St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just another date on the calendar—it’s a global celebration of Irish culture, history, and spirit. Every year, thousands of visitors make their way to Ireland to experience the festivities firsthand, while millions more celebrate from afar. But 2025 is shaping up to be something special. With new attractions, immersive tours, and exciting international events, this year’s St. Patrick’s celebrations will be bigger and more memorable than ever.
One of the highlights of this year’s celebrations is Tourism Ireland’s 2025 St. Patrick’s Week campaign, which introduces a new promotional video featuring a haunting rendition of Breathless by The Corrs, performed by the Irish duo Lemoncello. The campaign, set to reach nearly 30 million people worldwide, serves as a reminder that while cities around the globe light up in green for a day, Ireland remains evergreen—offering breathtaking landscapes and cultural treasures all year long.
Adding to the excitement, the Global Greening initiative is making its return, illuminating some of the world’s most iconic landmarks, including the Chicago river, the Empire State Building, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and the Sacré-Cœur in Paris. Madrid will host its first-ever St. Patrick’s Festival, introducing 150,000 visitors to Irish music, dance, and food, while New York’s famous parade is expected to reach an audience of over 8 million viewers.
Beyond the parades and international festivities, 2025 marks a major year for travel to Ireland, with new attractions, unique experiences, and fresh opportunities to explore the country’s stunning landscapes and rich history.
For travelers arriving in Dublin, the experience starts the moment they land. Dublin Airport’s Terminal 1 has unveiled the Arthur Guinness Bar, offering visitors the chance to enjoy a perfectly poured pint as soon as they step off the plane. This new addition sets the tone for what will undoubtedly be an unforgettable trip.
For those interested in fashion and shopping, Dublin’s retail scene has a new attraction as well. ARKET, the Scandinavian lifestyle brand, has opened a beautifully designed 8,700-square-foot store on Grafton Street, bringing sustainable fashion, beauty products, and homeware to one of the city’s most famous shopping districts.
For travelers looking to explore Ireland’s natural beauty, the South Kerry Greenway is set to open in 2025. This breathtaking 27-kilometer route winds through some of the most stunning coastal and countryside landscapes along the Wild Atlantic Way, offering cyclists and hikers an unparalleled view of Ireland’s rugged scenery.
Meanwhile, history lovers will have the chance to step back in time at the Athlone River Festival, taking place from August 1st to 3rd. This Viking-themed event brings Athlone’s rich heritage to life with battle reenactments, guided tours, and thrilling water sports, making it a must-visit for those interested in Ireland’s medieval past.
For travelers eager to experience the best of Ireland, several curated tours offer unique opportunities to explore the country’s landscapes, culture, and history in depth.
One of the most highly recommended options is the CIE Tours Emerald Escape, an eight-day journey through Ireland’s most famous landmarks. The tour begins in Dublin, where visitors will explore the city’s historic streets before heading south to Glendalough and the Dunbrody Famine Ship. Stops at Blarney Castle, the Ring of Kerry, and the Cliffs of Moher ensure that guests experience Ireland’s most iconic sites. The journey continues through Galway and Donegal before concluding in Belfast, with visits to Giant’s Causeway and the Titanic Belfast Museum.
For those seeking a more luxurious experience, Tauck’s A Week in Ireland offers an elevated approach to exploring the country. The itinerary includes stays at Dromoland Castle, private musical recitals, and exclusive experiences such as a cooking class at Ballyknocken House. Highlights include a private tour of the Cliffs of Moher, a guided exploration of the Wicklow Mountains, and behind-the-scenes access to some of Ireland’s most historic sites.
For travelers looking for a more immersive and extended experience, Collette’s 15-day tour along the Wild Atlantic Way offers an in-depth look at Ireland’s breathtaking landscapes and cultural heritage. The tour includes a walking tour of Dublin led by a formerly homeless guide, providing a unique perspective on the city’s history, as well as a Black Cab Tour in Belfast that explores the city’s famous murals. Additional highlights include a traditional Irish storytelling night in Donegal, a visit to the medieval town of Kilkenny, and multiple stops along the country’s dramatic western coastline, from the Cliffs of Moher to the charming town of Dingle.
For travelers who want to experience both Ireland and Scotland in one trip, Globus’ 9-day Taste of Ireland & Scotland tour offers a blend of history, culture, and natural beauty across both countries. The journey begins in Dublin before heading to Belfast, where visitors will explore the Titanic Museum. After crossing the Irish Sea, the tour continues through Scotland, with stops in Glasgow, the Scottish Highlands, and Edinburgh, where guests can visit Stirling Castle and walk the historic Royal Mile.
With so many new attractions, exciting festivals, and immersive travel experiences, 2025 is shaping up to be a landmark year for visiting Ireland. Whether travelers are looking for lively St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Dublin, breathtaking outdoor adventures along the Wild Atlantic Way, or luxurious castle stays in the Irish countryside, there has never been a better time to explore the Emerald Isle.
From the moment visitors step off the plane and enjoy their first Guinness at Dublin Airport to the final farewell in one of the country’s historic cities, Ireland in 2025 promises to be an remarkable journey filled with culture, adventure, and timeless beauty.