Initially a religious holiday to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day has since evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture. In fact, it has become one of the most popular days of the year to throw a party and gather with others.

So how do people in Ireland — the heart of where St. Patrick’s Day originated — celebrate each March 17th? Should travelers find themselves in Ireland this time of year, here’s what to expect in terms of St. Patrick’s Day commemorations.

Since St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday, expect schools, banks and some businesses to be closed around the country and in portions of Northern Ireland. St. Patrick’s Day tourism is big business, so restaurants and pubs likely will be open and may extend their hours. According to the vacationing resource Travel Awaits, more than 100,000 travelers visit Dublin from March 14 to March 18 to partake in St. Patrick’s Day festivities. COVID-19 likely will impact how many visit this year.

As St. Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday, devout Irish Catholics will treat the day as a religious celebration and may attend mass at nearby churches. Even though St. Patrick’s Day falls during the solemn season of Lent, since St. Patrick’s Day 2022 falls on a Thursday this year, one does not need to worry about any Lenten fasting restrictions. However, abstaining from meat usually is put on pause when St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Lenten Friday anyway.
The biggest St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place in Dublin, and it’s full of national pride. Additional smaller parades may be held across Ireland as well.

Travelers may experience “drowning the shamrock” as they visit Irish pubs on St. Patrick’s Day. It is traditional to drop a shamrock into customers’ drinks in the pub. As such, it is surmised that having many drinks undoubtedly means more good luck for the year ahead due to all those lucky shamrocks.

It’s common to come across religious rituals, pilgrimages and processions on St. Patrick’s Day, particularly to places associated with St. Patrick. Downpatrick in County Down is believed to be the final resting place of St. Patrick and many people visit the grave and cathedral there. Some also may want to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral in Dublin.
Ireland celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in similar fashion as other countries, but the country offers unique takes on the festivities as well.