The best places to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in 2025

Toast the patron saint of Ireland, wherever you are

So what’s the craic? As millions of people around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day on 17th March, why not make this the year you jet off and celebrate this Irish festival in style? Whether you want to head to the Emerald Isle itself, or fly further afield to see how other countries honour this legendary national holiday, we’re bringing you the best ways to have the most memorable experience.

Party in Dublin with a pint of Guinness in hand

Want to be at the centre of the action? Then Dublin must be the ultimate place to get in the party spirit and experience a truly authentic Irish shindig. The world-famous St. Patrick’s Festival Parade is not to be missed, and with nearly half a million visitors expected, it really will be a spectacle to behold.

Dress yourself head-to-toe in green and prepare to dive into a world of novelty hats and Irish accessories with the ultimate celebration of Irish culture. Make sure you get there early to secure a good spot if you want to see the colourful floats wind through the historic streets of Dublin.

The parade kicks off at noon from Parnell Street, and lasts approximately two hours before a grand finish at Kevin Street. Afterwards, it’s a race to the nearest pub for a well-deserved pint of Guinness, or whatever tipple takes your fancy.

Enjoy an authentic St. Patrick’s Day in Dublin >

Experience the luck of the Irish in Belfast

There’s some great craic to be had in Northern Ireland. If you’re ready to shimmy your shamrock then head over to Belfast. It’s a UNESCO City of Music, so there are endless events showcasing its musical heritage.

Follow the Trad Trails which run throughout the city between 10 - 17th March to hear the very best local musicians. Over the weekend itself, there’ll be a series of concerts, workshops and displays in Cathedral Quarter to really bring together the community.

And once that’s got you in the Irish spirit, it’s time for the traditional St. Patrick’s parade. Starting at 1pm from Belfast City Hall, a dazzling display of music, dance and costume will weave its way through the city. It promises fun for the entire family, and best of all it’s completely free, and you don’t even need a ticket.

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Witness the Irish charm come alive in the Cork community

As the second largest city in Ireland, Cork is one of the most popular cities to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, and the place really comes alive. Multiple events take place all over the city between 15 - 18th March including live music in various venues and the Cork International Film Festival. Enjoy a selection of Irish cinematic gems and experience why the Irish have a reputation for storytelling.

Most events are free to attend, but some are ticketed, so make sure you check whether you need to book ahead. Of course, the central focus of the festivities is Cork’s St. Patrick’s Day parade. The annual pageant is presented by the wonderful and varied communities that make the city so vibrant.

An energetic display of colour and magic, the parade features members of local sports and dance groups as well as their long-established brass bands. The procession begins at 1pm and works its way around the city ending on the bank of the famed River Lee.

Escape to Cork this St. Patrick’s Day >

Attend the parade over the pond in New York

You could easily imagine that Ireland is home to the world's longest-running St. Patrick's Day parade, but the title actually belongs over the Atlantic in New York City. Originally Irish immigrants were celebrating their homeland, but today for lots of people it’s an excuse to party.

Dating back to 1762, this largest display of Irish Pride takes over 5th Avenue between 44th and 79th street, and this year it will be held on Monday 17 March. Manhattan transforms into a vast sea of green with over 150,000 people taking part in the march, drawing crowds of around 2 million spectators.

The parade is traditionally run by volunteers, with many coming from generations of families who dedicated themselves to organising the parade. Each year the parade is led by a Grand Marshall and features representation from across the uniformed services in New York, including the NYPD and the Fire Department.

Book your dream trip to the Big Apple this St. Patrick’s Day >

Go Green in Munich for St Patrick’s Day

Many countries all over the world are home to an Irish community and Germany is no exception - the Germans LOVE a good party! Think of it as a green version of Oktoberfest, but in spring time. This year, Munich’s 27th St. Patrick's Day will be celebrated on 15 - 16th March with a parade between Münchner Freiheit and Odeonsplatz as part of a two-day open-air festival.

Expect bagpipes, drummers, flag-bearers and plenty of Irish dancing! Many of the thousands of people who line the streets dress up in traditional Irish costumes or wear something green, while landmarks like the Allianz Arena and the Olympic Tower are bathed in green light to mark the Irish national holiday.

Munich's Lord Mayor Dieter Reiter has been the festival patron for the past few years and you might even spot him playing his guitar with a live band on stage.

Experience a German/Irish St. Patrick’s Day in Munich >

Bring the family for a festive afternoon in Copenhagen

There’ll be an Irish takeover in Copenhagen’s Rådhuspladsen on the 16th March with a day of fun for all the family. People of all ages and nationalities are welcome to take part in this celebration of Irish culture and heritage. The city hall square will host a festive afternoon of music, dance, sport and fun while a green parade will stroll through the streets.

Enjoy Irish coffee, Irish stout, and hot chocolate, and munch on St. Patrick’s Day cookies while watching local dance groups perform a show of Irish folk music and traditional dances. Children can have their faces painted with a special St. Patrick’s Day theme in time for when the parade starts at 5pm.

Led by St. Patrick himself, the parade features bands, traditional Irish hand drums, Irish Dancing, Copenhagen GAA and Irish wolfhounds and POP-up Gaeltacht Cóbanhavan. If you’re wearing something green, you can even join the parade itself! The Parade finishes back at Rådhuspladsen with a final tune from Copenhagen Showband and a parting glass to finish off a great day.

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Enjoy a pub crawl around Amsterdam’s best Irish bars

Holland’s main St Patrick’s Day celebrations take place at Grote Markt in The Hague, but those who love a good pub crawl might prefer to be 65km away in the lively city of Amsterdam. Thanks to its many Irish bars, Amsterdam is like the Dutch equivalent of Dublin’s Temple Bar. Its buzzing squares are alive with traditional Irish music, dancing, and a great community spirit - and all the best pubs are within walking distance.

Celebrate St. Paddy’s Day with a pint or two of Guinness at O'Reilly's Irish Pub on Dam Square, or Aran Irish Pub on Max Euweplein. Hoopman Irish Pub on Leidseplein is famous for its atmosphere and there’s more live music nearby at Mulligan's Irish Music Bar. Larger groups are welcome to celebrate with food and drink at Saint James's Gate Irish Pub on Rembrandtplein. You’ll find a wide selection of Irish whiskeys at Molly Malone's near Centraal Station, and you can watch sport on the big screen at O'Donnell's near the Heineken Brewery. What better way to raise a glass to St. Patrick to mark his special day?

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Celebrate with parades, parties, and pubs in London

Thanks to its huge Irish community, England’s capital becomes flooded with green over the Paddy’s Day weekend. To really get into the spirit of things, head to the local shops of Kilburn in North London to buy Tayto crisps and Club Orange. The annual London St Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday 16th March involves flags, floats, marching bands from across the UK, sports clubs and Irish dancing schools.

The procession sets off from Hyde Park Corner at midday, making its way past iconic landmarks and onto Whitehall. The spectacle usually attracts more than 125,000 people, so get there early to secure your spot.

In Trafalgar Square between 12pm to 6pm you can watch performances by well-known Irish acts, rising stars and special guests. There’s also a St Patrick’s Day market with craft stalls and traditional Irish food. If you’re thirsty, there’s no shortage of Irish pubs and bars in London and many are decorated in green for the occasion.

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