Now is the perfect time to get some cheap airline tickets and celebrate St. Patrick's Day the right way. Whether you want to stick to the U.S. or head over to the Emerald Isle, there's plenty of time to plan your getaway. So grab your green suitcase and pack your lucky socks, because it's time to make your St. Patrick's Day plans!
Follow the Freedom Trail to see some of Boston's most famous historical sites.Staying Domestic: Boston
If you don't have a lot of time, but still want to travel somewhere to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, consider getting some cheap tickets to Boston. Every year, the city becomes full of life and energy as its citizens gather to celebrate the holiday. You can watch the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in South Boston, then head to an authentic Irish Pub for a pint and some corned beef and cabbage. The parade is owned and operated by veterans, and was first organized in 1901, on the 125th anniversary of the day on which George Washington and his men removed the British forced from Boston.
Besides the parades and pubs, you can take in some of Boston's other historical sites while you're in town. A walk along the Freedom Trail gives you ample opportunity to visit places such as the Boston Common, the Old South Meeting House, the site of Boston Massacre, the Old North Church and the Bunker Hill Monument. The trip is perfect for a long weekend outing.
Blarney castle is home to the legendary Blarney Stone.Going abroad: Dublin and Cork
If you want to get the authentic Irish experience, then Dublin and Cork are the destinations for you. Cheap tickets to the Republic of Ireland are typically available at this time of year, meaning you can save some of your money for more adventures once you're in the Emerald Isle. One recommended itinerary is first buy tickets to Dublin, so you can explore the ancient and beautiful city.
In Dublin, you can see unique sights such as the Kilmainham Gaol, a prison that dates back to the late 18th century. There, you can see where the Irish government kept dangerous criminals, prisoners of war and various revolutionaries. This is the dungeon where nearly every Irish nationalist was kept, making it an interesting reminder of the not-so-distant past. Afterwards, you can head to the Irish Whiskey Museum for interactive tour. The academically-minded can visit Trinity College, which was opened in the early 16th century at the bequest of Queen Elizabeth I. There, you can see the Book of Kells, which a beautifully illustrated manuscript of the Gospels, which dates back to around the year 800, according to the college.
The city of Cork is a three-hour train ride from Dublin. There, you can visit Blarney Castle and view the legendary Blarney stone. Legend has it that if one kisses the stone, he will be endowed with the Gift of the Gab - great skill in speech and charisma. After visiting the castle, you can explore the green countryside and take in the spirit of the Irish.
