Top 5 Destinations for St. Patrick’s Day: Where to Go for the Ultimate Celebration

St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just an Irish holiday—it’s a global celebration of culture, history, and, let’s be honest, some fantastic partying. Whether you’re looking for an authentic experience in Ireland or a U.S. city that goes all out with parades and pub crawls, we’ve rounded up the top five destinations for St. Patrick’s Day.

From vibrant festivals to lively Irish pubs, here’s where to go, plus tips for nonrev travelers and hotel picks for every budget.

5. Sydney, Australia

St. Patrick’s Day down under? Absolutely! Sydney has a huge Irish expat community, and they light up the Opera House green for the occasion. The city hosts a massive parade and family-friendly festival at The Rocks, featuring Irish music, cultural performances, and plenty of Guinness. Beyond the main event, Sydney’s vibrant Irish pub scene ensures the celebrations continue well into the night.

For a unique experience, take a harbor cruise and enjoy the festivities with stunning views of the city skyline. If you're looking for a more laid-back way to celebrate, grab a pint at one of Sydney’s iconic Irish pubs, like Scruffy Murphy’s, a lively late-night spot popular with locals.

• Fly into: Sydney Kingsford Smith Airport (SYD).

• Getting to the City: Take the Airport Link train for a quick 15-minute ride into the city.

• Ideal Stay: 4–5 days to enjoy the festivities and explore Sydney’s beaches, food scene, and iconic landmarks.

• Standby Likelihood: March is outside Sydney’s peak tourist season, so flights may be easier to clear—though book a backup route just in case!

• The Langham, Sydney ($$$) – A luxury hotel with stunning harbor views, plush rooms, and a relaxing spa to unwind after the celebrations.

• The Grace Hotel ($$) – A stylish and centrally located option with Art Deco charm, within walking distance of The Rocks.

• Sydney Harbour YHA ($) – A clean and affordable hostel with a rooftop terrace overlooking the Sydney Opera House—perfect for budget-conscious travelers who still want great views.

If you want an authentic, less touristy Irish experience, head to Galway. The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations here are lively yet intimate, with a fun parade and fantastic pub culture. Galway is also famous for its coastal beauty, with stunning views along the Wild Atlantic Way.

• Fly into: Shannon Airport (SNN) or Dublin (DUB) and take a train/bus to Galway.

• Getting to the City: Buses from Shannon take about 90 minutes. Trains from Dublin take approximately 2.5 hours.

• Ideal Stay: 3–4 days to soak up the local culture.

• Standby Likelihood: Shannon is typically easier than Dublin, but try for both options just in case.

• The g Hotel & Spa ($$$) – A stylish, modern hotel with a fantastic spa.

• The Hardiman ($$) – A classic hotel right in the heart of Eyre Square.

• Kinlay Hostel Galway ($) – A friendly, clean hostel in a prime location.

There’s no better place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than the heart of Ireland itself. Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Festival spans several days, featuring street performances, concerts, and a massive parade through the city. The festive atmosphere spills into the pubs, where live music, dancing, and endless pints of Guinness keep the celebrations going all night.

Visit the Guinness Storehouse for the full Irish beer experience, explore Temple Bar, or take a scenic day trip to the Cliffs of Moher for a breathtaking change of pace.

• Fly into: Dublin Airport (DUB).

• Getting to the City: The Airlink Express bus gets you to the city center in about 30 minutes.

• Ideal Stay: 4–5 days to enjoy the festival and explore beyond Dublin.

• Standby Likelihood: Dublin gets busy for St. Patrick’s Day, so consider flying in a few days early or connecting through a less direct route.

• The Shelbourne Dublin ($$$) – A historic luxury hotel with stunning architecture and top-tier service.

• The Morgan Hotel ($$) – A trendy boutique hotel in the lively Temple Bar district.

• Abbey Court Hostel ($) – A social, budget-friendly hostel with a great location.

Boston has deep Irish roots, and it hosts the longest-running St. Patrick’s Day parade in the U.S. The South Boston Parade is a massive event with marching bands, floats, and tons of green-clad revelers. The city is home to some of the most authentic Irish pubs in the country, including The Black Rose and J.J. Foley’s, where live Irish music keeps the party going.

Beyond the celebrations, Boston’s history adds another layer to the trip. Walk the Freedom Trail, visit the Boston Tea Party Ships, or take a day trip to Salem for a mix of history and spooky fun.

• Fly into: Boston Logan International Airport (BOS).

• Getting to the City: Take the Silver Line bus (free from the airport) or hop in a taxi/Uber for a quick ride downtown.

• Ideal Stay: 2–3 days to fully enjoy the festivities and explore Boston’s rich history.

• Standby Likelihood: Flights into BOS can fill up fast leading up to the holiday—flying in a day or two early increases your chances.

• The Liberty Hotel ($$$) – A former jail-turned-luxury hotel with a unique vibe and fantastic bars.

• The Godfrey Hotel Boston ($$) – Modern and centrally located, making it easy to get to all the action.

• HI Boston Hostel ($) – A comfortable, budget-friendly stay in the heart of downtown.

Chicago takes St. Patrick’s Day seriously—so seriously, in fact, that they dye the Chicago River bright green for the occasion! The city hosts one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the U.S., featuring bagpipers, Irish dancers, and festive floats. The energy is electric as locals and visitors alike flood the streets in green attire, ready to celebrate.

Aside from the parade, Chicago has countless Irish pubs to keep the festivities going. Head to The Irish Oak or Chief O’Neill’s for live music, Guinness, and traditional Irish fare. If you need a break from the madness, take a stroll through Millennium Park or warm up with deep-dish pizza at Lou Malnati’s.

• Fly into: Chicago O’Hare (ORD) or Chicago Midway (MDW). ORD has more flights, but MDW is closer to downtown.

• Getting to the City: The L train (Blue Line from ORD, Orange Line from MDW) gets you downtown in about 45 minutes.

• Ideal Stay: 2–3 days to enjoy the celebrations without overdoing it.

• Standby Likelihood: Chicago is a major hub, so there are plenty of flights. However, St. Patrick’s weekend can be busy—aim for early morning or midweek travel.

• The Langham, Chicago ($$$) – A luxury riverside hotel with unbeatable views of the green-dyed river and an elegant spa to recover from the festivities.

• LondonHouse Chicago ($$$) – A stylish hotel with a rooftop bar, perfect for toasting to St. Paddy’s Day with city skyline views.

• HI Chicago Hostel ($$$) – A clean, affordable hostel near public transit, great for travelers who plan to spend most of their time exploring.

What’s your favorite St. Patrick’s Day destination?