10 Things to Do in Dublin in March

The Irish capital is decked out in green every March to welcome one of the country's most important holidays; St Patrick's Day. But that's not the only thing to do in the city during this month. March welcomes spring and, despite having to dodge the odd shower, Dublin offers plenty to see and do during this time.

If you're thinking of coming to Dublin in March, I'm going to give you a list of 10 things to do in the city. From day trips, to city tours for both cloudy and spring days. And, of course, everything you need to know to experience a real St. Patrick's Day. Let's get started!

Every 17th March in Ireland, the traditional thing to do is to dress in green, in honour of the colour of St. Patrick's shamrock, and go to the most emblematic pubs to share a good craft beer in the company of friends and to the sound of the parades and concerts that are scattered throughout the centre of Dublin.

St Patrick's Day is such a charismatic and fun celebration that it has already travelled around the world. However, its origins lie in Ireland, specifically in its saint, Patrick, who represents not only the arrival of Catholicism in Ireland, but whose supposed death would coincide with the day Ireland proclaimed itself an independent republic.

This day, therefore, is tremendously important, as it represents not only a part of its tradition and culture, but also the birth of an independent Ireland. For Dubliners, and for Ireland as a whole, 17 March is a bank holiday and is celebrated in style. Events on this day are free and many Dublin pubs have special offers. All you have to do is get yourself a green outfit and go out and celebrate in style.

Explore Temple Bar in depth

Temple Bar is a famous neighbourhood with some of the most popular pubs in the city. At any time of the year it's fun to go for a beer and a bite to eat, but during March it takes on a much more special feel. Spring is just around the corner, the days are getting longer and people are looking forward to St. Patrick's Day.

I recommend you book an Irish pub c rawl in this area of Temple Bar or, if you prefer, go on your own to explore this picturesque place, spend some quality time with the locals and try some of the local beers.

Interesting details

• Price: the events on these days are free, what you spend depends on what you consume.
• Tickets: No entrance fee is required.
• Venue: There are events all over the city and a parade through the city centre. You can also have a drink in the Temple Bar area.
• Date: 17 March.

Do you like to enjoy a good beer? I'm sure by now you know that the famous Guinness stout is originally from Ireland, specifically its breweries are located in Dublin and, if there is a better month to go and see the inside of it, it is in March, the month when most beer is consumed in the whole year.

The Guinness bre wery is located in the city centre and is an iconic Dublin landmark. You can easily get there by bus from Thomas St. Throughout its many years of being open to the public, the brewery has been modernised and today you can book a tour of the Guinness brewery. Not only will you learn all about the brewing process and the history of the brewery, but you'll also get to taste different types of beer, interact with different activities in the museum and even pour your own pint.

After the tour, you can enjoy a drink on the top floor terrace which has beautiful views of Dublin and during March boasts pleasant weather to accompany a good pint of Guinness.

Interesting details

• Price: approximately £114.
• Tickets: You can buy tickets through the official website or a tourist website.
• Location: The brewery is in St. James's Gate.
• Date: It is open all year round, but March is the busiest month for this brand, so there is usually a special St. Patrick's Day themed decoration.

Dublin is an enchanting city full of things to do, but if you want to make the most of the month of March, I suggest a day trip to the beautiful city of Belfast, just an hour and a half from Dublin for the Ifex food fair, the biggest in the country.

If you decide to book a trip to Belfast, not only will you be able to experience first-hand the world of hospitality and its innovations, but to your taste buds' delight, you'll be able to sample the different products by browsing the stands and watching the best chefs from across the country cook live.

If you like to enjoy food, you'll definitely love this fair and you'll also get the chance to see Dublin's surroundings. Here's how to get from Dublin to Belfast.

Interesting details

• Price: it's free.
• Tickets: no ticket required.
• Venue: Titanic Quarter, Queens Rd.
• Date: during the last days of March.

Take advantage of the slightly longer days in March to take a pleasant cruise on one of Dublin's main rivers, the Liffey. During the winter days, the rain and cold weather make it very unpleasant to embark for a few hours on one of the boats leaving Dublin's river port. However, in March many companies organise boat and even kayak tours.

For around €20 you can book a two-hour sightseeing cruise around Dublin, taking in some of Dublin' s most famous bridges and even enjoy live music in true Irish style.

It's a great way to get to know Dublin in March with your partner or family. I recommend you always bring a jacket or something warm in case it gets chilly, but don't miss it, as the spring sunsets in Dublin are breathtaking.

Interesting details

• Price: about €20.
• Tickets: I recommend booking your ticket in advance on a travel website.
• Location: All cruises usually depart from the river port in North Dock.
• Date: The best time to visit is in early spring.

Ireland is a country steeped in history. Its vast green meadows and cliffs have been the backdrop for numerous films and series. However, it also has a past full of tradition and a mix of cultures. One of the advantages of travelling to Dublin in March is that from here you will be just a few kilometres away from some of the most famous daytime destinations.

At the end of March, spring begins and with it the weather is fine for an organised tour of some of the most important sites of its past. There are numerous tours and excursions available from Dublin, but this time I recommend two in particular: Howth village and Blarney Castle.

Learn about the Viking past in Howth

This fishing village not only has a large influx of tourists because of its famous lighthouse and its proximity to Dublin, but also because it was a strategic point during the Viking era. During your visit, you'll be able to see recreations of Viking lore and ruins of the ancient medieval fortress that protected the so-called Eye of Ireland.

