Disclaimer 
Real human here—no, seriously, flesh, bones, and a love of potato chips! Everything you’ll find on MKS Photography Travel comes from my very own two eyes, taste buds, and occasional misadventures (all delightfully first-hand, of course). Because I’m also a savvy explorer, I’ve joined a few affiliate programs and the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, which basically means if you click on one of my links and end up buying something, I get a little commission at no extra cost to you—kind of like buying me a coffee that keeps me going on my next trek.  

March has always held a special place in my heart—and not just because I am more than ready to kick winter’s gloom to the curb. In our household, March is like the party animal of months, brimming with celebrations and giving us plenty of reasons to rejoice. We’ve got birthdays galore (mine included), name days (if you have Polish friends, you’ll know the significance of that tradition), International Women’s Day, the first day of spring, and, of course, Mother’s Day. With all these festivities jockeying for prime position on the March calendar, you’d think we’d be done, but not for me, the real star of the show has always been St. Patrick’s Day—and last year, I decided to celebrate it with gusto by heading back to Dublin, a city I first fell in love within my twenties. 

I lived in Dublin briefly to learn English, and it remains one of my favorite places on the planet. The humor, the warmth, and the endless supply of good craic (an Irish word that means “fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation”) are irresistible. So, naturally, I thought it would be the perfect gift to take my husband there, reminding myself (and him) just why Dublin captures hearts so easily—especially on St. Patrick’s Day. 

What ensued was a whirlwind of pastries, parades, people in green, and a deep dive into Irish culture. This blog post is a tribute to that trip—an adventure where the city outdid itself to make St. Patrick’s Day the crown jewel of our March festivities. And keep reading until the end for a special spoiler alert about where I’m planning to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day this year. Let’s just say there’s more than one fabulous Irish city worth visiting in March! 

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✈️ Looking to score the best flight deals for Ireland? Then check out Trip.com for the best options 
📸 Don’t want to forget you have to pack for a trip and make the memories? Then this bag and this camera are for you! 
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Early Flight, Big Anticipation 

We started bright and early on St. Patrick’s Day by catching a morning flight from Bristol Airport. No, I’m not usually a morning person, and yes, I’d consider trading a kidney for an extra hour of sleep. But when you’re flying to Dublin on March 17th, all that grumpiness disappears faster than you can say “Sláinte!” The flight was just 40 minutes long—short enough that by the time I’d finished daydreaming about pastries, we were already descending over Ireland’s lush green fields. 

Ireland looked captivating from the plane window, especially as we approached, seeing those patchwork meadows. My husband tried to spot leprechauns in the fields below (tongue firmly in cheek, of course), and I had to admire the man’s enthusiasm for Irish folklore. It was clear from the get-go that this short journey was about to lead to one of the liveliest, most unforgettable day of our lives. 

A Taste of Dublin: Bread 41 

Upon landing, we breezed through the airport, hopped on our pre-booked bus transfer, and made our way into the heart of Dublin. Our first stop was Bread 41, a lovely artisan bakery at 41 Pearse Street. If you love the smell of freshly baked bread mingling with the aroma of a well-pulled espresso, then this place will instantly win your heart. 

I ordered a flaky almond croissant—let’s face it, croissants were designed to crumble all over your outfit, so don’t wear black—and my husband went for a savoury pastry filled with spinach and cheese. I suspect we looked quite the sight: two travelers, still groggy from an early flight, devouring pastries while decked out in green accessories to show solidarity with the St. Patrick’s Day crowd. But that’s the beauty of Dublin: everyone is welcome to be themselves here, no questions asked, as long as you’re having fun and not blocking the pastry line. 

Why St. Patrick’s Day Is Special 

On the subject of being dressed in green: March 17th is St. Patrick’s Day, commemorating the death anniversary of Ireland’s patron saint. Legend says St. Patrick used the shamrock as a metaphor for the Holy Trinity when he introduced Christianity to Ireland. That’s why the streets, shops, and yes, even the dogs sporting little green bandanas, all feature shamrocks—not four-leaf clovers (that’s a different symbol often confused with the Irish tradition). During St. Patrick’s Day, Ireland bursts with so much colour, music, dancing, and general merriment that you’d be hard-pressed to keep a straight face. 

The festival offers a moment to reflect on Irish identity, but also to simply bask in the joy of living—something the Irish excel at. From the cèilidh (traditional Irish dance parties) to the comedic performances scattered across the city, the day refuses to tiptoe around what it means to celebrate. Instead, it leaps wholeheartedly into laughter, cheer, and a universal sense of belonging. 

