Droves of tourists have arrived in Dublin for St Patrick’s Day festivities
DUBLIN, IRELAND – MARCH 17: Dublin’s St Patrick’s Day Parade on March 17, 2025 (Image: Charles McQuillan/Getty Images)
Tourists have flocked to Dublin to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style.
Huge crowds will attend today’s National St Patrick’s Day Parade in the capital, which begins at midday. It follows a traditional path starting at Parnell Square, moving down O’Connell Street, and concluding at the junction of Cuffe Street and Kevin Street.
The theme for the 2026 festival is “Roots,” which focuses on celebrating heritage and how communities grow together. The 2026 procession will feature 12 massive floats created by independent parade companies, with more than 3,000 people expected to take part.
Ahead of today’s festivities, Dublin Live spoke to tourists in the capital and asked them what they think of Ireland: One French tourist told us: “The Guinness makes Ireland really great to come to visit!”
A tourist from Pennsylvania said they love “the history, the beauty of Ireland, the old buildings and the traditions. It’s just beautiful.”
A California native added: “I’m a tourist coming from California and I come here for the people, the wonderful and kind people that live here that are my friends for many years. I am always welcomed when I come here and meet new people as well.”
An Italian exchange student told us: “I love the green of Ireland. In Italy there are green places but not this many. I love the people. Yesterday we went to a bar for the first time and everyone was energetic and the vibe was so good.
“We love the decorations (for St Patrick’s Day). I’m doing an exchange year so I’ve been here for six months now, it’s very good.”
A student from Uganda who is currently doing his masters in Dublin said: “Ireland is a very friendly country. I’ve been here for the last six months and it’s beautiful, friendly and awesome.”
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