St. Patrick's Day in Dublin

This March, experience the ultimate bucket-list adventure by celebrating St. Patrick's Day exactly where it all began.

Army Outdoor Recreation takes the hassle out of international travel with a complete, five-day excursion to Ireland. Starting with our conveniently included airport shuttle to Frankfurt, all the way to your premium downtown accommodation, every logistical detail is handled. You will be staying in a highly sought-after location near the downtown parade route, putting you just steps away from the spectacular St. Patrick's Day procession, world-famous breweries, and an unforgettable festival atmosphere.

Your St. Patrick's visit to Dublin offers the perfect blend of massive holiday celebrations and personal freedom. Once the parade ends, the rest of the week is yours to design. You can sample the country's finest craft spirits, experience the lively nightlife of the Temple Bar district, discover the ancient Book of Kells at Trinity College, or settle into a quiet pub for live folk music. If you want to see more of the Emerald Isle, you also have the flexibility to book a scenic day trip to the rugged western coast.

Do not wait to make your plans. Hotel availability and flights to Dublin during this massive holiday week are incredibly scarce and routinely sell out months in advance, making last-minute bookings both difficult to arrange and dynamically priced. The fewer there are, the more expensive they get! Lock your space in our guaranteed room and airline blocks today, and take advantage of an exclusive Early Bird Discount at the same time. Contact Army Outdoor Recreation before this epic Irish getaway is completely gone.

Price, Seats 1-24:

• Double Occupancy: $1599 per person
• Single Occupancy: $2099

Price, Seats 25-35:

• Double Occupancy: $1649 p.p.
• Single Occupancy: $2149

Reservations made on or after Thursday, October 8th - or after the 35th seat is sold - may be subject to airline fare increases based on the current dynamically priced daily individual ticket rate.

• 1 child aged 2-11 sharing triple room with 2 paid adults: $1299 per child
• 1 child under 2 on existing bedding with 1 or 2 paid adults: $249    

Trip Includes:

• Round trip air transportation to Dublin
• Round trip airport shuttle to Frankfurt starting from your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks
• Free on-post parking
• 4 nights lodging at Harcourt Hotel*** or equivalent
• Daily breakfast
• Guided tour of Dublin (Hybrid, 1.5 hrs bus, 1.5 hrs walking)
• Teeling Distillery Select Tasting and Tour including 4 samples 
   
• Pay in US Dollars
• Support your local Morale, Welfare, and Recreation (MWR) programs

What to Bring:

• Comfortable, weather appropriate shoes and clothing
• Credit/Debit card or Euro
• Military ID and Passport
   
• Any required paper or electronic travel documentation is the personal responsibility of each traveler. 

Departure:

• 3 a.m. from Wagon Wheel Theater, Smith Barracks
• 4 a.m. from Kaiserslautern Outdoor Recreation, Pulaski Barracks, bldg. 2905

Return: Saturday afternoon 

Estimated Itinerary

Tuesday: Fly to Ireland & Dublin City Tour

Start your St. Patrick's Day adventure right with Army Outdoor Recreation by boarding our private shuttle to Frankfurt Airport, which will pick you up at your choice of Pulaski or Smith Barracks. A short flight later, you will touch down in the vibrant capital of Ireland. To help you get your bearings before the holiday festivities kick off, an engaging hybrid bus and walking tour will introduce you to Dublin's colorful history and winding streets. Following the tour, you will check into the Harcourt Hotel. Situated just steps from the beautiful St. Stephen's Green, this energetic home base puts the entire city at your fingertips. From here, it is an easy walk to iconic sights like Dublin Castle, Christ Church Cathedral, the historic George's Street Arcade, and the famous Molly Malone statue, known affectionately to locals as “The tart with the cart.”

Wednesday: St. Patrick's Day in Dublin

Make sure to get an early start today. Even though the main event doesn't kick off until noon, everybody is Irish on St. Patrick's Day, and every year over half a million people line the streets for the spectacular parade through Dublin's city center. Because the Harcourt Hotel is located just a short stroll from both St. Patrick's Cathedral, and the junction of Cuffe Street and Lower Kevin Street where the parade route officially concludes, you are perfectly positioned to catch the grand finale. The parade starts at noon, and showcases legendary marching bands from around the world, brilliant street performers, and massive, colorful floats winding through the historic heart of the city. 

The excitement does not end when the procession finishes. In fact, you won't even have to leave your hotel to find the center of the celebrations. The Harcourt Hotel features its own premier, multi-level entertainment venue and award-winning heated beer garden, where a legendary St. Patrick's Day party will keep the music and festive energy flowing all day and night. If you decide to venture out, you can also explore the festive crowds at the City Funfair on the Custom House Quay, dive into the music filling the historic pubs of Temple Bar, or wait until nightfall to see Dublin's iconic stone bridges light up in a brilliant emerald glow.

Thursday: Dublin's Spirits and Historic Sights

Start your morning by discovering the true craft of the Irish capital. You have the option to join a guided tour and exclusive tasting at the award-winning Teeling Whiskey Distillery. Located right in the historic Liberties district, this experience will take you behind the scenes of Dublin’s modern whiskey revival and finish with a premium sampling of four of their signature craft blends.

Afterward, the rest of your Thursday is yours to explore Dublin at your own pace. You can dive into centuries of brewing history at the iconic Guinness Storehouse, take a stroll through the beautiful grounds of Trinity College to view the ancient Book of Kells, or uncover Irish folklore at the whimsical National Leprechaun Museum. From browsing the trendy boutiques on Grafton Street to enjoying a quiet pint of stout in a traditional wood-paneled pub, today is all about immersing yourself in the local Dublin atmosphere.

Friday: Dublin as Your Gateway to Ireland

While Dublin is full of wonder, today it serves as your gateway to the rest of the Emerald Isle. Local operators and expert guides make it incredibly easy to venture beyond the capital to see the legendary landscapes you have always dreamed of. You can book an excursion to stand on the edge of the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher in Galway, journey north to explore the historic Titanic Quarter in Belfast, or discover the rugged coastlines and ancient megalithic monuments of County Cork.

If you prefer to stay closer to home, Friday is also the perfect opportunity to see the parts of Dublin you might have missed. You can take a peaceful walk through the massive Phoenix Park to spot the wild deer, cross the historic Ha'penny Bridge to explore the north side of the River Liffey, or simply settle into a cozy pub for a hearty plate of Irish stew and some live folk music.
 
Saturday: Return to Germany

Your St. Patrick's Day adventure wraps up this morning. Enjoy one last hearty Irish breakfast at the hotel before gathering your bags, as our dedicated transfer will ensure a smooth, stress-free morning arrival at Dublin Airport. You will land in Germany this afternoon with plenty of time to unpack and relax before the work week begins. You will return home carrying the unbeatable memories, songs, and stories of a lifetime spent celebrating Ireland's greatest holiday in its historic capital.