Dublin does St. Patrick’s Day like nowhere else on earth. For four days every March, the whole city throws itself into a celebration of everything Irish – and 2026 is shaping up to be one of the best yet. The festival runs from Saturday 14th through to Tuesday 17th March, with something happening across every corner of the city. If you’re planning to be in Dublin for the weekend, here’s where to point yourself.

1. City Funfair at Custom House Quay | 14th–17th March

Enjoy carnival rides, family fun and vintage attractions at the City Funfair on Custom House Quay during the festival. Right along the Liffey, it’s a brilliant way to spend an afternoon with the family or friends before the evening festivities kick in.

2. Dublin City Council Family Village at Wood Quay | 14th–16th March

By day, the Dublin City Council Family Village at Wood Quay offers welcoming and playful spaces featuring DJ Seanem, Ireland’s youngest festival DJ, the Dublin City Library Bus, and creative experiences with Bricí Spraoi. Craft workshops including lacemaking, willow weaving, tin smithing and felting will also take place at various locations, offering hands-on activities for all ages. Free, relaxed, and genuinely great fun.

3. Get Shamrocked — Face Painting | 14th – 16th March

Because what’s St. Patrick’s Day without a green shamrock on your face? Emma Slowe’s face painters will be popping up at spots across the city all weekend. Find your nearest location, get your badge of honour, and come show it off at T.P. Smiths afterwards.

4. The National St. Patrick’s Day Parade | 17th March

The centerpiece of the whole festival. The parade starts at midday on Tuesday 17th March, running from Granby Row in the north of the city, down O’Connell Street, over O’Connell Bridge and through the south side of the city, ending at the Cuffe St./Kevin St. junction. The parade will feature 12 large-scale floats from independent parade companies, with over 3,000 participants involved – including beloved pageant makers like Macnas, Bui Bolg, and Spraoi, alongside exciting new entries and marching bands travelling from Scotland and the United States. No tickets needed – just pick your spot and soak it in.

Make a Weekend of It at T.P. Smiths

Whatever you get up to across St. Patrick’s Day Weekend, T.P. Smiths is the place to start the day and end it right. Great food, great drinks, and an atmosphere that matches the energy of Dublin’s biggest weekend. Whether you’re fueling up before the parade or settling in for the evening, we’ve got you covered. We’ll have a seat with your name on it.