You can’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin without visiting one of the capital’s crowded Irish pubs! Going to the pub is almost a must for anyone wishing to celebrate the event! That’s why it’s so important to understand how it works and where to go! Here are a few tips to help you enjoy an unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin’s pubs!
Temple Bar during Saint Patrick’s Day
If you’re not afraid of crowded streets and an ultra-festive, good-natured atmosphere, then we recommend a visit to the Temple Bar or Liberties districts. Many of the city’s historic pubs are located here. These are must-visit institutions (but be warned, the price of a pint is often higher than elsewhere!)
In Dublin, it’s customary to do a pub crawl. It’s a kind of Irish tradition to do several pubs in one day (or evening). Generally, Irish people choose a street with many such establishments, and multiply their visits. On average, they spend between 30 minutes and an hour per ad… and then move on to the next one.
The idea is not necessarily to drink to excess (which we don’t recommend), but rather to sample different atmospheres. Because in Dublin, every Irish pub has its own atmosphere and identity. Decoration, music, atmosphere… Each establishment has its own style, its own brand. That’s what makes them so appealing, and what makes them even more attractive on St Patrick’s Day, when their halls are packed to the rafters!
Don’t be afraid: there are always lots of people around on St. Patrick’s Day. But it’s always possible to elbow your way to the counter. In fact, you may find yourself chatting with Irish and other foreigners before you’ve even reached your destination!
And let’s not forget: Saint Patrick’s Day is above all an opportunity to meet new people, exchange ideas and spend warm, human moments in a good-natured atmosphere! Who knows, maybe you’ll be invited to join in a traditional dance session with the overjoyed Irish! (The experience is worth the detour, let’s face it!).
Don’t forget to order at the counter and allow for a small tip (this is customary in Ireland). For greater speed, consider paying in cash: it’s easier for you, and saves time for the bartenders, who are literally swamped!
Once you’ve got your precious pint in hand, don’t hesitate to sit back and enjoy. Luckily, most of Dublin’s Irish pubs offer traditional Irish music sessions during St. Patrick’s Day. That’s when Irish pubs come alive! All the customers start singing and dancing: all you have to do is join in and take part in a moment of popular communion!
Pints of Guinness beer – Zach Dischner – cc
Whether you’re in Temple Bar or not, don’t forget to try out different addresses. Alternate between traditional and more modern Irish pubs. It’s a chance for you to experience all the facets of Dublin and better understand what you like and don’t like.
Don’t hesitate to push open the door of a more confidential Irish pub: it’s also in the lesser-known places that the moments are the most exceptional!
Note that some establishments also offer on-site catering. (Few offer it for St. Patrick’s Day, but some do). If you’re lucky, you might even find a table and enjoy a delicious fish and chips during a session of Irish music! Heaven on earth!
And don’t forget that it’s also an opportunity to sample local specialities! Irish stew, coddle, burger… Ireland has a simple, yet bold, traditional cuisine that might just seduce you! Expect to pay between €8 and €15 for a dish.
Failing that, feel free to go to a nearby take-away, then come back to the pub.
And needless to say, St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to discover Ireland’s many local beers. Guinness, Beamish, Smitwick’s, not to mention beers from local microbreweries…
Most pubs here offer draught beers, served by the pint. This is your chance to discover the unique know-how of Ireland’s master brewers! (Always in moderation, it goes without saying… Unless you like the idea of wandering alone and tipsy through the streets of Dublin at 4am. A program we strongly advise against).
Expect to pay between €3 and €7 a pint, depending on your location.
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