St. Patrick's Day 2024

Millions of people around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day on 17 March - so make this the year you jet off to one of the destinations that celebrates this Irish festival in style! Whether you want to head to the Irish homeland itself, or fly further afield to see how other countries honour this legendary national holiday, you’ll be sure to have a memorable experience.

Party in Dublin with a pint of Guinness in hand

Want to be at the centre of the action? Then Dublin is the ultimate place to get in the party spirit and experience a truly authentic Irish shindig. The world-famous St. Patrick’s Festival Parade is not to be missed, and with nearly half a million visitors expected to be in attendance, it really will be a spectacle to behold.

Dress yourself in head-to-to green, and prepare to witness a world of novelty hats and Irish accessories. It’s the ultimate celebration of Irish culture after all! If you want a good spot as the colourful floats wind through the historic streets of Dublin, make sure you get there early to beat the crowds.

The parade kicks off at noon from Parnell Street, and lasts approximately two hours before a grand finish at Kevin Street. Afterwards, it’s a race to the nearest pub for a well-deserved pint of Guinness, or whatever tipple takes your fancy.

Experience an authentic St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin >

Experience the luck of the Irish in Belfast

There’s some great craic to be had in other parts of Ireland. If you’re ready to shimmy your shamrock then head over to Belfast. As a UNESCO City of Music, there’s endless events geared up to showcase its musical heritage.

Follow the Trad Trail which runs 10–17 March throughout the city to hear the very best local musicians from across the island. Over the weekend this also includes a series of concerts, workshops and displays in Cathedral Quarter to really bring together the community.

And once that’s got you in the charming Irish spirit, in traditional St. Patrick’s style it’s time for a dazzling parade. Starting at 1pm from Belfast City Hall, the enchanting display of music, dance and costume will weave its way through the city. It promises fun for the entire family, and best of all it’s completely free, and you don’t even need a ticket.

Book your magically musical trip to Belfast >

Witness the Irish charm come alive in the Cork community

As the second largest city in Ireland, Cork is one of the most popular cities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day day in as the city comes alive. The entire festival spans 15–18 March with multiple events taking place all over the city, including live music in multiple venues, as well as the Cork International Film Festival. Enjoy a selection of Irish and Cork cinematic gems and experience Ireland's finest storytelling.

Most events are free to attend, but some are ticketed, so be sure to check and book beforehand. Of course, the centrepiece of the festivities is Cork’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. The annual pageant is presented by the wonderful and varied communities that make the city so beautifully charming.

A vibrant display of colour and magic, the parade features members of local sports and dance groups as well as the long-established brass bands. The procession begins at 1pm and routes around the city, ending on the bank of the famed River Lee that runs through the city.

Escape to Cork this St. Patrick’s Day >

Attend the parade over the pond in New York

You could easily imagine that Ireland is home to the world's longest-running St. Patrick's Day parade, but the title actually belongs over the Atlantic in New York City. Originally Irish immigrants were celebrating their homeland, but today for lots of people it’s an excuse to party.

Dating back to 1762, this largest display of Irish Pride takes over 5th Avenue between 44th and 79th street, and this year it will be held on Saturday 16 March. Manhattan transforms into a vast sea of green with over 150,000 people taking part in the march, drawing crowds of around 2 million spectators.

The parade is traditionally run by volunteers, with many coming from generations of families who dedicated themselves to organising the parade. Each year the parade is led by a Grand Marshall and features representation from across the uniformed services in New York, including the NYPD and the Fire Department.

Book your dream trip to the Big Apple this St. Patrick’s Day >