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St Patrick’s Festival Dublin 2027

Experiencing St Patrick's Day in Dublin is akin to attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro.

  • Event Dates

    From: Sunday, March 14, 2027
    To: Wednesday, March 17, 2027

  • Key Highlights

    • Hot Guys
    • The Parade
    • Art Displays
    • Acts and DJs
    • Music Concerts
    • Marching Bands

St Patrick's Festival Dublin 2027

Experiencing St Patrick's Day in Dublin is akin to attending Mardi Gras in New Orleans or Carnival in Rio de Janeiro – an unforgettable event! The city buzzes with excitement, revelry, and various activities that range from artistic to unconventional.

  • Stay in the heart of the parade celebrations at The Riu Plaza Gresham Hotel, a Travel Proud certified hotel featuring spacious rooms, perfect location and highly-rated breakfasts.

St Patrick's Day

  • St. Patrick's Day, initially a religious holiday honouring Ireland's patron saint, has become a worldwide celebration of Irish culture.
  • It started as a feast day to pay tribute to St. Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland.
  • Over time, the event has become a cultural celebration associated with Irish traditions such as parades, music, dance, and the iconic emerald green colour.

The Festival

  • Sunday 14th to Wednesday 17th March 2027 – Throughout the five-day Festival, you can immerse yourself in the jubilant ambience through music concerts, guided tours, culinary showcases, and art displays.
  • St. Patrick's Festival Quarter is at the National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, home to a magical day-to-night urban Festival for all, including the Mother Gay Cluture Festival on Saturday, an indoor and outdoor event featuring drag acts, guest DJs, electronic music and more.
  • Other highlights include street theatre, interactive games, film screenings and even a circus.
  • Stay close to the Festival at the “Fabulous” Ashling Hotel Dublin, a Travel Proud rated hotel, a swift Luas ride away to the centre of town with spacious rooms, friendly staff and excellent location.

The Parade

  • Wednesday, 17th March 2027, starting at 12 midday. The Parade takes approximately two hours to wind through Dublin's city streets.
  • Leaving from Parnell Square in the north and ending on Kevin Street in the south, the national St. Patrick's Day Parade will delight and entertain the hundreds of thousands that line the parade route.
  • A cast of Ireland's most dynamic and innovative performers, musicians, dancers, and artists will be joined by world-class marching bands travelling from around the globe to participate in this fantastic bucket-list event.

Best Places to View the Parade

  • O'Connell Street: This is one of the widest streets in the city and offers a long stretch of the parade route with good visibility. It's also where the grandstand is located, where VIPs and dignitaries watch the Parade, but you'll need to arrive early to secure a spot as it gets crowded quickly.
  • Discover the top hotels closest to O'Connell Street.
  • Westmoreland Street: This street tends to be less crowded than O'Connell Street and can offer a good view of the Parade as it approaches Dame Street.
  • Dame Street: Near the historic Trinity College, this area offers a great atmosphere and plenty of spots to watch the Parade. The parade performers often perform here so that you can catch some of the entertainment.
  • St. Patrick's Cathedral: The area around St. Patrick's Cathedral offers a more relaxed viewing experience. It's near the parade route's end, so crowds may be less dense.
  • Check out the top hotels closest to the cathedral.
  • Upper O'Connell Street (near Parnell Square): The Parade starts near Parnell Square, so being on Upper O'Connell Street can give you a first look at the floats and performers. It's also less crowded at the beginning of the Parade.
  • Remember that these areas can fill up quickly, so arriving at least a couple of hours is advisable to secure a good viewing spot. Also, consider the weather and dress accordingly, as March in Ireland can be pretty cold and wet.
  • Stay close to the gay nightlife of the city centre at The Motel One Dublin. Rated “Fabulous” by guests, this Travel Proud certified hotel has a great location. It features stylish designer rooms, high-end amenities and a highly-rated breakfast. 

Gay Dublin During St Patrick's Day.

