourself an Orchard Thieves Cider, trust me you will thank me later.
Nightlife
While Temple Bar (the actual bar) is the most well known bar in Dublin with the tourists, there are so many different options that are just as popping. Side note: be careful with Temple Bar on St. Patrick’s Day, several people got pick pocketed there since it is such a hot tourist spot. Some other great spots to check out are Fitzsimons, Whelan’s, Workman’s Club, and Flannery’s. Any of these places are sure to be a good time with great music.
The atmosphere at the pubs are not like your typical nightlife. If you dig live instrumental music, this is your kind of place. Several pubs inside of Temple Bar District had a live band upstairs and then down in the basement they had club music bumping. When the vibe started dying upstairs, the party would just move downstairs and keep on going. This might have been my favorite part of Dublin. Pubs are more low-key where you can have a conversation with someone, which is the best kind of vibe in my opinion.
The Atmosphere
Every pub in Temple Bar District is overflowing with buzzed and rowdy people, both young and old, flaunting the signature green apparel. While most pubs cater towards certain age groups, no matter where you end up, you will still have an amazing time. Even out in the streets, everyone is celebrating. It was very easy meeting people since everyone was just looking to have a good time. Irish people are the friendliest bunch I’ve ever met and that was no exception on St. Patrick’s Day.
All in all, St. Patrick’s Day was an amazing experience. From the people to the pubs and everything in between, I have never felt so genuinely happy. I have found a greater appreciation for Ireland after my second time visiting, which makes me want to return yet again.
St. Patrick’s Day was a trip I will cherish forever. These unforgettable memories are just a constant reminder of how lucky I am to be doing what I love.
Until next time Ireland!
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