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A friend and I plan on visiting Ireland in 2009, with our trip starting the weekend before St. Patrick's Day (which is a Wed next year). We are coming from the States and are flexible as to flying in to Dublin or Shannon, but I suspect Dublin will be cheaper. Had originally thought to spend St. Paddy's in Dublin, but wasn't impressed with news of the riots (overly enthusiastic partiers) they had in 2008, so am reconsidering Dublin as the place to be. Figure most anywhere in Ireland is good, really, but wanted to hear what the savvy travelers on Fodor's had to say. I didn't see this topic posted elsewhere (surprising, unless I just missed it). Thoughts? Please be as detailed as you can - we want your advice!
Best places in Ireland to spend St. Patrick's Day?
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I would sugges Galway...not as big as Dublin but still enough going on there..pubs, restaurants, shopping. My husband's cousin, a young soldier serving in Iraq was there this St. Patrick's Day while on a 2 week leave...he loved it...met lots of young people. It is a University town so still fun but hopefully without the rioting!
Thanks, Shadow! Hadn't thought of Galway. Actually, had heard enough not-so-great about Galway that it wasn't even on my list of places to stop! (And no offense to those who live there!) So, hmmmm...
Dingle!
We spent St Patricks day in Dingle, the homegrown parade was so much fun, we loved it. We had a fun St Patricks at the Dingle Pub, loved hearing the locals belt out all the irish tunes including Danny Boy. It was local and charming and the real deal.
Thanks spidycat and grumlin! Dingle is definitely on our list, and your description, grumlin, sounds very appealing!
Well, you can't beat Dingle...its just beautiful, lots of restaurants, pubs, village charm, the bay right there. I've been going to Dingle since 1971. I did not suggest it first since it will be smaller and yes, homegrown as grumlin says.
And, yes, it will be the real deal with people going to Mass in the morning and the parade in the afternoon, usually. It just depends on what you want...but yeah, Dingle would make a very memorable St. Patrick's Day.
DUBLIN! I dont recall Riots at all and I live here and see the parade each year. There may have been a few drunken idiots causing hassle in temple bar but really its safe and i managed it for the past 14 years.
The parade is Dublin would be the biggest and it is a fun environment as there is music and a fun fair in merrrion Sq and not sure if they still had the monster ceili.
Galway though would be fun I am sure as well but places like dingle with be different and not as busy as Dublin but then that may bbe what you want. i am biased by Dubin living here and we make a fun day of the 17th here.
Thanks SiobhanP - Maybe it's just the news we get over here, but the reports I read weren't encouraging. Your report is good news. Nice to have choices. So, if Temple Bar area gets dicey, where would you recommend one goes in the evening in Dublin for St. Patrick's?