There I was in the center of Dublin Ireland for St Patrick’s Day 2015 as I had been for 2014. It was a typical gray, chilly morning, and the streets were beginning to fill with green hair and hats of all shapes and sizes. I had just spent the past two days taking in all Dublin has to offer for city breaks and day trips (more on that soon). Everyone was in an epic mood and couldn’t wait for the parade to begin. I knew from last year that the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Dublin is one not to be missed. It is to date the most creative, artistic, and cultural parade event I have personally ever experienced. And it’s right dead smack in the home of St Patrick’s Day.
The St Patrick’s Day 2015 parade was all about the present and full of vibrant pageantry and bands from the USA, Mexico, Germany and Ireland that brought dramatic and whimsical sounds through the air. The parade made its procession through the city of Dublin surrounded by thousands of spectators dressed in green.
Last year’s Festival Parade theme, ‘Let’s Make History’drew on ‘the past’ and was the first of three exciting themes in the creative journey through past, present and future.
2016 will explore ‘the future’, asking the question, ‘who do we aspire to be in the next 100 years’?, completing the three-year theme and narrative of ‘past, present and future’.
-St Patrick’s Day 2015 Festival site
Why I Love the Event Beyond the Parade Line
For me, I knew St Patrick’s Day 2015 would be better than ever before. Being in Dublin for the big event was becoming a tradition for me, and traditions only get better with time. I’ve grown very fond of exploring all that Ireland has to offer adventure, culture and history seekers like me. Of course, we can’t forget the magic.
Last year I explored fairy sites, castles and beautiful landscapes along the Wild Atlantic Way. This year I went back to Glendalough to the place where the very first Irish legends were transcribed from oral tellings. With the festival parade being the big finale to epic adventures across one of the most magical places on earth, why not spend March in Ireland?
Some of Our Favorite Day Trips from Dublin
- The Game of Thrones Tour in Northern Ireland – 1.5-hour drive
- The Wicklow Mountains – 1.5-hour drive
- The Hellfire Club – 35-minute drive
- Newgrange in Co Meath – 40 minutes drive
- Loughcrew in Co Meath – 40 minutes drive
- Trim Castle – 30 minutes drive
- Howth Island – 20 minutes drive
Of course there is much more where that comes from. You can always get the best information on fun things to do near Dublin on the Tourism Ireland website and the St Patrick’s Day Festival site for up to date event info.
St Patrick’s Day 2015 Parade, Dublin
Let’s get to it. You came here for the pictures right. These photos were shot by me on the parade line as a guest of Tourism Ireland and Failte Ireland. While they are always very welcoming and provide complete travel expenses, that in no way shapes my opinion of Ireland as being one of my favourite places on earth, and my favourite place to have spend St Patrick’s Day 2015.
The St Patrick’s Day Festival in Dublin was yet again a hit. I can’t wait to see what’s in store for 2016! Till next year!
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84 Comments
Those photos are amazing and the parade looks spectacular! I was able to visit Ireland a couple years ago but i would love to be able to go back and spend more time there, especially during St. Patrick’s Day. Awesome!
OMG it’s such a good trip! Better than any SPD festival here in the states. So artistic, it’s unreal.
That looks amazing! So much color I bet it’s something to see in person
The Irish are SOOOOOO creative!
Love the photos! I trip to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day would be amazing!
Thank you! Did you know trips to Dublin are pretty inexpensive!
These photos are very pretty! nice trip!
Thank you! Some of them are of course from Tourism Ireland but many are taken by me.
I love the history of Ireland. This parade looks so much fun
And it’s SOOOO different than what we’re used to here in the states. It’s a must see if you love art and culture. Dublin in general is just a fascinating place. It’s my favorite place truly.
OMG I would love to go to Ireland! It would be amazing anytime of the year!
Now that is TRUTH!
Visiting Ireland on St. Patrick’s Day is definitely on my dream list of must-do things! How amazing it must be!