Hitting the Streets: The Buzz of Dublin 

Nothing beats the energy of Dublin in the throes of a St. Patrick’s Day celebration. It’s a living, breathing kaleidoscope of green costumes, painted faces, and strangers breaking into spontaneous jig steps. One of my favorite aspects of Irish culture is the camaraderie. In pubs, in line at the supermarket, or even just crossing the street, someone will likely strike up a friendly conversation with you. The Irish gift of gab is legendary for a reason, and on Paddy’s Day, this trait is turned all the way up to eleven. 

My husband and I found ourselves instantly swept into this wave of communal excitement. The city roads were temporarily pedestrian havens, with spectators, performers, and casual wanderers weaving together. Even though we’d only been on Irish soil for a few hours, I already felt that warm sense of belonging. 

The Grand Parade: Colour, Culture, and Celebration 

Of course, the star attraction of St. Patrick’s Day is the grand parade. We positioned ourselves on O’Connell Street, where the procession would soon pass by after leaving Parnell Square at noon. It was a bit like waiting for a royal cavalcade, except with more face paint and fewer stiff upper lips. At the stroke of midday, we heard the distant hum of drums and bagpipes, which quickly escalated into a full-blown sensory spectacle as the parade marched into view. 

It’s hard to describe the sheer delight of the floats without sounding hyperbolic. They were extravagant: giant paper-mâché creations, whimsical creatures, comedic caricatures, and multicultural elements that spoke volumes about Dublin’s inclusivity. One minute, you’d see a troupe of Irish dancers in traditional attire, and the next, a Brazilian samba group adding its own flair to the mix. This is Dublin, after all—a city that effortlessly merges the old with the new, the traditional with the global. 

The parade followed the route for 2.5 kilometres of pure celebration, crossing the River Liffey into Westmoreland Street, past the iconic Trinity College, and finally turning left at Christchurch Cathedral before ending near St. Patrick’s Cathedral. By around 2 p.m., the parade had concluded, but the city’s festivities were just gaining momentum. 

Temple Bar Tales: Guinness, Green Beer, and the Best Craic 

By now, it was time to investigate Dublin’s famed pub culture. We headed straight for Temple Bar, an area known for its historic pubs, vibrant nightlife, and a level of merrymaking that leaves your jaws sore from laughing. For St. Patrick’s Day, Temple Bar dials it all up by adding costumes, live music, and an atmosphere that’s downright electric. 

I’m usually more of a tea person (with the occasional glass of wine), but on St. Patrick’s Day, it felt sacrilegious not to order a Guinness or sample some of that green beer that revelers rave about. So, in the spirit of cultural immersion, I channeled my inner Irish and indulged. If you’ve never tried a fresh Guinness poured in Dublin, you’re missing out. It’s smoother, creamier, and just hits differently when sipped in its birthplace. My husband even tried mixing it with blackcurrant for a sweeter taste—a tip we’d gleaned from a local. 

Temple Bar’s cobbled streets, lively buskers, and neon signs radiated joy. It felt like stepping into an alternate reality where the only rule is to have a good time. Granted, it can be quite busy—think Times Square on New Year’s Eve levels of busy—but if you’re there for St. Patrick’s Day, you’re probably looking for that exact kind of fun chaos. 

Rambling Over Ha’penny Bridge and City Hall 

When our ears started ringing from the music inside Temple Bar, we decided a bit of a stroll was in order. We crossed the famous Ha’penny Bridge, originally built in 1816. This pedestrian-only bridge is an architectural gem, with its white cast-iron arch gracefully spanning the River Liffey. It got its name from the halfpenny toll once charged to cross it. My husband joked that the city should bring back the halfpenny toll to fund free pints of Guinness for tourists. 

From there, we admired City Hall from a distance. We were still riding high on the infectious spirit of the day, but sometimes you need a quiet moment to soak in the cityscape—and City Hall, with its neoclassical design, is a beauty worth pausing for. 

The Mysterious Slabs by Christchurch 

We then headed toward Christ Church Cathedral, one of Dublin’s most iconic medieval churches. Along the perimeter of Christchurch and the Dublin Corporation Civic Offices, there’s a series of 18 slabs set into the pavement. Each slab holds historical and cultural significance, a hidden gem that curious travelers love to uncover. We found one of these slabs purely by chance, which launched us into a mini-scavenger hunt to spot the others. Think of it as a Dan Brown novel in real life, minus the high-stakes conspiracy. 

Fish and Chips and a Guinness Tour 

As soon as hunger pangs struck again, we made our way to Leo Burdock, the famous fish and chip shop beloved by locals and tourists alike. The crispy batter, the flaky fish, and the equally crunchy chips—perfection. We sat by Christ Church Cathedral, devouring our steaming parcels of goodness while feeling the city’s pulse. I’m not typically one to label anything as the “best” version of a dish, but after biting into that fish, I was sold. My husband, with crumbs still stuck to his cheek, nodded in passionate agreement. 

