Irish eyes are smiling in Savannah every March 17! Our population of 250,000 doubles every year as more than 200,000 Irish "wannabes" pack the Savannah streets and Waterfront for St. Patrick's Day "Savannah Style". Beer is not the only thing that flows emerald green during the holiday, every fountain within the city limits is dyed green in a ceremony that dates back more than 100 years. Green reigns supreme when everything from hair to dogs to even green eggs and ham gets residents and visitors into the sprit of St. Patrick's Day

Savannah has been celebrating her Irish heritage in Savannah for more than a century. Traditional Irish values and customs of old are mingled with the vibrancy and charm of a city whose quirky personality comes out in those who call Savannah home and those that are just here to visit! Most do not know that the first parade was a small private affair 179 years ago for a group of men of Irish heritage to honor the anniversary of the death of St. Patrick - a Catholic priest. Over the years, the parade has became a public event that grows in size every year. To this day, the true Savannah St. Patrick's Day celebration remains a deeply religious family event that features authentic Irish music, Celtic dances and great food!

March and April are among the most beautiful months of the year in Savannah. Temperatures are often in the 70s, sunny, with flowers in bloom. March and April are also the busiest months for tourism in Savannah, so pre-planning is a must when it comes to celebrating your St. Patrick's Day in Savannah.

Savannah Hotels have more than 12,000 rooms in its inventory. Savannah's Southside and Midtown offer moderate rates while the Historic District's accommodations are in the heart of the communities celebrations. Rooms book well in advance for this historic celebration so revelers are encouraged to make reservations early.

Q: When is the parade?

A: The parade begins downtown at 10:15 a.m. The city is quite congested during that period. As many as 500,000 visitors arrive to this city adding to the nearly 200,000 residents.

Q: How do I get a hotel?

A: Some hotels begin taking reservations for the following year immediately after that year's celebration. Some, however, wait until the fall to accept reservations.  For downtown properties, check availability here.  For more affordable accommodations a short distance away from the festivities, check availability at:  www.mastersinn-savannah.com.

Q: What's the weather like in March?

A: It all depends. Usually, March and April are among the most beautiful months of the year in Savannah. Temperatures may be in the 70s, sunny, with flowers in bloom. But, depending on whether a cold or warm front moves through the area, it can be hot and humid, as high as 90 degrees, or cold and rainy, perhaps in the 50s.

Q: What do I need to know about parking on the parade route? When do I have to move my car, when will parking there resume? What other traffic stuff do I need to know?

A: Cars in the staging area and along the parade route will be towed on the day of the parade. The parade staging area is bounded by Henry, Gaston, Habersham and Whitaker streets, including those streets. Meters in the area will be bagged beginning at about 6 p.m. the night before and will be rechecked at about 4 a.m. St. Patrick's Day. Check out our Parking/Bus info section for more traffic and parking information.

Q: Do the Savannah parade and drinking scene in any way compare to the New Orleans Mardi Gras? Also are there displays of public nudity, as there are on Bourbon Street?

A: Some have said the festivities surrounding the St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Savannah are reminiscent of Mardi Gras. However, Savannah hosts only one parade, and displays of public nudity will get you arrested.

Q: What are the regulations concerning alcohol in Savannah on St. Patrick's Day?

A: Drinking rules:
St. Patrick's Day evening, all bars must close at 1 a.m., regardless of where they are located in the city.
In the festival zone, which is on River Street from MLK Boulevard to Savannah Electric, wristbands are required to drink outside. Anyone caught drinking in that area without a band risks a $90 fine. No drinks can be taken in or out of the festival zone.

Those not wishing to drink can still enter the festival zone without a wristband. People can also drink inside River Street bars without a band, they cannot, however, take the drinks outside without a band.

You can only purchase one alcoholic beverage at a time.
Beer will not be sold after midnight outside on River Street, but wristbands will still be sold in case you want to buy a drink in a bar after midnight and walk outside.
Outside the festival zone, 16-ounce to-go cups can be carried anywhere within city limits.

Q: What does "Erin Go Bragh" mean?

A:Ireland Forever.

 St Patrick's Day | Historic Squares | Historic District | Airport | Attractions | Media
Historic Savannah | Pictures | Romance | Festivals | Heritage | Tours | Corporate