- Why this month: This is Dublin's biggest March draw, with four days of citywide celebrations centered on Mar 17.
- Best time: Late morning to evening during festival dates
- Book by: 2–4 months ahead for hotels; attractions 2–3 weeks ahead
- Crowds: High during Mar 14–17, especially around O'Connell Street and Temple Bar
- Street theatre, live music, and packed pubs turn central Dublin into one long moving party.
- Don't miss: The parade route through the city centre on St. Patrick's Day
- Insider tip: Watch from a side stretch rather than the tightest spots near O'Connell Street if you want breathing room.
Dublin in March: Weather, crowds, St Patricks Day, and tips
Dublin in Spring: How March compares
| Category | February | March | April |
|---|---|---|---|
Weather | 5–7°C, damp, short bright windows | 8–10°C, light rain, changeable skies | 10–13°C, milder, greener, easier for long walks |
Crowds | Low to moderate | Moderate most days, high around Mar 14–17 | Moderate, with Easter spikes |
Atmosphere | Quiet, local, indoor-city mood | Lively, social, spring starting, festival energy mid-month | Looser, lighter, parks and gardens wake up |
Key events | Dublin International Film Festival, Six Nations, Lunar New Year events | St. Patrick's Festival, Six Nations, Dublin Comic Con, 1916 commemoration | Easter weekend, MusicTown, Dublin One City One Book |
Public holidays | St. Brigid's Day bank holiday on Feb 2 | St. Patrick's Day public holiday on Mar 17 | Easter Monday can affect transport and opening hours |
Budget | Good hotel deals outside event weekends | Good value early month, sharp rise during festival week | Shoulder-season pricing, slightly firmer than March |
Best for | Museums, pubs, cheaper city breaks | First-timers, festival trips, flexible itineraries | Walkers, garden lovers, relaxed sightseeing |
Book early? | Only for rugby and film dates | Yes, especially for Mar 6, Mar 14–17, and central stays | Yes for Easter weekend and popular timed entries |
Transport tips | Straightforward, fewer queues | Festival road closures and parade diversions mid-month | Easier than March, but Easter schedules can shift |
Top things to do in Dublin in March
Offbeat experiences in March
Planning your March visit
| Lead time | What to book | Why & when | Seasonal price change |
|---|---|---|---|
2–4 months ahead | Central hotels for festival week and rugby weekends | By late Dec–early Jan for Mar 6 and Mar 14–17; rooms near Temple Bar, O'Connell Street, and Aviva go first | Mar 14–17: often +30–60% vs early-March weekdays; rugby weekends: +15–30% vs midweek |
3–6 weeks ahead | Guinness Storehouse Tickets | Reserve by mid-Feb for weekend afternoon slots and festival dates | Festival weekend and Saturday afternoon slots can run +10–20% vs quieter weekday times |
2–4 weeks ahead | EPIC Museum Entry Tickets | Book by late Feb for weekend visits if you want fixed times around a short city break | Usually close to shoulder-season base; weekends can edge +5–10% vs weekdays |
1–2 weeks ahead | From Dublin: Wicklow Mountains, Glendalough, and Kilkenny Full-Day Trip | Book once you've checked the weather and decided on your best day-trip day | Often stable early month; festival week can push coach tours +5–15% vs first-week departures |
3–7 days ahead | City Sightseeing Dublin Liffey River 45-Minute Cruise | Short tours are easier to time once your forecast looks clearer | Usually flat outside Mar 14–17; evening tours can tick up +5–10% on Saturdays |
1 week ahead | Dublin: Celtic Nights with Irish Dinner, Music & Dance Show | Reserve by the prior weekend for Friday and Saturday dinners | Weekend dinner shows can be +10–15% vs weekday seats |
March highlights: Must-do experiences for different travellers
Dublin in March: Your perfect 3-day itinerary
Best day trips from Dublin in March
Go shopping in Dublin in March
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