Let’s face it, when it comes to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, it simply doesn’t get any bigger than being in Ireland to see all the action. Gloria Atanmo got to spend it with 70+ ‘long lost Irish cousins’ from around the world. In her own words: “It. Was. Incredible.” On her Shamrocker Adventures Tour, she not only survived St. Patrick’s Day, but looked damn good doing it. So here’s a quick how-to, what-to, and yes-to for when you get the amazing opportunity to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day on the Emerald Isle.
Surrender your liver in advance.
This isn’t admitting defeat as much as it is preparing your body for the copious amounts of Guinness. And (oh my Guinness) there will be lots. If you can just accept that you will fail to keep up with the Irish, you can at least hate yourself significantly less the morning after. Ah, yes… the compromises of life.
Channel your inner marathon-runner and pace yourself.
Despite not having a marathon-bone in my body, endurance is my middle name. And even though I had my first Irish cider at the completely reasonable and acceptable hour of 9AM, I made sure I was either drinking water in between my pints or not finishing more than one in an hour (#rookie). Lord knows there’s nothing cute about being obliterated before noon, so maintain a cool and collected buzz by pacing yourself throughout the day. However (because peer pressure and stuff) you’ll probably gradually increase said pace after 6PM…
Splurge on that obnoxious green. Your photos will be worth it.
If you can manage it, buy your St. Patrick’s Day attire before you get to Ireland, because you’ll spend probably 50% less on that never-to-be-worn-again green tutu/leggings/pearl necklace. I was able to snag an “Irish For a Day” sash from home, but picked up a £5 mini flag in Dublin, as well as a pint glass, and the coolest hat you ever did see. Man, I was stylin’.
Get to a parade early and wait towards the middle.
I was in Dublin and Dame Lane is where we claimed our spots right around 11am. The parade started at 12pm, but the floats didn’t start passing us until a little after 1pm, so definitely wear comfortable shoes and bring something to keep you occupied in the meantime.
Disclaimer: Public drinking is illegal in Dublin — but kind of in the same way that peeing in the shower is too. You probably shouldn’t, but no one will stop you if you did…at least in my experience (both peeing and drinking, ha).
Book it with Shamrocker Adventures!
While it’s easy to show up and do this on your own, it’s wayyy more fun when you’ve got a busload of fanatics from around the world with you, keen to get their Paddy’s Day celebrations ON! We face-painted, pre-gamed, and pub-crawled as a team, and that’s always more enjoyable when it’s with people you’ve already spent a couple days touring around with. You’ll have a local guide who knows all the best spots for eating and drinking, so you’ll be in great company! Can’t recommend it enough!
Remember your Vibe shirt.
Whether you’re going just to Put Out The Vibe at the St. Paddy’s party, or extend the trip, Play In Europe and take in some amazing sights, remember that your Vibe T-Shirt photos could win you a share of £1000. Check out some here:
Dublin Hostel/Accommodation Recommendations:
Gloria Atanmo is a blogger and mad traveller – visit her site at theblogabroad.com
Shamrocker Adventures specialise in tours of Ireland – visit their site here shamrockeradventures.com