St. Patrick's Festival 2027

St. Patrick's Festival 2027 takes place from 13 March to 17 March 2027 at various locations around Dublin city centre, Ireland. The five-day festival celebrates Irish culture with street performances, music, workshops and an evening programme, and ends with the famous St. Patrick's Day Parade on Wednesday 17 March. This guide is for travellers and for agencies planning spring trips to Dublin.

About St. Patrick's Festival

St. Patrick's Festival is a celebration based around Ireland's national holiday, St. Patrick's Day. The organiser says it showcases Irish culture, heritage and traditions to a global audience. The organiser says that over the five days of the 2027 festival there will be hundreds of different events and street performances throughout Dublin city centre.

Events listed for 2027 include a treasure hunt on 13 March, a festival funfair on Custom House Quay from 13 to 17 March, citywide street performances, workshops and an After Dark programme from 13 to 16 March, and a Céilí Mór on Merrion Square West on 17 March. The organiser says more detailed information on all events will be announced in January 2027 on the official St. Patrick's Festival website.

The highlight for most visitors is the parade. The organiser estimates that around 500,000 people come out to watch it, which makes it one of the busiest days of the year in Dublin.

St. Patrick's Festival 2027 dates and venue

The organiser lists the 2027 programme from Saturday 13 March to Wednesday 17 March 2027, at various locations around Dublin city centre. The organiser says most events are free to attend, while some may need tickets or sign-up.

The parade starts at midday on Wednesday 17 March 2027 at Granby Row in the north of the city, runs down O'Connell Street and over O'Connell Bridge, continues through the south side of the city and ends at the Cuffe Street and Kevin Street junction. The organiser says it takes about two hours to pass. Watching the parade from the street is free, and grandstand seating is sold separately through the official website.

How to get to Dublin for St. Patrick's Festival

Dublin Airport (DUB) is Ireland's main international gateway, with links across Europe and transatlantic routes, plus connections to the Gulf and the Middle East. Airport buses, taxis and transfers run into the city centre.

On parade day many roads in the centre are closed. The organiser publishes road closure details closer to the festival, so allow extra time for transfers on 17 March. Travellers should check the official entry requirements for Ireland before booking.

Where to stay

Staying in the city centre lets visitors walk to the parade route and festival events. The areas around O'Connell Street, Temple Bar, St Stephen's Green and the Docklands are all convenient. Ballsbridge and Rathmines are quieter options a short ride from the centre.

Hotels in Dublin are in high demand around 17 March, so book early, especially for groups and for the nights of 16 and 17 March.

Planning a group trip to St. Patrick's Festival

A group tour to St. Patrick's Festival works well as a long weekend from Saturday 13 March, or as a midweek trip built around the parade on 17 March. Combine festival events with sightseeing such as Trinity College, Dublin Castle and a day trip along the coast.

For the parade, agree a viewing area and meeting point in advance, arrive early and plan how the group will return to the hotel while roads are closed. Groups wanting a reserved view should look at the official grandstand tickets. The organiser also offers wheelchair-accessible viewing areas and a relaxed parade space, with applications opening in mid-January 2027.

Frequently asked questions

When is St. Patrick's Festival 2027?

The organiser says St. Patrick's Festival takes place from 13 to 17 March 2027 at various locations around Dublin city centre. The parade is on Wednesday 17 March 2027, starting at midday.

Do we need tickets for the St. Patrick's Day Parade?

No. The organiser says the parade is free to attend from the street. Grandstand seating along the route is ticketed and sold through the official St. Patrick's Festival website.

What is the parade route?

The parade starts at Granby Row, runs down O'Connell Street, crosses O'Connell Bridge, continues through the south side of the city and ends at the Cuffe Street and Kevin Street junction. It takes about two hours to pass.

Which airport should we fly into?

Dublin Airport (DUB) is the main airport for the festival. It is linked to the city centre by buses, taxis and transfers, but allow extra time on 17 March because of road closures.

When will the full 2027 programme be published?

The organiser says more detailed information on all of the 2027 events will be announced in January 2027. Check the official website before finalising day-by-day plans.

Travel agencies can book flights for travellers going to St. Patrick's Festival in the QuickOTA B2B Panel and set their own markup.