  • Dublin has a vibrant gay scene that's as warm and welcoming as a traditional Irish hug.
  • Start your adventure along Capel Street, Dublin's burgeoning gayborhood. Be sure to visit PantiBar, by Ireland's most famous drag queen, Panti Bliss. This lively spot is perfect for cocktails and cabaret.
  • Next, sashay down to The George, Dublin's oldest gay bar and nightclub. With nightly entertainment ranging from drag performances to bingo, this is the pulse of Dublin's LGBT+ nightlife.
  • Take a stroll through Merrion Square and pay homage to one of Dublin's most famous sons at the Oscar Wilde Statue. It's a selfie spot with historical significance.

Getting Around Dublin

  • Dublin's light rail transit service, the LUAS, operates two main lines: the Green Line and the Red Line.
  • Tickets can be bought at machines located at every stop. You can also use a Leap Card, a reusable smart card that provides savings.
  • Green Line: Runs from Broombridge in North Dublin to Bride's Glen in the South.
  • Red Line: Connects Saggart/Tallaght in the Southwest to The Point in the East.
  • Peak Times: Trams run approximately every 4-6 minutes.
  • Off-Peak Times: Every 10-15 minutes.

Recommended Hotels in Dublin

  • Dublin's two famous gay bars are The George on South Great Georges Street and Panti Bar on Capel Street. Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to the bars and the city's top attractions:

The Merrion Hotel,    The Westbury Hotel,    Westin Dublin,    The Morrison Dublin.

Gay Map of Dublin

Dublin is a compact city and the gay scene is clustered around the areas of Dublin 1 and Dublin 2, close to Templabar and Georges Street.

Address: Upper Merrion Street 21-23, Dublin 2, D02 KF79, Ireland

  • One of Dublin’s most prestigious 5-star luxury hotels.
  • Set in restored Georgian townhouses with private gardens.
  • Member of The Leading Hotels of the World.
  • Home to Ireland’s only two-Michelin-star restaurant.
  • Elegant rooms designed for quiet city-centre stays.
  • Discreet, refined choice for top-tier Dublin luxury.
  • Website

Address: Balfe Street, Dublin 2, D02 CH66, Ireland

  • Iconic 5-star luxury hotel near Grafton Street.
  • Part of The Doyle Collection luxury portfolio.
  • Famous Gallery lounge and afternoon tea.
  • Multiple top dining and cocktail bar options.
  • Spacious, elegant rooms with strong soundproofing.
  • Prime base for shopping, culture, and nightlife.
  • Website

Address: Westmoreland Street & College Green, Dublin 2, 

  • Luxury 5-star hotel set in landmark former bank buildings.
  • Part of Marriott’s Autograph Collection portfolio.
  • Dramatic multi-storey Atrium Lounge at the heart of the hotel.
  • Spacious, elegant rooms designed for calm city-centre stays.
  • Vault-style Mint Bar is a popular late-night cocktail spot.
  • Prime location opposite Trinity College and Grafton Street.
  • Website

Address: Lower Ormond Quay, Dublin 1, D01 K5X5, Ireland

  • Five-star boutique hotel on the River Liffey.
  • Part of Hilton’s Curio Collection portfolio.
  • Spacious, modern rooms with excellent soundproofing.
  • Steps from Temple Bar and close to Trinity College.
  • Popular bar and restaurant with local following.
  • Strong choice for central Dublin luxury stays.
  • Website

Address: 12 Crane Lane, Temple Bar, Dublin 2, Ireland

  • Dublin’s largest and only permanent gay sauna.
  • Five floors with full spa and cruising facilities.
  • Busy late nights and very active weekends.
  • Mixed local and international crowd.
  • Key stop for men-only nightlife in Temple Bar.
  • Open: Mon-Wed 1pm-2am, Thu 1pm-4am, Fri 1pm-Mon 4am
  • (non-stop weekend)
  • Website

Address: 89 South Great George's Street, Dublin 2, D02 R220, Ireland

  • Ireland’s most iconic and long-running gay bar.
  • Large venue with pub front and nightclub rear space.
  • Famous for drag shows and live entertainment.
  • Packed weekends with mixed local and tourist crowd.
  • Key stop for Dublin gay nightlife and late partying.
  • Open: Mon-Fri 2pm-2:30am, Sat 12:30pm-2:30am,
  • Sun 12:30pm-1:30am
  • Facebook

