Travel News

Irish-Themed Travel Deals For St. Patrick’s Day

Locations in this article:  Chicago, IL Dublin, Ireland Orlando, FL

Beyond Just Beer On Tap - Irish-Themed Travel For St. Patrick's DayAt least 44 million people in the U.S. claim Irish heritage, but on St. Patrick’s Day, that number rises to about 300 million!

Check out some of the Irish and St. Patrick’s Day-themed travel deals we rounded up in honor of this special day.

One option is to test out the luck of the Irish on St. Patrick’s Day at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin Hotel.

Just call the hotel on March 17 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET and mention the word “Lucky” to get one of several special offers. That can include $100 food credit, breakfast for two, an additional 10 percent off your room rate, a free room upgrade, and more. One offer per reservation is available for new reservations that take place May 1 through September 30, 2011.

Expedia is having a one-day St. Patrick’s Day Sale. Just visit Expedia.com on March 17 and save at least 20 percent on hotel stays before December 31, 2011. On March 17 only, click here to access discounts and deals.

Want to travel to Ireland itself? Check out the Off The Brochure Travel Guide: Dublin, Ireland. Or to see a more pastoral side of Irish life, try the Ask the Locals Travel Guide: Southwestern Ireland

It’s spring ski season so take advantage of discounted lift tickets and special St. Patrick’s Day events at resorts around the country …

Vermont’s Mount Snow is selling $17 lift tickets, along with a “green eggs and kegs” breakfast, live music, and a treasure hunt for the pot of gold, aka a 2011/2012 Mount Snow Classic Season Pass.

It’s easy to be green in New Hampshire’s Waterville Valley, where lift tickets and lodging start from just $17 each.

Celebrate Ireland - St. Patrick's Day TravelGo to Alpine Meadows in Lake Tahoe dressed as a leprechaun (or at least wear some green!) and hunt for the golden ticket: a spring pass that’s valid through the rest of the season and other freebies.

Of course, Chicago is known for its over-the-top St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, starting with the annual dying of the river that took place on Saturday. On March 17 Irish Heritage Center is throwing a big bash featuring all things Irish from 1 p.m. to 11 p.m. Or, go green any time of year and book a free, eco-walking tour, where Chicago Greeter guides showcase  the city’s green buildings and parks. Click here for other events around the city.

If all this green celebration inspires you, maybe it’s time to plan that trip to Ireland. Sceptre Tours is offering a Dublin vacation from $699, including round-trip airfare and four nights at the four Seasons Hotel Dublin. Rates are based on airfare from JFK; rates go up based on departures from Boston, Chicago and Orlando. Travel must take place between March 20 and May 16, 2011 on select Wednesday and Thursday departures.

By Sarika Chawla for PeterGreenberg.com.

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