Beyond the Guinness: Five places to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland

Paint the town green and raise a Guinness to the Emerald Isle this St. Patrick's Day, while experiencing the celebrations in one of these five Irish gems.

Of all the patron saint celebrations in Europe, St. Patrick's Day is perhaps the most well-known. It's an event which takes over towns from Ireland to the shore of New England and beyond, but no one marks the occasion quite like the Irish. From soaking up the sounds and sights of a traditional cèilidh to witnessing the wonders of the Emerald Isle, there's plenty of ways to get in the festive spirit.

We're big admirers of all things Ireland and are looking forward to tomorrow's St. Patrick's Day festivities. Having said this, there's more to Ireland than Dublin, and our team have been thinking about their favourite spots for taking in the celebrations away from the Guinness trails. If you've always dreamt of experiencing the occasion first-hand or can't get enough of the shamrock-green celebrations, we're making it easier than ever before to experience the best of Ireland with our current offer.

Save up to 10% on our award-winning Ireland tours

If you book before Thursday, 30 April, we're giving you up to 10% off any of our award-winning Irish tours to help your pot of gold go further. Make the most of these limited-time savings and embrace the most unique St. Patrick's Day traditions with a trip to one of these five top spots across old Éire.

What areas do St. Patrick's Day best?

Don your shamrocks in Cork

In the south of the republic, County Cork is a memorable gem which deserves a spot at the top of your travel wish-list, particularly so during its week-long St. Patrick's Day celebrations. Witness one of the city's newest traditions as its major landmarks are bathed in green light, hunt for hidden snakes in Elisabeth Fort, and dance with locals to the live music in the city centre. For a more authentic taste of life in Cork and what the celebration means to the 'Rebel City', be sure to visit the Cornmarket Street night market.

Our recommended tour - The Ring of Kerry & South West Ireland

Embrace the best of the Emerald Isle in Killarney

County Kerry, perhaps best known for its exquisite landscapes and scenic byways, is another great choice and is home to a more intimate festival, featuring a traditional cèilidh, complete with dances, folk music and all-round revelry, as well as themed lake cruises and scavenger hunts. For those pining for greenery that can't be found in dyed beer or oversized shamrocks, there are opportunities to hike throughout the stunning Killarney National Park and to learn the fascinating folklore of the region while witnessing the tranquil Killarney lakes.

Our recommended tour - The Ring of Kerry & South West Ireland

Finding festivities by the Giant's Causeway

Marking St. Patrick's Day at Northern Ireland's only World Heritage Site is an entirely different way of approaching the festivities. The National Trust is hosting a day of traditional Irish music and dance and a special Leprechaun trail for the kids. Pair this with a surrounding landscape packed with the geological wonders of Giant's Causeway, and you've got a St. Patrick's celebration unlike any other in Ireland.

Our recommended tour - Belfast & the Titanic Experience

Get your green on in Galway

As colourful Galway gears up for the festivities, expect to see the streets awash with green and the city's bohemian pubs come to life with music and laughter. Locals and visitors don their finest green attire, and decorative shamrocks and leprechaun hats add to the festive atmosphere. Crowned by a colourful parade winding its way through the historic streets, this harbour city's celebration is the ideal choice for those looking for a more immersive experience. Whether you're savouring a pint of Guinness in a cosy pub or joining the spirited crowds lining the streets, St. Patrick's Day here is a joy to experience every single time.

Our recommended tour - Galway, Connemara & Ireland's Stunning West

Soak up the seaside celebrations in Donegal

Surrounded by rolling hills and delightful countryside villages, few spots in Ireland are quite as green as Donegal, and the city's St. Patrick's Day celebrations are no exception. The celebrations kick off with a lively parade, showcasing the community's creativity and spirit, and traditional music and all-around revelry fill the streets. The region also offers breathtaking natural beauty, from the rugged coastline to the majestic mountains, providing the perfect backdrop for outdoor adventures and scenic walks. While here, be sure to browse Donegal's shops for traditional Irish tweed and tuck into hearty local food at its bustling pubs.

Our recommended tour - Donegal & the Giant's Causeway

Celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style with Newmarket Holidays

If you've always dreamt of an authentic St. Patrick's Day celebration or are simply intrigued by the Emerald Isle's breathtaking highlights, our friendly planners are on hand to help find the perfect break for you. Give them a call today to get the ball rolling on your next Irish holiday or for more information on each itinerary. Better yet, if you book before Thursday, 30 April, you can save up to 10% on our entire collection of tours to Ireland.