It may be a year round destination, but Dublin in March definitely hits different. If it’s your first time in the Irish capital, you can look forward to a vibrant mix of St. Patrick’s Day festivities, brighter days for sightseeing – and plenty of rainy day activities. Here’s a guide to make the most of your time when you visit Dublin:
1. Attend St. Patrick’s Day festivities
When: March 17th (and surrounding days)
What: Although widely celebrated in Europe, the United States, and in just about every corner of the globe, Dublin hosts the most authentic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world in honour of Ireland’s patron saint. Expect a quirky, colourful parade, live music on the streets and in pubs, and other special cultural performances.
Where: The parade route runs through the city centre. Temple Bar is the epicentre of craic but if you’re not a fan of large crowds, plan a pub crawl and raise a pint of Guinness in these historic Dublin pubs.
2. Explore Dublin’s historic and cultural sites
- Trinity College and the Book of Kells: Admire Ireland’s oldest university and its stunning Long Room Library where you can see the famous intricate artwork of the Book of Kells.
- Guinness Storehouse: Learn about the history of Ireland’s iconic beer and enjoy panoramic views of Dublin from the Gravity Bar.
- Kilmainham Gaol: Discover Ireland’s revolutionary history in this former prison and the moving stories about those imprisoned there after the Easter Rising.
- Dublin Castle: Dive into Dublin’s history at this iconic landmark located in of the area where Dublin was founded by the Vikings.
- Abbey Theatre: Watch a performance or take a backstage tour and learn about how the theatre was founded and its important role in Ireland’s cultural revolution.
- The National Museum of Ireland: Discover priceless treasures from Ireland’s past and find out more about Dublin’s rich Viking heritage.
- St Patrick’s Cathedral: Just steps from the Liberties neighbourhood, a visit to St Patrick’s Cathedral is a must.
- National Gallery of Ireland: A rainy day favourite with free admission (donations welcome), the National Gallery of Ireland on Merrion Square offers visitors the chance to see celebrated works such as The Liffey Swim by Jack B. Yeats, as well as masterpieces by Caravaggio, William Orpen, John Lavery and more.
- Walking tours: Whether you are interested in Dublin’s literary figures or colourful past, entertaining tour guides are ready to share stats, facts and a few tall tales.
- Jameson Distillery: Located in Smithfield, guided tours provide visitors with the opportunity to discover the history of Jameson Whiskey, the steps involved in its production, plus the chance to sample various blends.
3. Enjoy Dublin’s pubs and live music
- Visit traditional Irish pubs like The Brazen Head (Ireland’s oldest pub) and O’Donoghue’s.
- Catch live music in Temple Bar or venues like Whelan’s or The Cobblestone.
- Take a stroll down Grafton Street and watch a live performance by talented street buskers and pretend you have stepped into the Oscar-winning film, Once.
4. Experience seasonal events
- Daffodil sightings: See these cheerful yellow flowers springing up in the parks, gardens, and green spaces around Dublin.
- Leprechaun Museum: ‘Tis the season to dive into Irish mythology and folklore in a fun, interactive way.
5. Take a day trip
- Howth: Howth is well-served by public transport. Jump on the DART or take a bus and explore this charming fishing village, hike along the cliffs, and enjoy fresh seafood.
- Glendalough and Wicklow Mountains: Experience breathtaking scenery and ancient monastic sites.
- Belfast: Just a two-hour train journey from Dublin, Belfast in Northern Ireland offers visitors a vibrant city centre and standout attractions including the award-winning Titanic Museum and the nearby Giant’s Causeway on the Antrim Coast.
- Cliffs of Moher: Guided tours leave daily from Dublin city centre by various tour operators.
- Galway: Visit Ireland’s west coast and the Aran Islands and try to pick up a few words of the Irish language in Connemara.
- Kerry: See the spectacular scenery of the Ring of Kerry, the lakes of Killarney, the colourful town of Dingle and other Insta-worthy attractions.
- Cork: Explore the ‘Rebel County’ and its exceptional restaurants and culinary scene.
6. Discover local markets
- Temple Bar Food Market (Saturdays): Sample local delicacies including cheeses, breads and cakes, plus delicious street food.
- George’s Street Arcade: Shop for unique gifts, paintings, prints, and vintage items.
7. Walks and parks
- Phoenix Park: Within walking distance of Dublin city is one of the largest urban parks in Europe, home to Dublin Zoo, and a herd of wild deer.
- St. Stephen’s Green: Take a walk through this beautiful Victorian park in the city centre, which was gifted to the people of Dublin by the Guinness family.
8. Plan for weather
According to Dublin locals and any Irish people you meet on your travels, Dublin’s weather in March can be unsettled – prepare to experience four seasons in one day. With this in mind, It’s always a good idea to pack layers, a rain jacket and comfortable shoes.
Discover more tips and advice for things to do in Dublin in Beyond the Cobblestones in Dublin, an insiders guide to the best places to eat, drink and explore.
