Viewing the Dublin St. Patrick's Day Parade: Optimal Vantage Points

The Dublin St. Patrick's Day parade is a vibrant and colorful event that commemorates Ireland's rich heritage and culture. This parade, which has a long and storied history, typically takes place in mid-March and traverses through some of Dublin's most iconic streets. Here, we provide a detailed guide on where to find the best viewing spots along the parade route.

Starting Point: Garden of Rememberance

The parade begins at the Garden of Rememberance on Parnell Square, the city's Northside. This small park is a place of reflection and remembrance, built to honor the struggle for national independence and the lives lost in this journey. It serves as the perfect starting point for your viewing experience.

Route Highlights

The parade route then traverses some of Dublin's most famous streets:

1. O'Connell Street

As the parade moves down O'Connell Street, one of Dublin's main thoroughfares, you'll find the best crowds and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere. This street is lined with shops and cafes, and it's where you'll witness the great and the good of Dublin coming out to watch the parade.

2. Connolly Bridge

After crossing the Liffey River via Connolly Bridge, the parade continues down Westmoreland Street, past Trinity College Dublin. This location also offers fantastic views, with many people setting up elevated stands or even using ladders and folding seats.

3. Christchurch Cathedral

The parade then takes a dog leg down Dame Street towards Christchurch Cathedral. Here, you can enjoy a unique view from the Lord Edward Pub, which is situated opposite Christchurch Cathedral. This pub provides a vantage point that is both visually stunning and conveniently situated.

4. Final Stretches

From Christchurch Cathedral, the route becomes a bit more complicated, with various interpretations of the final destination. Traditionally, the parade ends at the vicinity of St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is appropriate considering Jonathan Swift's tenure as Dean of the cathedral.

Fun Fact

A fascinating fact about St. Patrick's Cathedral is that it was founded in 1420. While the cathedral we see today is not in the original building, it still stands on the same site, making for a historical and cultural experience.

Getting the Best View

While many points along the route offer fantastic views, the Lord Edward Pub provides an optimal viewing opportunity. If you're unable to get there, consider bringing a folding chair or setting up a ladder for better visibility from a vantage point in the parade route.

For more detailed and up-to-date information on the parade route, you can refer to the provided links or visit relevant sites for the latest updates.

Keywords: Dublin St. Patrick's Day parade, parade route, viewing spots