St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland is often imagined as parades and packed streets, but some of the most memorable ways to mark the day happen far from the noise. By mid-March, the countryside has begun to soften back into green, the landscape is looking absolutely beautiful and, if we're lucky, the rain holds off long enough so that we get to go out and enjoy it.
As an Irish person who has lived in Ireland all her life I've experienced the two sides of St. Patrick's Day - the noisy and busy parades and the quieter day of enjoying the beautiful sights that Ireland has to offer. I always prefer the latter. I think enjoying Ireland and what it has to naturally offer is the best celebration of our land and our patron saint that you could get.
If you would like to spend St. Patrick’s Day in a way that feels calm, scenic and connected to the land, these are some of the most beautiful places to do just that.
Climb Slieve Patrick for a Meaningful View
Overlooking Downpatrick and the surrounding countryside, Slieve Patrick offers a steep but rewarding climb that feels particularly fitting on this day. The walk is short, the views are amazing and on a clear March morning the fields below are a beautiful patchwork of green. I climbed Slieve Patrick in February 2025 and it was an amazing experience. A perfectly fitting place to visit on the day of St. Patrick himself. Watch the video below to get a feel of what you can experience here on a clear day.
Wander the Grounds of Rock of Dunamase
This dramatic ruined fortress rises unexpectedly from the countryside and offers one of the most atmospheric places to wander on a spring day. The walk up is simple, the views stretch for miles, and the open ruins allow you to explore freely without crowds or formal structure.
In March, when grass has returned to colour and the air feels fresh, Dunamase feels like a place that belongs entirely to the landscape.
Walk the Shoreline at Mulranny Causeway
This flat coastal path between Mulranny village and the sea offers one of the most peaceful and scenic walks in Ireland. The causeway is surrounded by water on both sides, with views towards Achill and Croagh Patrick, and in early spring it feels wide open and calm.
It is a perfect place to let the day unfold slowly, with sea air, distant mountains and long stretches of quiet walking.
Explore the Forest Trails at Portumna Forest Park
Portumna’s woodland trails and lakeside paths come into their own in spring, when trees begin to return to leaf and the forest floor brightens with early growth. The walks here are gentle and spacious, with Lough Derg always nearby, making it an ideal place for an unhurried St. Patrick’s Day wander.
The mix of woodland, water and open sky gives the whole area a calm, balanced feeling that suits the day perfectly.
Photo by Tommy Bond
Visit the Monastic Ruins of Clonmacnoise
Set along the banks of the River Shannon, Clonmacnoise is one of the most evocative historic sites in Ireland. The round towers, high crosses and ruins sit quietly in open countryside, and in March the surrounding fields feel especially vivid and alive.
Walking among these ruins on St. Patrick’s Day feels deeply appropriate, offering a strong sense of Ireland’s past without the distraction of crowds.
Drive the Loop Through Glenariff Forest Park
Known as the “Queen of the Glens,” Glenariff is particularly beautiful in early spring. Waterfalls run strongly after winter rain, woodland paths begin to soften into green, and the surrounding roads offer sweeping views through the glen.
A scenic drive paired with short walks here makes for a day that feels both refreshing and quietly dramatic.
Spend Time in a Village Like Graiguenamanagh
Set along the River Barrow, Graiguenamanagh is a village made for slow wandering. The riverside walk, the historic abbey, and the surrounding hills create a setting that feels peaceful and timeless.
A St. Patrick’s Day spent here might involve little more than a riverside walk, a café stop and a gentle exploration of the area, allowing the setting to shape the day rather than an itinerary.
Follow the Coast at Loop Head Peninsula
Loop Head offers some of the most dramatic coastal scenery in Ireland and in March it remains wonderfully quiet. Cliffs, sea views and small roads connect a series of viewpoints and short walks that feel expansive and wild.
It is the kind of place where you can stop often, watch the Atlantic, and let the weather and light shape the experience. If you get to Loop Head Lighthouse, walk to the left and down the grassy path that leads to the cliffs to get the view of the picture above.
Let the Landscape Be the Celebration
St. Patrick’s Day does not need noise to feel meaningful. Often, the most memorable way to mark it is simply by stepping into landscapes that feel unmistakably Irish and enjoy the beautiful scenery around you. Great if you want to go to a parade and enjoy something else after, or, if you simply want to avoid the parades altogether (which some people often do), Ireland has a whole host of other fabulous things to enjoy on St. Patrick's Day.
Early spring offers the perfect setting for St. Patrick's Day. The Irish countryside is returning to colour, historic places feel calm and open and roads and paths invite wandering rather than rushing.
Sometimes, the best way to celebrate the day is simply to be out in it.
