St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland: Galway → Dublin Adventure
There’s something magical about spending St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland—not just as a tourist, but fully immersed in the energy, music, and spirit of the country. This year, we did it right: starting in Galway on March 16, then heading to Dublin for the big day on March 17. From pub crawls to parades (and even a spontaneous tattoo), here’s how it all went down—plus tips if you’re planning your own trip!
🍻 March 16: Galway Pub Crawl & The Best Fish + Chips
We kicked things off in the vibrant city of Galway, which honestly felt like the perfect place to ease into the St. Paddy’s celebrations. The streets were already buzzing—live music spilling out of pubs, people dressed in green, and that cozy, electric Irish charm everywhere.
Our night quickly turned into a spontaneous pub crawl. Every pub had its own vibe—some with traditional fiddle music, others with upbeat singalongs. The best part? You don’t need a plan in Galway. Just wander and follow the music 🎻
Of course, we had to stop at the iconic McDonagh’s (yes, that fish and chips place you’ve probably seen everywhere online).
And wow—it lived up to the hype. Crispy, golden batter, fresh flaky fish, and thick-cut chips. Simple, but unforgettable.
🚗 Driving Tips: Galway → Dublin
Before heading to Dublin, we hit the road early. The drive is about 2.5 hours via the M6 motorway—super straightforward.
Driving tips (from experience):
Stick to the left side of the road (it takes a minute 😅)
Watch for roundabouts—they’re everywhere, and you yield to traffic already in them
Gas stations can be sparse in rural areas—fill up before leaving Galway, its in litres and similar to Toronto pricing, if not cheaper 😄
Speed limits are posted in km/h, not mph
If you’re not used to narrow roads, take it slow outside major highways
🎉 March 17: St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin
We arrived in Dublin just in time for the main event—St. Patrick’s Day
The entire city transforms. Think: streets packed with people in green, live performers, music, and a contagious energy that you can’t replicate anywhere else.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade was the highlight—creative floats, dancers, performers, and cultural displays celebrating Irish heritage.
🎯 Parade Tips & Tricks (Learn from Us!)
Arrive EARLY (at least 2–3 hours before) for a good viewing spot
Try to stand near less crowded sections away from Temple Bar for more space
Bring snacks + water—you’ll be standing a while
Dress warm—it looks festive but Ireland in March is still chilly, if the suns not out, we got lucky!
🚗 Parking in Dublin (Important!)
Parking in Dublin on St. Patrick’s Day is… chaotic.
What worked for us:
Park outside the city centre and walk or take transit in, honestly its a bank holiday, we parked on a side street adjacent to the parade route and we were fine.
🍀 The Most Spontaneous Moment: My Irish Tattoo
In true “when in Ireland” fashion… I got a tattoo ☘️
Somewhere between the parade excitement and the pub energy, it just felt right. I went for a small, meaningful design—something subtle to always remember this trip. And honestly? One of the best decisions of the trip.
💚 Final Thoughts
This trip was everything St. Patrick’s Day should be—lively, a little chaotic, and full of unforgettable moments. Galway gave us charm and music, while Dublin delivered the full-scale celebration.
If you’re thinking about doing Ireland for St. Paddy’s:
Do it. Just plan ahead, embrace the crowds, and leave room for spontaneity—you never know when you’ll end up with a tattoo 😄
If I were to do it again? I would go to Cork or stay in Galway. Maybe next year 😄
