We’ve been taking students abroad for more than 40 years, traveling to destinations around the world that inspire young travelers to keep exploring. One of our most popular international destinations is Ireland, a stunning island nation that invites you in with its friendly people, breathtaking landscapes and fascinating history. And if you choose to visit during the St. Patrick’s Day season, you’ll leave with more luck than you came with.
So today, let’s daydream together and take a whirl through the many festivals, parades and cultural opportunities that await on St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland.
Once-in-a-Lifetime Performance Opportunities
Dublin – St. Patrick’s Festival + Parade
Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Festival is the most vibrant celebration of this special day on the planet, and a bucket-list event for people all over the world. Thousands of revelers celebrate for four days across the city, attending concerts, street fairs, performances, art exhibitions and more.
But the jewel of the festival is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, featuring marching bands from across the globe, along with troupes of performers, floats and dancers. Students will remember this experience for the rest of their lives. With over half a million spectators watching, your group will join over 4,000 parade participants from around the world and delight crowds along Dublin’s historic streets.
Note: As one of the most competitive band opportunities in the world, this event is currently booking for 2027 and beyond.
But the St. Patrick’s Day adventures aren’t limited to Dublin – cities and towns across the country host huge festivals and parades, attracting marching bands from around the world to join in the celebration.
Limerick – St. Patrick’s Festival + International Band Championship
Just a few hours southwest lies the charming, riverfront city of Limerick, known for its warm hospitality and lush green countryside. Limerick hosts Ireland’s only international band championship each March, welcoming marching bands from Ireland, Europe and America. Tens of thousands of revelers line the streets of Limerick, cheering for the bands ready to dazzle them. But only one can be crowned International Band Champion!
Cork – St. Patrick’s Day Festival + Parade
Cork is Ireland’s second-largest city but is considered its food capital, featuring a delicious culinary scene, filled with music, dancing and Irish hospitality. It’s also home to another well-known St. Patrick’s Day celebration, hosting dancers, bands and special guests from around the world. With a new, imaginative theme announced annually, this beautiful festival shouldn’t be missed.
Additional Performances
Beyond parade experiences, groups often have the opportunity to perform for audiences in historic venues – from medieval castles to hallowed cathedrals. We’d love to dream up the perfect performance opportunity for your program!
More to See in Ireland
Kilkenny
Beyond parade experiences, groups often have the opportunity to perform for audiences in historic venues – from medieval castles to hallowed cathedrals. We’d love to dream up the perfect performance opportunity for your program!
Students love this medieval city and can explore Kilkenny Castle, St. Canice’s Cathedral and the surrounding village and shopping areas.
Galway City
In the arts capital of Ireland, students wander streets lined with brightly painted storefronts and past medieval town walls while live music and the sounds of street theatre fill the air.
Cliffs of Moher
Rising 700 feet from the Atlantic Ocean, the Cliffs of Moher are a dramatic vista where students can see the Aran Islands, Galway Bay and the Dingle Peninsula on a clear day. In a country full of Instagram-worthy sights, this one just might take the cake.
Belfast
The capital of Northern Ireland, Belfast is home to Titanic Belfast, a self-guided experience that gives students a unique perspective on the famous ship that was born and built in Belfast Harbor.
Uniquely Irish Experiences
The Hurley
Hit the field at the Gaelic Athletic Association and try your hand at the hurley, or hurling stick. Students learn this traditional Irish sport and try to best each other with their newfound hurley skills.
Irish Breakfast
Students rave about Irish cuisine, especially the full Irish breakfast – eggs, rashers (bacon), sausage, black pudding, beans, brown bread and Irish tea.
Life on the Farm
A full day on the farm immerses students in Irish culture, as they bake Irish soda bread, learn to play traditional Irish instruments and meet cows and sheepdogs.
If this daydream has you feeling the luck of the Irish, we’d love to dream with you. Your trip to Ireland is fully customized to the activities and cultural opportunities you and your students are interested in – and it’s a great trip for friends and family to join as well!
If you’d like more information about this incredible international experience, let’s connect. We work with directors of groups of every size and every dream. We can’t wait to hear from you!