Dec writes:
As a newbie [to Dublin] What is the best vantage point to see the [St Patrick’s Day parade] in terms of visibility, drama, etc.. I have two chisslers under 4 in tow. Any body with parade experience know?
Anyone?
(Leah Farrell/Photocall ireland)
Walshes Bar, Stoneybatter – on the TV with the sound turned down. Crisps and mineral for the weins.
You’ll find the best seat in the Dawson Lounge, great view from the bar there!
Plenty of room as well. Good call.
On Cork Hill there is a building opposite the western face of the City Hall. It enjoys an elevated view over Dame Street and has a dacent-sized window-sill which is a perfect pew for festival-gazers.
Warning: bring arse-hats.
I second that, definitely the place to be. Either there or you can get up on the City Hall wall/fence as well some random electrical boxes dotted around the place. Probably the best view, unless you manage to get into someones flat along Dame Street!
I was there (lord edward) last year and missed half of the parade because they filtered half of the parade off to somewhere else.
Serious answer is to find a friend who lives/works on the route and watch from their house/office
bring a double sided step ladder.
Spaghetti Hoop’s idea is the best view – really the only place you’d watch it from.
It really depends on ones’s definition of ‘vibility’
It’s a bit of hard day if you’re bringing children under 4. Might be easier to go to a smaller local parade. They’ll enjoy it and you won’t be as exhausted by the end of it!
Anywhere that’s not Dublin City Dec
Do not bring kids that young to the city centre parade it’s just not worth the hassle.getting them to a toilet will be a nightmare.Find a smaller parade in a suburban town or take them to Malahide castle instead.
Having worked in the city centre for 5 paddy’s days oul don’t recommend bringing kids that young. You’ll be exhausted and I’m ashamed to say you don’t know what they’ll end up seeing.
If you must, go towards the end of it at Christchurch/Patrick street or the start at Parnell square. Should make for quick getaway at the end and avoid the o connell street/temple bar ruckus that you don’t want to see.
Hope that helps!
That’s a little harsh. The early part of the day offers a great atmosphere and no suburban side-show measures up to the city parade for marching bands and artistic floats. But yes, plan a good getaway, prepare for the weather and get your refreshments / treats / meal out of the city centre. A hot takeaway coffee / hot chocolate should keep you going for the 1-2 hours.
The top of the Nelson Pillar is always a good spot.
+1966
Where’s the skanger runs so I can booby trap them.
Central Bank fosure. The kids (not the chisslers our conscientious OP has) there are so out of it they actually walk into people. Also any soap-filled fountains are worth a maximum 10-second visit and scoop only.