Visit Blarney Castle

If you want to see first-hand how this land was founded, you'll have to go back to the 5th century with the arrival of King Munster. There is no better setting to recreate this than Blarney Castle, the first royal residence in medieval times and one of Dublin's must-see castles. The easiest way to get there is to book a tour to Blarney.

Useful details

• Price: from €80.
• Tickets: It's best to book your chosen tour in advance on a travel website.
• Location: In the town of Howth and County Cork. Read our post on how to get from Dublin to Cork.
• Date: It's ideal to see it in early spring as it's less crowded and the weather is favourable.

Dublin is a very cosmopolitan city with many museums and places of interest. Visiting them is something that can be interesting all year round. However, if you come to Dublin in March, I recommend that you visit the museums on days when the weather is not too bad, as there will be very few people.

March has the advantage of being a month when you can enjoy the first rays of sunshine of the year, but it's also a month when it can start to sparkle from time to time. For this time of year, there is nothing like going into one of the many museums:

• The National Gallery where all the most important examples of Irish art are on display.
• The National Museum of Archaeology which houses historical artefacts dating back over 7 centuries.
• The Irish Emigration Museum, where you can delve into the history of Irish heritage. A journey back in time.

You can reach these museums by taking the Dublin Tourist Bus route.

Useful details

• Price: National Museums are free and EPIC is priced from €21.
• Tickets: You can avoid the queues by getting your ticket in advance from the official website.
• Location: The National Museum of Archaeology is in Kildare St and the National Gallery is in Merrion Square W, while EPIC is in The Chq Building, Custom House Quay, North Dock.
• Date: Open all year round, but it's advisable to go in low season to avoid the crowds, such as March.

The city of Dublin has many centuries of history and although today it is one of the most modern capitals on the continent, there are many stories and legends hidden within its narrow streets, and not exactly positive ones.

During the Viking Age and the Middle Ages there were many legends of murder, crime and ghost stories that are still told on the **city'**s many night tours.

During the winter in Dublin, these activities are not very successful, as when the sun goes down it is often too cold to be outdoors. However, in March the weather is warmer, so you can book a ghost bus tour of Dublin- do you dare to experience the spookier side of the city?

Interesting details

• Price: usually around €24.
• Tickets: I recommend booking the tour in advance on a travel website, although there are companies in Dublin where you can book it on the spot.
• Location: they usually go around the city centre at sunset.
• Date: This type of tour is ideal for the arrival of spring, as it's interesting that it's at night and it's not as cold as it is in winter.

March is a month of transition. Dublin emerges from the cold, wet winter and begins to show its first flowers. You may get caught in a rain shower one day during your trip, but this is not a common occurrence during the month. That's why I suggest you enjoy the outdoors as much as you can and go for a walk in one of the largest urban parks in Europe, Phoenix Park, which you can reach if you take the Dublin sightseeing bus route.

This place is ideal if you come to Dublin with children as you'll have large meadows to run around, have a picnic or just stroll around. The park covers a total of 700 hectares and was created over 200 years ago as a deer preserve. Nowadays, if you are lucky, you will be able to see these beautiful animals roaming freely in the park. Also, if you have time, you can visit the zoo inside the park and spend an enjoyable family day out.

There are several bus routes that drop you off at the gate, as well as the tram, getting off at Heuston station. If you want to enjoy the arrival of spring and the Irish countryside without leaving the city, grab your rucksack, pack some food and drink and go and spend the day in this stunning park, you won't regret it!

Interesting details

• Price: admission to the park is free.
• Tickets: No entrance fee is required.
• Location: Phoenix Park is served by several bus lines and a tram that passes through Heuston Station.
• Date: Late March is the beginning of spring in the park.

An ideal plan with the arrival of spring weather as the nightlife begins to brighten up, is to book a traditional music and dance show in Dublin where you can enjoy an Irish dinner while delving into the country's musical culture.

This event includes traditional music and dance performed by professional musicians and folk instruments such as the Bodhran, Uilleann pipes and Harp but also humorous stories. All in a unique setting in an 18th century Georgian house.

Dinner includes three courses and you can try Guinness stew or chocolate cake with Baileys.

Details of interest

• Price: The price of the show starts from €29.
• Tickets: It is advisable to book in advance.
• Venue: 18th century Georgian house.
• Date: From March it is extended to six days a week.

If you like thrill-seeking and unique, specialised festivals, the Irish Motorbike Show is sure to make you feel like a little kid. Every year, during the first week of March, a spectacular show is held in Dublin where all the latest trends in motorbikes and scooters are promoted.

You probably didn't come to Dublin on holiday to take home a bike as a souvenir, but if you're into this scene, you'll really enjoy seeing all the new models on display. You can also enjoy all kinds of activities and shows.

During these days, there are stunt shows on wheels, catwalks with specialised clothing and all kinds of exhibitions.

Interesting details

• Price: around 20 €.
• Tickets: you can buy them through the official website.
• Venue: The festival is usually held on Merrion Rd.
• Date: During the first week of March.

March in Dublin is something of an oasis in the midst of the country's challenging climate. After long winter months with temperatures dropping as low as 0 degrees Celsius, in March the temperatures start to rise, reaching an average of 11-16 degrees Celsius, ideal for enjoying all there is to see and do in Dublin during this time of year.

Also, although it tends to rain quite a lot in April in Dublin, rain is rare in March, with an average of only 10 days of showers per month. All you need to worry about is bringing a portable umbrella just in case and a light coat in case it cools down.

Dublin is a city worth visiting at least once in a lifetime and I can't think of a better time to visit than in March, when the city is in full party mode. There's no better way to get to know a city than by mingling with the locals and throughout March, Dubliners are the perfect hosts. Enjoy!