St. Patrick's Day 2025

Join people around the globe celebrating Irish culture and heritage with food, drink, and lively parades

Millions of people around the world celebrate St. Patrick's Day on 17 March - so make this the year you jet off to one of the destinations that celebrates this Irish festival in style! Whether you want to head to the Irish homeland itself, or fly further afield to see how other countries honour this legendary national holiday, you’ll be sure to have a memorable experience.

Party in Dublin with a pint of Guinness in hand

Want to be at the centre of the action? Then Dublin is 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 to be in attendance, it really will be a spectacle to behold.

Dress yourself in head-to-to green, and prepare to witness a world of novelty hats and Irish accessories. It’s the ultimate celebration of Irish culture after all! If you want a good spot as the colourful floats wind through the historic streets of Dublin, make sure you get there early to beat the crowds.

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.

Experience 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 other parts of Ireland. If you’re ready to shimmy your shamrock then head over to Belfast. As a UNESCO City of Music, there’s endless events geared up to showcase its musical heritage.

Follow the Trad Trail which runs 10–17 March throughout the city to hear the very best local musicians from across the island. Over the weekend this also includes a series of concerts, workshops and displays in Cathedral Quarter to really bring together the community.

And once that’s got you in the charming Irish spirit, in traditional St. Patrick’s style it’s time for a dazzling parade. Starting at 1pm from Belfast City Hall, the enchanting 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.

Book your magically musical trip to Belfast >

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 day in as the city comes alive. The entire festival spans 14–17 March with multiple events taking place all over the city, including live music in multiple venues, as well as the Cork International Film Festival. Enjoy a selection of Irish and Cork cinematic gems and experience Ireland's finest storytelling.

Most events are free to attend, but some are ticketed, so be sure to check and book beforehand. Of course, the centrepiece 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 beautifully charming.

A vibrant display of colour and magic, the parade features members of local sports and dance groups as well as the long-established brass bands. The procession begins at 1pm and routes around the city, ending on the bank of the famed River Lee that runs through the city.

Escape to Cork this St. Patrick’s Day >

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.

Experience a fun St. Patrick’s Day in Copenhagen >

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 mark the special day in true Irish style than to raise a glass to St. Patrick?

Find out more and book your Amsterdam trip >

Join the St Patrick’s party in Barcelona

The Spanish are no strangers to a good pub crawl and, as there won’t be a central parade in the city, a toast or two to St. Patrick is the best way to celebrate here. First though, we recommend you start with a hearty Irish breakfast! There are over a dozen Irish pubs in Barcelona with names like The Shamrock, Flaherty’s and The Old Irish Pub, and they’ll all be decked out in green, orange and white for the big day. Although you might be lucky enough to be given a novelty hat or a T-shirt in one of the pubs, make sure you wear something green for the day. Most venues will offer deals and special drinks for St Patrick’s Day as well as live music and even a prize for the best dressed. But they’re all expected to be very busy, so prepare for a lively atmosphere and some good craic.

Book your trip to Barcelona here >

Have a bonnie time celebrating in Scotland

If you don't want to travel too far, there's lots of St. Patrick's Day events taking place throughout Glasgow. There’ll be comedy shows, live music, and a special St Patrick's Day performance of ‘Ireland The Show’ at Glasgow Royal Concert Hall. Expect a week-long celebration of giveaways, live music and parties in Glasgow’s best Irish boozers.

The historic city of Edinburgh will also offer visitors an unforgettable St. Patrick's Day experience which usually goes on until the wee hours. Irish enthusiasts can celebrate with lively pub crawls, music festivals, and other special events in a festive atmosphere. Expect lively street parties with plenty of Irish music and dancing in several of the city’s famous Irish pubs - but you’ll need to buy a ticket or a wristband beforehand to take part.

Click here to book your flight to Glasgow or Edinburgh >