ST PATRICK’S DAY comes but once a year and TheJournal.ie is here to show you where and when all the action kicks off .
We know how stressful it can be to navigate the crowds, avoid the packed out pubs and dodge the over-zealous revellers. So here’s everything you need to know to have a hassle-free Paddy’s Day in the capital.
If you’re outside Dublin, we’ve also got you covered:
Road closures
There are a number of road closures in operation during the St Patrick’s Festival.
Most of these are only in operation until the parade finishes up, so you’re looking at disruption up until 3pm.
How to get about
Luas
There will be some disruption to Luas Red Line services to accommodate the parade. Trams will operate between Smithfield and Tallaght from 10.30am to 2.30pm. The first tram is at 7.00am and the last one will depart from the city centre to Saggart at 10.50pm.
There may some short delays on the Luas Green Line to accommodate events and the last tram from Brides Glen to Stephen’s Green is at 11.00pm and last tram from Stephen’s Green to Brides Glen is at 11.30pm.
DART
DART services will operate to a Sunday schedule, but with extra trains operating before and after the parade.
Commuter services will operate to a Sunday schedule with minor alterations. Full details are available here.
Tara Street Station is closed until 4pm today to help gardaí crowd implement their crowd management plan for the parade. Customers should use Connolly and Pearse stations instead.
Dublin Bus
Buses will be running but on a Sunday schedule. There are a host of diversions affecting dozens of routes. You can find all the information here.
The parade itself
It all kicks off at 12 noon.
Bands from Ireland will be joined by music ensembles from around the world, including France, Germany, the Bahamas, Switzerland and the USA, and organisers have promised it to be a spectacular procession.
The route has slightly changed from last year. The parade will now come down the east side of O’Connell Street on the Clery’s side, O’Connell Bridge east and onto Westmoreland Street. These changes will affect how the general public get around the city. Diversions will be in place which may lengthen journey times so it is advised to plan ahead.
According to festival organisers: “Public coming to view the parade on O’Connell Street should access via Rosie Hackett Bridge and Marlborough Street. It is anticipated that viewing on O’Connell Bridge will be at capacity early. There will be street signage in place and An Garda Síochána and stewards will be there to assist.”
Where’s all the action?
As you’d expect, most people will be drawn to the parade. However, there are a host of activities happening around the city which are expected to lead to congestion.
Where you can watch it
If you can’t make it to one of the parades or you’re abroad for the festivities, then there are still ways to soak up the action.
Live from Dublin at 12:15pm (Irish time), audiences can tune in as Des Cahill, Bláthnaid Ní Chofaigh and Aidan Power host the parade. The theme this year is ‘Ireland You Are’ and it promises to be packed with art, design, performance and of course ceol agus craic.
The celebrations will be available to watch worldwide for free through RTÉ Player or on YouTube here.
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