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14th Mar 2017

The 10 Best Places To Spend St Patrick’s Weekend In Ireland

Liz

We know it’s early but since we’ve been blessed with a long weekend this year, we reckon it’s time to start planning our Paddy’s Day shenanigans.

If you need some ideas for places to go, we’ve got you covered. There’s nothing worse than having nothing planned for the big day so we’ve put together a list to give you time to get everything booked. 

After all, where better to celebrate the Irish national day of celebration than in the heart of Ireland?

1. Bray, Co. Wicklow

Bray goes all out for Patrick’s day, with five days of events planned, including a funfair on the seafront, guided walks of Bray Head, live music, karaoke, and of course the all-important parade. 

Plus you’re surrounded by fantastic restaurants like Platform Pizza, The Harbour Bar, Dockyard No. 8, Box Burger and Campo De Fiori.

Bray

2. New Ross, Co. Wexford

The New Ross parade is one of the cutest you’ll see, and is almost entirely made up of local community groups, tractors and old cars. It also only takes 15 minutes to pass.

The pubs also filled with locals, and a sing-along usually breaks out at some point in the day.

While you’re there, you can also visit the Dunbrody famine ship and the JFK arboretum.

New Ross

3. Killarney, Co. Kerry

Killarney goes all in for Patrick’s Day, turning the whole town green.

There’s tons of beautiful places to visit nearby, such as Killarney National Park, the Gap of Dunloe, the Ring of Kerry, and Muckross House.

READ: 6 Deadly Places To Eat And Drink If You’re Visiting Killarney

4. Cork, Co. Cork

Cork hosts days of activities as well as a huge colourful parade every year. 

And if you’re wondering what to do when you’re there, look no further than our bucket list.

Cork

5. Limerick City, Co. Limerick

Limerick take a lot of pride in their Patrick’s Day parade, which last year even featured Jedward. 

Plus Limerick is stunning.

6. Achill, Co. Mayo

Achill plan their Patrick’s celebrations over the course of a full day, starting from 6am. People can join the parade at any time, following the pipe bands as they lead you around the island, stopping for refreshments and entertainment in the local pubs. 

While there you can also try some of the other activities on the island, like walking, golfing and water sports.

7. Ennis, Co. Clare

Ennis have a traditional parade with ceilí bands, Irish dancing, and old cars. 

While in Clare you can look at some of the stunning sights, eat in the great local establishments or go surfing in nearby Lahinch.

8. Galway, Co. Galway

Galway has a carnival which wanders through the main streets in the city centre, as well as dance parties and other street entertainment. There are also loads of things to do around Galway.

READ:17 Photos That Prove Galway Is Too Beautiful For Words

Galway 2

9. Maynooth, Co. Kildare

Maynooth has a small local parade as well as a Saint Patrick breakfast, a concert, and a family fun day in the Mills Shopping Centre and the Glenroyal Hotel. 

It’s a student town so there’s lots of places to eat and drink.

10. Dublin City, Dublin

The biggest celebrations the island of Ireland has to offer. As well as the huge televised parade, tons of places around the city have their own celebrations, and there’s a funfair along the river.

There’s no end of things to do and see around Dublin. You can find a whole heap of helpful hints over at lovindublin.com.

READ NEXT: 6 Amazing Weekend Breaks In Ireland You Can Enjoy Without A Car

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