Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Ireland
Experience Irish culture—celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Ireland
On St Patrick's Day, Ireland's world-famous holiday, the whole island is bathed in a sea of green and good cheer—the perfect time to discover authentic Irish culture and celebrate with the locals. With DFDS' ferry service between Rosslare and Dunkirk, the spectacular Irish cultural event is closer than ever for travellers from the continent!
Immerse yourself in Ireland's St. Patrick's Day celebrations and witness the renowned warm Irish hospitality. Experience the traditional St. Patrick's Day parade live and explore in the footsteps of Irish history. Travel in the comfort of your own car, take unlimited luggage and explore the vibrant culture of the Emerald Isle to your heart's content. Read all the essential information for planning your trip with DFDS here.
The history – Why St Patrick's Day is celebrated in Ireland
St. Patrick's Day, which is celebrated every year on 17 March, honours the holy bishop and national patron of Ireland, Saint Patrick, who brought Christianity to the island in the 5th century. This day began as a religious festival and developed into a cultural event celebrated by millions of people. Traditional parades, music, dancing and the wearing of green are at the centre of the day. Although St. Patrick's Day is celebrated almost everywhere in the world by people feeling connected to the Irish heritage, no place is more authentic than its traditional homeland, Ireland itself—where the country's history and tradition merge with the world-famous Irish joie de vivre and modern life to create this very special Irish holiday.
St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
The vibrant capital city of Dublin is the perfect place for holidaymakers to get in touch with Irish culture and celebrate the festive St. Patrick's Day in Ireland with the locals. The St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the city of Dublin offer a variety of events, including the world-famous parade that fills the streets with music and colourful costumes, to spectacular light installations that bathe the city's landmarks in green. Visit Trinity College with the impressive Book of Kells, the historic Guinness Brewery and the lively Temple Bar neighbourhood. Dublin combines tradition and modernity in a fascinating way—a must for any holiday in Ireland.
St. Patrick’s Day in Cork
Cork, the vibrant city in the south of Ireland, offers a unique St Patrick's Day experience full of joie de vivre. The city, known for its culinary scene and historic sights, is filled with a festive atmosphere on this day. Look forward to the colourful parades, traditional Irish music and lively dance performances that bring the streets to life. Stroll through the wonderful English Market of Cork, discover the historic alleyways or visit the impressive neo-gothic St. Fin Barre's Cathedral at heart of the city’s history. The dynamism and warm hospitality of the locals make Cork an ideal place to celebrate Ireland's national day.
