Dublin is preparing for one of its biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations yet, with over 500,000 people expected to attend the festival and parade. As the city gears up for a weekend filled with music, culture, and festivities, authorities have announced enhanced security measures and road closures to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Here’s what you need to know if you’re heading into Dublin this weekend.

Safety Measures for St. Patrick’s Weekend

With huge crowds expected, Gardaí and Dublin City Council have introduced strict safety protocols for the celebrations.

Alcohol Restrictions:

• Off-licences in Dublin city centre will not be permitted to sell alcohol until 4:00 PM on March 17 to reduce excessive drinking and anti-social behaviour.
• Pubs and bars will operate as usual, but Gardaí have warned against street drinking in restricted areas.

Increased Garda Presence:

• Over 1,000 Gardaí will be deployed across the city, including plainclothes officers, riot squads, and public order units.
• Specialist teams, including armed support units, will be stationed at key locations to monitor for security threats.

Bag Checks & Crowd Control:

• Gardaí may conduct random bag checks at parade entry points.
• Barriers will be strategically placed to control crowds and ensure smooth movement around the city.

Emergency Services on Standby:

• Extra ambulances and first-aid stations will be set up at key festival areas.
• Temporary medical hubs will be available near St. Stephen’s Green and O’Connell Street.

For full security updates, visit Garda.ie.

Dublin Road Closures & Transport Disruptions

With the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and other citywide events, expect major road closures and public transport changes from March 16-17.

Key Road Closures (March 17, 2025):

• O’Connell Street, Dame Street, College Green, and St. Patrick’s Street will be fully closed from early morning until the parade concludes.
• North and South Quays will have rolling closures between 9 AM – 3 PM.
• Several bridges along the River Liffey will have restricted access during the parade.

Public Transport Updates:

• Luas Green Line & Red Line: Expect delays and diversions around the city centre. Some stops may be temporarily closed.
• Dublin Bus Services: Special diversion routes will be in place—check the real-time schedules before travelling.
• DART & Commuter Trains: Services will run extra trains, but stations closest to the parade route may experience crowd control measures.

Driving in Dublin? Expect Delays.
If you must drive, expect heavy congestion and limited parking. It’s strongly recommended to use public transport or park-and-ride services.

For live transport updates, visit Transport for Ireland.

Stay informed with itson.ie.