With our bellies full, we wandered through Crane Street toward the legendary Guinness Storehouse. You don’t have to be a beer connoisseur to appreciate the epic scale of this place. The Guinness Storehouse is part museum, part interactive theme park for stout lovers, and entirely entertaining. Even the building’s interior is shaped like a giant pint glass, culminating in the Gravity Bar at the top, where you can sip on your Guinness while enjoying a panoramic view of Dublin. 

The Green Post Box and Trinity College 

One of my favorite random sightings was a green-painted post office pillar box from the reign of King Edward VII. Before Irish independence, mailboxes were painted red as a nod to British tradition. After independence, they painted them green to match the spirit of the nation. This historical quirk is charming—a reminder of Ireland’s journey and resilience. My husband joked that even the mailboxes were in the mood for St. Patrick’s Day, sporting their best shade of emerald. 

We ended the day with a leisurely walk-through Trinity College. The university’s Campanile tower stands watch, providing a regal backdrop for a moment of rest in the college’s beautifully kept grounds. Despite the day’s excitement, we both found a sense of calm there, a quiet contrast to the bustling city outside. We plopped down on a bench under a tree, half-expecting to see a leprechaun sprint past, but were just as content to watch the people relaxing around while we decompressed from the parade and pub-hopping. 

Reflecting on a Green-Tinged Adventure 

By the time evening rolled around, we were exhausted—no surprise, given the day’s events included a parade, multiple stops for pastries, pints, fish and chips, endless photos, and hours of walking. Yet it was a good kind of tired, the type where your feet ache but your heart is full. Dublin, especially on St. Patrick’s Day, has a way of making you feel like you are part of something grand and historic, yet joyously silly at the same time. There is still so much more to see and explore in Dublin, but we visited only for a day, and our one was full of excitement. 

Perhaps that’s the biggest takeaway: St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin embodies a perfect blend of tradition, unity, and unabashed fun. Whether you’re Irish, Polish, American, or hail from any corner of the globe, you can’t help but be pulled into the revelry. There’s an energy in the air that insists you forget your troubles, throw on something green, and celebrate life alongside strangers who quickly become friends. 

Final Thoughts (and a Pint of Wisdom) 

If you’re planning a trip to Dublin for St. Patrick’s Day or any other time of the year, here are a few quick tips before I wrap up (in case my 1,200+ words of enthusiastic rambling haven’t convinced you yet): 

1. Book Early: Hotels, flights, and tours fill up fast, especially during March. 

2. Dress for the Weather: Irish weather can be unpredictable. Layering is your friend and some raincoat could be a good idea too.

3. Embrace the Parade: The spectacle is worth it but get there early for a good view. 

4. Try Guinness on Tap: It truly tastes different (read: better) in Ireland. 

5. Explore Beyond the Tourist Spots: Dublin is bursting with hidden gems, from charming side streets to historical relics. Try Highlights and Hidden Gems Walking Tour, it is so worth it.

Lastly, if you do see a random green mailbox, take a moment to snap a photo and contemplate the interesting layers of Irish history it represents. Should you encounter a lively crowd decked out in shamrocks, join them. If a local invites you into a cèilidh, accept with a big smile. And if you’re lucky enough to get your hands on fish and chips from Leo Burdock, devour them unapologetically. 

For me, March will always be the month of too many celebrations to count—but St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin has a unique magic that stands out among them all. After all, how many times can you sip green beer in front of a centuries-old cathedral while fiddlers and bagpipers roar through the streets? As far as I’m concerned, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience that I hope to repeat again and again. 

Spoiler Alert: Belfast Bound! 

Before I wrap this post up entirely, I have one more exciting tidbit to share. This year, I’m going to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in… Belfast! Dublin is legendary, but I can’t wait to see how Belfast brings its own flavor to this Irish tradition. The famous Giant’s Causeway, the Titanic Quarter, and the historic pubs are all calling my name, and I’ll be trading my usual green hoodie for something with a bit more northern flair. Stay tuned—because if Belfast is half as welcoming and festive as Dublin (and trust me, I’ve heard it is), then we’re all in for another wild, unforgettable March! 

Sláinte! (which, if you didn’t know, is the Irish way of saying “cheers!”) and Dziękuję (that’s Polish for “thank you”) for joining me on this little journey back to Dublin. May your next March be just as festive and full of heart. And remember, if life ever feels a bit too serious, just picture a green mailbox or buy a shamrock headband. It won’t solve all your problems, but it’ll definitely make them look a little sillier—and that’s half the battle won.