Address: 7-8 Capel Street, Dublin 1, D01 EH93, Ireland

  • Iconic gay bar owned by drag legend Panti Bliss.
  • Relaxed by day, high-energy drag and DJs at night.
  • Compact space that fills fast on busy evenings.
  • Mixed crowd of locals, students, and visitors.
  • Core venue on Dublin’s main LGBTQ+ street.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 4pm-11:30pm, Fri-Sat 4pm-12:30am,
  • Sun 4pm-11pm
  • Facebook

Address: 2 Great Strand Street, Dublin 1, D01 P9K1, Ireland

  • Stylish gay cocktail bar opposite PantiBar.
  • Relaxed alternative to Dublin’s louder gay venues.
  • Strong focus on quality cocktails and service.
  • Mixed LGBTQ+ crowd in a cosy lounge setting.
  • Popular for pre-drinks, dates, and social meetups.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 5pm-11:30pm, Fri-Sat 5pm-12:30am,
  • Sun 5pm-11pm
  • Website

Address: 33-34 Parliament Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

  • Long-running gay-popular bar with deep community roots.
  • Formerly The Front Lounge, a Dublin LGBTQ+ institution.
  • Front lounge plus back room for dancing and shows.
  • Live music, drag, and strong cocktail focus.
  • Mixed LGBTQ+ crowd with busy weekend energy.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 3pm-11:30pm, Fri 3pm-2:30am, Sat 1pm-2:30am
  • Sun 1pm-11:30pm
  • Website

Address: 131 James Street, Dublin 8, D08 HH96, Ireland

  • Large gay-friendly bar and event venue in Dublin 8.
  • Hosts regular LGBTQ+, fetish, and themed club nights.
  • Daytime pub feel with sports and food service.
  • Transforms into alternative club space at night.
  • Mixed crowd with strong queer presence on event nights.
  • Open: Mon-Thu 4pm-11:30pm, Fri 4pm-12:30am,
  • Sat 12pm-12:30am, Sun 12pm-11pm
  • Facebook

Address: Lost Lane, 1-2 Adam Court, Grafton Street, Dublin 2, Ireland

  • Dublin’s most iconic weekly gay club night.
  • Held every Saturday at Lost Lane in the city centre.
  • Disco, electro, and dancefloor-focused music.
  • Strong creative, student, and LGBTQ+ crowd.
  • Core institution of Dublin’s modern gay nightlife.
  • Open: Sat 11pm-3am (club night only, not a daily bar)
  • Facebook

Address: 105 Capel Street, Dublin 1, D01 R290, Ireland

  • Gay and LGBTQ+ community café on Capel Street.
  • Relaxed space for coffee, light food, and meetups.
  • Part of Dublin’s main LGBTQ+ community centre.
  • Popular for daytime and early-evening visits.
  • Calm alternative to nearby bars and clubs.
  • Open: Tue 2:30pm-9pm, Wed-Fri 12pm-9pm, Sat 12pm-6pm
  • Website

Recommended Hotels in Dublin By Booking

Book with confidence. Get the best Prices from our partner Booking.com
We have chosen hotels in Dublin that keep you close to all the shops,restaurants & bars

The Merrion Hotel
5 Star, Luxury

The Merrion Hotel
Booking.com
  • 5-star, Italian marble, 2 Michelin stars.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Satellite TV, luxury toiletries.
  • Award-winning, central Dublin, with exquisite dining & serene gardens.

The Westbury Hotel
5 Star, Readers Choice

Booking.com
  • 5-star, Grafton Street, sumptuous furnishings.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Sealy beds,.
  • Opulent accommodation in a premier shopping district.

Hard Rock Hotel
4 Star, Great Value

Hard Rock Hotel Dublin
Booking.com
  • 4-star, prime Dublin location, free WiFi.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • Coffee machine, private bathroom.
  • Modern, vibrant setting, ideal for music enthusiasts, in Dublin's heart.

The Morrison
4 Star, Location

Booking.com
  • 4-star, boutique interior, musical theme.
  • Close to the gay district.
  • 40-inch smart TV, minibar.
  • Stylish, musically themed hotel with chic decor, central location.

Video St Patrick’s Day Parade

Highlights of previous parades.

The Merrion Hotel Dublin

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