St Patrick’s Day is the Irish holiday celebrated around the world. His legacy is honored with shamrocks, music, parades, and of course, lots of Guinness. Check out some of the best places to celebrate March 17th in Ireland.
1. Armagh/Downpatrick
Home to St Patrick, himself, Armagh is the location where St Patrick founded his first churches. He began his Christian mission here and ultimately established Armagh as Ireland’s spiritual capital. In modern times, it is home of the St Patrick Festival each March 17th. The celebration kicks off with the simultaneous ringing of church bells in Armagh and the nearby Downpatrick. From then on, festivities commence with cathedral concerts, sacred ceremonies and Celtic activities.
2. Cork
Ireland’s ‘Second City’, Cork is renowned for its St Paddy’s Day celebrations. Lasting several days, the festivities consist of carnivals, concerts and a grand parade. Onlookers take in the sights and sounds as performers and local people of interest march down St Patrick’s Street along the River Lee.
3. Sligo
For nearly 50 years, Sligo has hosted a parade that would make St Patrick, himself, proud. Each year on March 17th, attendees come from near and far to take part in family events, listen to traditional Irish music and enjoy the lively parade. In 2019, attendees are taking things one step further by attempting a world record of the Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Leprechauns.
4. Galway
Ireland’s City of the Tribes is no stranger to showing visitors a good time. Galway City is where even the Irish, themselves, go for the “craic”. It’s only fitting for this cultural hub along the Wild Atlantic Way to throw one heck of a St Paddy’s Day parade. For more than 110 years, Galway City has hosted delighted crowds as they feast their eyes on otherworldly floats and performers in curious costumes.
5. Kilkenny
A vintage fun fair and festivities await for all who visit Kilkenny around St. Paddy’s Day. Ireland’s Medieval City pulls out all the stops this time of year with fun events planned for the whole family. During your visit you might as well check out Kilkenny Castle and Smithwick’s Distillery for the ultimate Kilkenny experience.
6. Belfast 
Northern Ireland’s capital is proof the Republic isn’t the only place to enjoy March 17th. Belfast hosts a carnival and parade while global musicians entertain attendees from all over. The city’s landmarks like City Hall and Titanic Belfast are lit up in green at night to top off the experience.
7. Derry~Londonderry
Nicknamed ‘The Walled City’, Derry~Londonderry is another of Northern Ireland’s gems. The city celebrates St. Paddy’s Day with an annual Spring Carnival Parade. It’s a time of embracing new beginnings and a fresh start to a new season. Attendees of the parade can expect colorful costumes and emphasis on all things Celtic during the parade. While you’re in Derry~Londonderry, be sure to check out its Victorian walls and the Tower Museum.
8. Dublin 
Home of the Guinness Storehouse, St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the National Leprechaun Museum, Dublin has it all for St. Paddy’s. Festivities last several days and include spoken-word trails, singing workshops, film screenings and the world’s largest outdoor céilí. Top it off with one of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades you’ll ever see, and you’ve got yourself an unforgettable March 17th in Dublin, Ireland.
