The decision was made hastily yesterday: due to the rise of the Coronavirus, Dublin’s Grand Saint Patrick’s Parade has just been cancelled. A bitter decision that will profoundly change the festive spirit of the famous Irish celebration.
Saint Patrick’s Day in Dublin: Cancellations and Events Still On
Measures Taken to Avoid Gatherings of Over 1,000 People
During a particularly delicate press conference, it was agreed that 4 events planned in Dublin for Saint Patrick’s Day 2020 would be cancelled, namely:
- The Grand Parade on March 17
- The Merrion Square Festival Village scheduled from March 14 to 17
- The Treasure Hunt on March 15
- The Céilí Mór at Merrion Square on March 17
The decision was made Monday afternoon by the Irish government. Facing numerous demands from the Irish medical community, the State finally gave in, expressing its desire to contain the spread of the coronavirus as much as possible.
A spokesperson for the St Patrick’s Festival stated:
Irish public health experts have recommended today that Dublin’s Grand Saint Patrick’s Parade be cancelled. The same applies to all parades that could take place elsewhere in Ireland on this occasion.
The board and management of the St. Patrick’s Festival welcome and support this decision in the best interest of public health.
This cancellation raises an essential question for both the Irish and travelers: will it still be possible to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day under these conditions in Dublin and across Ireland?
The Dublin event organizers are reassuring:
The cancellation of the parades does not mean that Saint Patrick’s Day cannot be celebrated. We advise against large gatherings, but it is of course allowed to go to pubs, attend concerts, and more. In fact, the St Patrick’s Festival in Dublin plans to maintain its program from March 13 to 17, with over 100 small to medium-sized events! You will find music, theater, lectures, exhibitions, and street performances!
Good news then, allowing you to enjoy the festivities, but without the usual large crowds.
Dublin Events Are Not the Only Ones Cancelled in Ireland
Most Parades Cancelled Across the Country
The major events in Dublin are not the only ones affected by this wave of cancellations. Most public events with over 1,000 attendees related to Saint Patrick’s Day across Ireland have also been cancelled.
Starting with the Grand Parade in Galway, as well as those in Limerick and other major Irish cities: large festive gatherings are officially cancelled to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
Organizers of these parades are currently making arrangements and launching extensive communication campaigns to inform participants.
Travelers: Should You Visit Ireland or Avoid the Trip?
Travel Is Allowed but Not Recommended
As Europe faces increasing impact from the coronavirus epidemic, many travelers have contacted us to ask if they can travel to Ireland to celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
For now, guidelines remain flexible: travel is possible, although minimizing trips abroad is advised. You can therefore travel to Ireland, but it is important to understand that you risk exposure to the coronavirus or potentially transmitting it if you are a carrier.
It is essential to adopt responsible behavior to avoid contamination: wash your hands regularly, avoid close contact, and if in doubt, cancel your trip if you think you might be infected.
Note: guidelines may evolve in the coming weeks. That’s why we recommend regularly checking your embassy’s website in Ireland: they provide up-to-date information on travel measures and will inform you if your trip can proceed based on the epidemic’s evolution.
