St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish identity, and it’s a holiday that is observed each year in Ireland and across the world. Paying homage to St. Patrick, who is the patron saint of Ireland, the holiday is a time for festivities, revelry, parades, and more.
Though St. Patrick’s Day is famous globally, nothing compares to experiencing the holiday within Ireland itself. Here are some tips for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland.
1. Attend the Parade
St. Patrick’s Day parade is the national pride of Ireland. If you’re visiting Ireland, it’s important to be part of the parade. From Dublin to Cork to Galway, there are festivities throughout the island to ring in the holiday. The parade is a huge celebration that showcases the traditional and contemporary faces of Ireland, including music, dance, art, and culture.
2. Visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral
St. Patrick’s Cathedral is a popular tourist attraction in Ireland, particularly on the holiday. It’s the largest and most decent church in Ireland, and it’s where St. Patrick is said to have baptized the pagan Celts to Christianity. It serves as a historical testament to Ireland’s Christian roots and is a must-visit site on St. Patrick’s Day.
3. Eat Traditional Irish Food
Traditional Irish dishes like stew, bacon, and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and potato dishes such as colcannon are typical dishes eaten on St. Patrick’s Day. Irish whiskey and beer are also popular during the holiday. Eating these foods on St. Patrick’s Day will let you experience the taste of Irish history, so don’t forget to taste them when visiting.
4. Experience Irish Music
Ireland is famous for its traditional music, and on St. Patrick’s Day, that music is everywhere. From concert venues to pub performances and street performances, there’s no shortage of opportunities to hear traditional Irish music. You can dance around to the tunes of a live performance or listen to some music while you enjoy a pint of beer!
5. Attend a Céilí
Céilí is an Irish event where people get together to sing, dance, eat, and drink. It’s an ancient Irish tradition of community gathering and has evolved into a celebrated social event. You’ll get to dance to the sound of traditional Irish music played by live bands and enjoy the enthusiastic atmosphere of a Céilí.
6. Explore Ireland’s Natural Beauty
Ireland is known for its scenic beauty, so spend a few days exploring its coastline, green fields and hills, and bogs. This will allow you to witness the natural beauty of Ireland, and you’ll have a chance to go on hikes or cycling routes to move closer to the Irish countryside.
In conclusion, St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is a special holiday that you shouldn’t miss. Celebrating it in Ireland is a unique experience and will let you embrace the vibrant Irish culture and beauty. Whether you attend a parade or a Céilí or explore Ireland’s natural beauty or visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral, you’re sure to have a great time. Don’t forget to indulge in traditional Irish food and whiskey and beer to fully embrace the holiday!