It’s a pretty attainable dream. Unlike visiting some other European countries, Ireland has very reasonable flights from the U.S. which makes it a place you can visit again and again!
Ireland been on my bucket list for years! I have friends thats been and they all said how beautiful and re-freshening it is. I think I would lose my mind if I went for St.Patricks day. That would definitely be my most memorable trip to date!
That’s how I felt the first time I went to Ireland. It still resides as my number one place to go in the world.
WOW.. this would be a dream come true.. lots of culture in Ireland I’d love to experience it!
Flights are cheaper than you think! I’ve been there and back for 650 from Tampa more than once.
Wow, what gorgeous photos! Looks like a ton of fun. It’s been a lifelong dream to visit Ireland… One that’s finally coming true this summer 😀
That’s awesome! Let me know if you need any insight!
I’d love to visit Ireland and that parade looks fabulous! My guy is 2nd generation Irish-Australian and my great great-grandmother, was born there, I think? It’d be fun to find out if there’s any distant cousins there.
So many visitors to Ireland for their heritage. I wish i was Irish! I feel Irish hahahaha!
I would love to go to Ireland. I have several family members that have already gone and hopefully will plan a trip again soon. The parade looks amazing.
It’s a lot of fun!
I think it would be more than amazing to visit Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day or any time of year. I have Irish in my background and would love to go!
Another REAAAAAAALLLLLLY cool time of year to visit is for Halloween. Just slightly north of Dublin is where the first Halloween ever took place. There’s also a STUNNING castle not far, and they have the Bram Stoker Festival that time of year as well. But May and September are the most beautiful if you’re looking for scenic trips. I say these months because they are at the beginning and end of the peak season and still have all the pretty blossoms and weather to go with it.
I am half Irish and I always dreamed of visiting Ireland . I enjoy an adult beverage on occasion also so visiting during St. Patrick’s day is probably the best possible time to visit !!! Everyone looks so happy in the photos and I would love for that to be me one day
All the best and gr8 beauties u hav as giveaways. All the best for ur future and hope I win Also the blog is awesome with colors culture people and happiness all around
My daughter lived in Ireland for 6 months..she loved it and talks about going back, I would love to go and visit the Emerald Island..looks amazing..Wedgewood crystal, wool blankets and sweater..awe take me away
I would love to live there. They have pretty strict immigration laws. I’d have to get a work visa or marry an Irish man haha!
My dream is to travel to Ireland One day! St Patrick’s day would be amazing to celebrate there!
What a dream trip! I would love to visit and take in the culture and history! Thank you for the post!
Thank you for coming by!
Ireland tourism: great idea!
I have visited Dublin before and it was marvelous, I can’t imagine the happy chaos on St Patrick’s Day!
Oh it’s unbeatable! UNBEATABLE!!!! Going is a must!
This is on my list of places that I want to visit! Thank you for sharing, I cannot wait to go.
I can’t wait for you to go either!!!!!! jaja
That looks really fun. Haven’t been yet but it’s on the list
This looks like it would be a ton of fun not only th parade but all the things that are short drives around you.Looks like you had a blast.
This is AWESOME! Planning travel for this year, can’t wait to add Ireland to the list!
My best friend lives in Ireland, and I have wanted to go for years. To be able to visit on St. Patrick’s Day, and see all the gorgeous sights of the parade with her would be wonderful! We have spoken before, and she thinks that Americans celebrate even more than the Irish do.
My mother managed to achieve her lifetime dream of visiting Ireland, and she loved every minute of her time there. If I were to somehow be able to afford such a trip, I think I’d rather tour the countryside rather than the crowds of the major cities. I’m not sure St. Patrick’s Day would be my favorite time to visit, as my understanding is that it’s really more of an American holiday.
It’s actually Ireland’s holiday. You’d be surprised though. It’s not like our parades (filled with sloppy drunks and rude people) it’s very much a happy place to be. Families and friends gathered to see the creative floats and street performers. It’s all very theatrical. But yes, there is much to explore beyond the city. Ireland is truly fascinating.
