Doing St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin sounds like a dream. Until you realize half the city gets booked out months in advance, tickets to Diceys skyrocket, and you end up watching the parade from behind a crowd of tourists with green top hats.
Here’s how to actually do it right — no stress, no FOMO, just good decisions made early.
This is not a last-minute trip. Every decent bed in Dublin gets taken fast — especially ones near the action.One of the best spots? Trinity City Hotel — walkable to everything, nice rooms, and you’ll be glad you’re not staying somewhere random.
The city is packed, but there’s a clear rotation that people follow:
Diceys – The holy grail. You will spend most of your time in their courtyard.
O'Reilly’s – Starts the night. Underground vibe, cheap drinks, solid energy.
Buskers – Good in-between stop. Gets busier as the night builds.
Temple Bar – Super touristy, but you have to at least walk through.
Dicey's Tip: Tickets skyrocket the week of. If you want to go (and you do), lock in early. We always keep some extras for FlexTrip people, but don’t count on last-minute luck.
If you’re looking for something a little more structured (and a break from bar-hopping), book the Guinness Storehouse or Jameson Distillery tour.
They’re super popular during St. Paddy’s week.
Both are walkable from the city center and a solid move if your group wants to mix it up before diving back into the pubs.
1. Streets are packed by mid-morning — expect loud crowds, live music, and people in green literally everywhere.
2. Everyone’s out all day, so pace yourself. Embrace the guinness.
3. Bars start filling up by early afternoon. This is not a 10PM start kind of night.
1. Book your hotel and Diceys ticket early
2. Don’t sleep on the mid-day bar scene — it’s one of the best parts
3. Plan your night around where you want to end up, not where you start
St. Paddy’s in Dublin is one of the most iconic weekends you’ll get abroad — but only if you plan it right. You’ve got the roadmap now. Go make it count.
