St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin

Whether you’re Irish or just a really big drunk, we’re sure you’ve partaken in traditional St. Patrick’s Day revelry here in the United States. Even if you’ve gone all out, you still haven’t done St. Patty’s Day right until you’ve done it where it all began: Dublin, Ireland.

The holiday is a four- to five-day event spread all across the country with most of the festivities happening in the capital city. Typically beginning on March 16, and running through the following weekend, the city doubles down on its stereotypes and presents one of the largest parties on Earth. You’d better book in advance if you plan on going because hotels fill up.

Aside from your typical bombast at the local breweries, there are also plenty of activities happening around town that are family friendly. The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a staple of the holiday, as is the annual Festival Funfair, essentially just an oversized carnival full of games and rides.

There’s also the traditional “Greening of the City,” in which iconic buildings throughout town are showered in green light at night. Simply wandering around will help you stumble across festivities like the Festival Céilí, where you can learn traditional Irish dancing, or the Fab Food Trails tour along many of the city’s eponymous eateries.

Of course, don’t forget to check out Irish Craft Beer Market; it’s not St. Patrick’s Day without a little alcohol. Check out a full list of the events here.