St. Patrick’s Day Birthday in Dublin
for a 9-year-old Australian boy.
The reason we chose Ireland for this part of our journey, was because Explorason was born on this day – 9 years ago! So when we talked months ago about where he wanted to be for his birthday, he chose here – Dublin! The heart and soul of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
We woke to a room of gifts. I had purchased most along the way over the past few months, particularly in the USA where it was a lot less expensive for some items.
He is a mad keen Lego fan, and we hope to get an RV, so I had selected this kit for one gift.
We also had a lot of fun St. Patrick’s Day things for the day. Socks, glasses, decorations and more.
We head into Dublin on the DART. The train is packed. We were dressed for FUN!
It is warm and sunny, and I was hopeful the day would remain so. In fact, I had brought warmer clothes ‘in case’, but by the time we were walking to the parade I had to go into a cafe and use the restroom to add long underwear on – it was freezing!
The wait was at least 2 or more hours. And as we stood, we became colder and colder, and then it began to drizzle. You will see in the photo tourists climbing up to get a better view.
Even climbing on the statues. People were everywhere.
Everyone is dressed for fun. Yet there were a few people, like this guy, that didn’t look like they were having fun at all!
The parade starts, and they had Irish colored Mini cars to start it – darn I didn’t get a photo!
“Saint Patrick” comes along to bless the crowd – it is all in good fun.Then comes the Lord Mayors coach – and it is stunning!
There are old cars, bikes and more – it is a real mix.
Then there are the Vikings. We have learned a lot about the Viking invasions whilst we have been here.
It is about at this time the RTE news comes along and interviews Explorason.
There are a lot of abstract, strange, scary, and unusual characters and floats to this parade – some I am not too sure about. Explorason really didn’t like the pagan or mythical characters and floats at all.
Then there are the Celtic Cross children – I like these.
These characters are really unusual too!
There are too many to show you but overall there is a lot to see. And it is different from any other parade I have been to.
We meet crowds of fun people as the parade disperses. These Germans sing Happy Birthday to Explorason.
We head to a traditional Irish Pub for a late lunch, and after about 5 minutes wait we spy a table.
We pounce onto it and are amazed we even find a table at all. Soon we even find seats.
They have a really good roast lunch (with a few choices) available. Expensive, but it is St. Patrick’s Day!
Somehow, I end up with three ways to serve potato on my plate but again, Ireland IS famous for potatoes after all!
I then sneak to the lady to see if we can get a slice of dessert and make it for his birthday cake.
He closes his eyes and makes a wish.
We linger for quite some time in the pub. There is live music downstairs, and it is away from the cold and damp Dublin streets, but soon we have to head off and mix with the party people.
More people join us for another birthday song. We are having fun!
We decide to go to the fair and there are rides, so he chooses the Dodgem Bumper Cars.
There are way too many cars, and the bumping is out of control!
He is delighted.
What a great end to his day part of his birthday in Dublin.
We decide to head to Howth to a traditional Irish Pub for dinner.
I’ll blog separately about Howth.
We don’t want the day to end.
We have to leave tomorrow and I don’t want to have to go and pack.
It is times like this we don’t want to move on.
But we are heading to house-sit in the country – and a rest!
Questions and Comments
- Have you been to Ireland?
- What do you find fascinating about Ireland?
- Do share your opinions with us below.
His is a lucky boy to spend his birthday in Ireland. Love all the photos which show how wonderful and friendly Ireland can be.
We celebrated here in Sicily with lots of others but to be there on St Patrick’s day. It is the only place to be.
Thank you for sharing.
Yes he is. I think it will be a memory forever – checking your blog out now too!
What a wonderful birthday in the Viking city of Dublin on St Patrick’s Day. I want my own next birthday there!
Susanna – is your birthday St. Pat’s Day or you just want to go there for your special day? It is a lot of fun and the traditional pubs are brilliant and people are so friendly!
Thanks Geoff – yes I do wonder where he will be – good point!
Happy Birthday Explorason. What a great day for your 9th birthday.
You have a very special mum.I wonder where you will be for the big ten 0.
Geoff T
Nice personal take on St Paddys and great pics. Always a good time in Dublin
Thanks Paul p it is a fun time for sure!
Happy birthday to you…glad you had a great day..keep enjoying this amazing journey..hello to your mum
Thanks Jacky and Stephen – it was a lovely day. We are having a rest and catchup now before our next chapter of this world trip. Hope you are both well and happy!
Sounds like a great birthday. This was a really good write-up with great pictures rounding out your words. Thanks for sharing.
What a cool birthday for a nine year old! Getting to see Dublin. One day I should visit Ireland, my father is from there!
I hope you do – you will feel really at home when you get here. My ancestors were from here and I was amazed at how ‘at home’ I felt when I arrived!
Music to a mum’s ears, “Best birthday ever!”
P.S.: Did you get your laptop woes sorted?
Thanks Suzanne. Laptop does seem to be a bit better – it needs a Spring clean and that is just sitting down and weeding through it all now. Perfect job for a cold day in Ireland
Sounds like a wonderful birthday celebration. It is interesting to see parades in other parts of the world. Usually there is something a bit different than one is used to.
Thanks Donna – just read your great blog too – Love how we get readers from all over the world!
What wonderful memories you and your son are sharing – love the pictures – your son looks like he’s having so much fun.
Lenie
Wow what fun to spend your birthday in Ireland!! Looks like a wondwerful time and I loved the pictures!
Thanks – yes Ireland is a great place full of happy people so we found – so far 🙂
First time I came to know about St Patrick’s day and I really loved the pictures . I am happy that kid got a wonderful birthday celebration. Each picture is like telling a story , I am really excited to see the enthusiasm of people. You had a wonderful day and seem you are enjoying in Ireland.
All the best with your travel and hope to see such a wonderful post soon.
Thank you – yes it is a big Irish tradition now around the world. Sadly it has become more of a drinking day to Westerners!
What a great birthday. I’ve only been to a couple of smaller St. Patty’s celebrations, but did make it to Savannah, GA once.
I heard America is huge for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. I had no idea before this year. Hope you enjoyed it when you went in GA