Are you looking forward to claiming some luck o’ the Irish this year on St. Patrick’s Day? If so, Dublin, Ireland may be the perfect vacation destination for you. The city holds an annual festival on March 17, and is an all-around great place to visit this time of year. Here are some considerations to keep in mind:
- The People’s Parade: For the first time in 2013, the St. Patrick’s Day parade will be inviting 8,000 people from around the world to take part in the parade itself! If you are chosen, you will be able to wave at the audience as you enjoy being a part of history in the making. If you think you might be interested in this, you can apply at TheGatheringIreland.
- Get there early. The parade starts at noon, but you will want to get there very early to make sure that you get a good place to watch the parade go by. People will start filling up the streets at about 9:00 am, so this is a good time to head over. You’ll certainly want to find your prime spot by 11:00.
- Take normal precautions. Anytime you are in a large crowd, there are certain risks that you should be aware of. Keep your purse or money close to you, and hold small children by the hand. Don’t let bigger kids wander off, either; it will be crowded enough that you could quickly lose sight of them.
- Plan to walk or take public transportation. If you don’t know the area well, it’s better not to drive. There will be public transportation available, but remember that it will be crowded, so plan out extra time accordingly.
- Don’t forget your camera! You will want to get pictures of the revelry. Keep lighting in mind; Dublin can be a bit gloomy this time of year, so situate yourself where the sun has the best chance of shining.
If you are planning to be in Dublin, don’t forget to make time to sample the local delicacies. Try seafood at Aqua, drink beer at Kehoe’s or the Porterhouse, or enjoy upscale dining at Peploe’s. You’ll also want to check out Temple Bar, stroll through Trinity College, and take a walk through the Dube Linn Gardens. Plan your visit to Dublin to center around St. Patrick’s Day, and be sure to leave time to explore other charms of this fascinating city.
