With just over a month until St. Patrick’s Day, British travellers looking to celebrate the day are encouraged to look beyond Dublin & Galway for a different experience this year!
St. Patrick’s Festival, Kilkenny
While Dublin and Galway may be the typical go-to destinations for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, there are a number of other remarkable places in Ireland and France that offer a different atmosphere to mark the annual occasion, and they are just a short ferry ride away.
“At Irish Ferries, we encourage guests to ‘Sea Travel Differently’ and look at alternative locations for their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this year – from charming towns in Ireland’s Ancient East to historic cities in beautiful Northern France, consider the lesser-known locations for a new yet memorable experience,” says Marie McCarthy, Head of Passenger Sales at Irish Ferries.
“We offer plenty of sailings at convenient times to get you to your chosen St. Patrick’s Day destination in Ireland or France, in the comfort of your own vehicle. Pack the car full of your Ireland flags, shamrocks and costumes, put on your best Irish music playlist for the journey, pick up some great Duty-Free deals on Irish whiskey or gin in our onboard shops and you’ll be ready to celebrate in style.”
Irish Ferries recommends the following alternative locations to celebrate this year…
Kilkenny (1.5 hours from Rosslare)
Nestled in the heart of the Irish countryside, Kilkenny is a medieval gem that offers a blend of history, culture, and festivity. The town hosts a spectacular St. Patrick’s Day parade, showcasing the best of Irish music, dance, and creativity. With its enchanting 12th century castle, traditional pubs, and lively streets, Kilkenny promises a true Irish experience steeped in local charm.
Saint-Malo (5.5 hours from Calais)
Saint-Malo is a historic port city on the northern coast of Brittany known for its Celtic heritage, with the town named after a Welsh-born and Irish-educated monk. During St. Patrick’s Day, the city’s pubs – including the one aptly named ‘Le Saint Partick Irish Pub’ – fill with revellers enjoying Guinness, Breton delicacies and traditional Irish music. While in the region, visitors love Les Remparts de Saint-Malo, a historic walled enclave with scenic walks, cobbled streets lined with shops and restaurants, and panoramic sea views.
Ennis (2.5 hours from Dublin)
In the heart of Co. Clare, Ennis – known as Ireland’s “tidiest and friendliest” town – provides an authentic and traditional St. Patrick’s Day experience. The town puts on an eclectic St. Patrick’s Day festival with parades, street performances, and a unique blend of folk music that celebrates the cultural heritage of the area. Ennis is the ideal base for exploring the Wild Atlantic Way, where travellers can walk along the Cliffs of Moher, surf at Lahinch, and explore the amazing 250km moonscape of karst limestone at The Burren, a World Heritage Site.
Lille (1.5 hours from Calais)
With connections to Ireland since the 17th century, including an Irish College established there in 1610, Lille is home to a very small Irish community. However, the local Irish restaurant ‘Tir Na Nog’ is popular amongst locals and visitors for its hearty food, quality beers and Irish coffee. Visitors also enjoy Lille’s historical buildings and museums, charming old town, and how easy it is to get around the city on foot.
Kinsale (2.5 hours from Rosslare)
Known as the “Gourmet Capital of Ireland,” Kinsale in Co. Cork is the place to be for food lovers and culture seekers alike. This picturesque coastal town celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a Maritime Parade in the harbour followed by a fireworks display. Visitors can enjoy a bite to eat at one of the many restaurants lining the waterfront area while colourful festivities take place on the harbour.
Paris (3 hours from Calais)
France’s capital city celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with an annual parade starting at the Irish Cultural Centre of Paris, followed by a street celebration featuring theatre, arts performances, Irish music and dance, and food trucks. The estimated 50+ Irish pubs in Paris will also be marking the day. This year, Irish expats from all over the world will be running 5k in Paris, Dublin, London, New York and more in a world record attempt on St. Patrick’s Day – so keen runners can also join in the fun!
Award-winning Irish Ferries services the Irish Sea (Holyhead – Dublin and Pembroke – Rosslare) and the English Channel (Dover – Calais) on a fleet of ferries offering quintessentially Irish hospitality and a smiling welcome. With a range of sailing times to suit all preferences, Irish Ferries offers unbeatable flexibility and a stress-free travel experience that begins the moment you drive onboard – plus, the ability to bring all your stuff, including your furry friends, and shop to your heart’s content at the onboard Duty Free.
Short break fares to Ireland for the St. Patrick’s festivities start at just £236 return with your car and to France from just £108 return with your car.
To book with Irish Ferries, visit www.irishferries.com or call 03717 300 400.
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About Irish Ferries
Irish Ferries is the market leading and award-winning Irish ferry company, operating on routes between Britain and Ireland (Holyhead to Dublin, and Pembroke to Rosslare), Britain and France (Dover to Calais), and Ireland and France (Dublin to Cherbourg).
Irish Ferries is an operating division of publicly quoted Irish Continental Group (ICG).
On Irish Sea routes, Irish Ferries operates up to 16 sailings a day, with a fleet of modern cruise and fast ferries, including the famous cruise ferry Ulysses and the Dublin Swift fast craft on Holyhead to Dublin, and Isle of Innisfree on Pembroke to Rosslare.
Irish Ferries also operates the stylish W.B. Yeats connecting Dublin to France (Cherbourg) throughout the year.
Irish Ferries also operates two ships, Isle of Inishmore and Oscar Wilde, on its newest route Dover to Calais, with up to 20 sailings daily.
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