Wow, luv these pics! I’ve always wanted to go to Ireland for St. Patrick’s Day & now I think next year is my year!
YAY!!!! I can’t wait to hear all about it!
I think going to Ireland for one would be a dream come true, but to be able to visit on such a holiday would be unimaginable! What an amazing culture and festival to be able to see!
It’s epic beyond epic.
Oh my goodness! This would be the trip of a lifetime!
Ireland looks like it would be an amazing place to visit! I wouldn’t even know where to start if I were to go there.
You could start in Dublin and drive in a circle until you get to the middle ha!
My wife and I have been wanting to visit Ireland for about 4 years now! Although I imagine St. Patricks Day would be intense, we would probably spend most of our time out in the countryside! It is more our style… but I would definitely throw St. Patty’s in there as an extra!
You know, the parade is thick but it clears out well. It’s all a part of the experience. Everyone is in such great spirits. People from all over with their fantastic flare. The streets get busy mid day from lunch all the way into the wee hours, but it’s very much a good vibe. Everyone is having a great time! Land a SPD on a Monday and you’ve got yourself a weekend to remember. I’ve been twice, it gets better every time. I’m with you, more of the scenic stuff for me. So if it can win me over I’m sure you;d love it too.
I would love to visit Ireland especially at St. Patrick’s Day . I have family roots there and I’d love to research them and immerse myself in the culture!
There’s a lot of tourism based on family ties in Ireland. Hope you get there!
I’d definitely want to visit Dublin. Must be awesome on St. Patrick’s Day.
I didn’t know St Patrick’s Day was so big in Ireland, it would be fantastic to be part of such a celebration.
It’s THE Irish of all Irish holidays!
What beautiful bright pictures and I would love to visit Ireland for St Patrick’s Day.
Thank you!
Ireland is definitely on my bucket list..
That is the one and only place I would love to visit. My spouse has an Irish background
The one and only?! Well then hey, you chose a good one and only!
Would love to see the culture& try the food. Hopefuly one day I would love to see Ireland It’s on my bucket list.
My favorite food in Ireland, the stuff I crave, is their fish chowder. It’s amazing. And, depending on where you get it, it’s a little different in each place. There is great cuisine in Dublin, not so much traditional Irish but other yummy foods you can’t resist.
The photos are beautiful..the Irish drink like us Canadians and all this
The Game of Thrones Tour in Northern Ireland – 1.5 hour drive
The Wicklow Mountains – 1.5 hour drive
The Hellfire Club – 35 minute drive
Newgrange in Co Meath – 40 minutes drive
Loughcrew in Co Meath – 40 minutes drive
Trim Castle – 30 minutes drive
Howth Island – 20 minutes drive
is so easy to visit
Indeed! Very easy to visit. Driving takes a little to get used to but if I can do it anyone can!
Love the photos. Makes me want to travel.
I’ve always wanted to go to Dublin and travel around the whole island. I think my 6 year old would have a blast too. These photos are amazing.
I am a watch fanatic and the men’s watch is fantastic! Would look better on my wrist!
Great blog! Love, love the photos too! Thanks for the chance at winning 🙂
Thank you! <3
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That right there is my DREAM trip. Until it happens in reality I’ll keep dreaming! Thanks for the beautiful story & photos.
My mom is from Ireland – loved this blog post! Would love to take my family there – definitely on the list : )
Thank you!
I have always wanted to visit Ireland! I hope to go with my husband soon. I’m sure it would be awesome for St. Patrick’s Day, but I crave quiet villages and landscapes more than the party atmosphere.
Oh and there’s PLENTY of that there! I love Doolin at the Cliffs of Moher.
I’ve never been, but would love to go. Seems like a dream vacation!
I knew there had to be more to St Patrick’s Day than green beer!
OMG ROLLING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Would Lovexxx to visit there on St.Patrick’s Day!! It looks amazing and so much fun! 🙂
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