Where to celebrate
St. Patrick's Day in the UK and Ireland

The charming medieval city of Kilkenny, known for its majestic historic castle, is a great tourist destination throughout the year. Still, in mid-March, it comes alive and turns into one big celebration. St. Patrick's Festival takes place alongside Kilkenny Tradefest, bringing numerous live music sessions and free gigs from some of the best Irish folk musicians.

Get to the city center to enjoy music and dance performances, ride on a vintage carousel, and watch a spectacular parade. This year it will be centered around the theme of Legend and Stories — and the fantastic history of the circus.

Address
The parade will take place through John Street, Rose Inn Street, The Parade, High Street, and Market Yard

Ireland's capital city boasts a diverse, action-packed festival program that suits all ages and helps visitors fully immerse themselves in Irish culture. Besides the flagship event, the parade featuring thousands of musicians and performers, the city houses the whole 'Festival Quarter' at the National Museum of Ireland.

This bustling cultural hub on the grounds of Ireland's spectacular heritage site will host various daytime events, as well as a busy night program full of music, dance, circus, spectacle, conversation, food, drink, and many more.

Address
National Museum of Ireland, Collins Barracks, Benburb St, Stoneybatter, Dublin, D07 XKV4

Armagh is known as the place that St. Patrick called home and where he began his mission in the 5th century. Today, the city houses two beautiful cathedrals, both named after Ireland's patron saint, and provides an authentic setting for St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Home of St. Patrick Festival features various events, from film screenings to walking tours, and gives a chance to reflect on the saint's legacy. Spend St. Patrick's Eve taking the Virgil Walk by torchlight between the two St. Patrick's Cathedrals — and do not miss the parade making its way through the city center the next day.

Address
Cathedral Close, 43 Abbey St, Armagh, BT61 7DY

The Guinness Storehouse sits on the site where Arthur Guinness started his business in 1759, and there is nothing wrong with celebrating the most famous Irish feast by experiencing the history, heart, and soul of the most iconic Irish beer. Besides the standard beer-related program, the Home of Guinness will celebrate St. Patrick's Day with the best Irish food, art, live music, and seven floors of entertainment.

To get more cultural, you can combine this experience with visiting St. Patrick's Cathedral, which is just a 15-minute walk from the Guinness Storehouse. A self-guided audio tour of iconic landmarks of Dublin will help you easily navigate through the city and discover hidden gems.

Address
St. James's Gate, Dublin 8, D08 VF8H

If you want to delve into the life and story of St. Patrick and learn more about Ireland's patron saint, head to Downpatrick, one of the oldest Irish towns, situated about 20 miles south of Belfast. This small city houses the world's only permanent exhibition center devoted to Saint Patrick.

You can also visit the city's cathedral on the Hill of Down, explore the legendary burial place of 'the Apostle of Ireland,' and take a guided St. Patrick's Pilgrim Walk to admire the city and discover the incredible story of Ireland's patron saint.

Address
53A Market St, Downpatrick BT30 6LZ

As the 'second home to the Irish,' Glasgow is the best option for those who want an authentic Irish experience but can't make it to Ireland this March. The city offers a diverse program packed with stand-up comedy shows, live music events, and gallons of Guinness.

Irish bars in Glasgow are literally behind every corner, but if you have to pick one, choose
Oran Mor, housed in the stunning building of a former church. It is not only a bar and restaurant but also a theater, a nightclub, and a live music venue, which will create an authentic, rip-roaring atmosphere for St. Patrick's Day celebration.

Address
Byres Road, Glasgow West End G12 8QX

Belfast, officially recognized as a UNESCO City of Music, is ideal for music buffs to enjoy St. Paddy's parties. This year, the traditional St. Patrick's Day celebrations will focus on local music across various genres, so you can expect plenty of singing, dancing, and live music performances.


The theme of the parade, which will take place on March 17, is 'Voices of Belfast,' and it promises to be one big celebration of the city's vibrant music heritage, from folk to pop, punk, and disco.

If you plan to stay in Belfast for a while, make sure to check out the guided audio tour of the Belfast City Cemetery to learn more about the history of Northern Ireland in a unique way.

Address
The parade will start at Belfast City Hall, Donegall Square N, Belfast BT1 5GS

Although London's parade doesn't fall on the actual St. Patrick's Day and takes place on the previous Sunday, there are plenty of ways to have fun on March 17. One of the best options is to attend a Shamrock Session at BoxPark.

Normally, it is a venue filled with small independent street food vendors serving cuisines from around the globe, but on St. Patrick's Day, this place will be filled with live music, traditional Irish songs, games, face painting, food, and a nearly endless stream of Jameson.

Address
Wembley Park, Wembley HA9 0JT

The annual Manchester's Irish Festival lasts more than a week and boasts a wealth of events for any taste. History buffs can celebrate St. Patrick's Day by unearthing the best stories of Little Ireland, the area around Oxford Road station with its dark but fascinating past.

The annual Irish Manchester free tour will lead you through the streets where Irish workers lived during the Industrial Revolution. You will step back in time to the 19th century, discover gloomy secrets, soak up the unique atmosphere, and enjoy a glass of a black Irish health drink with a creamy head.

Address
2 Tony Wilson Pl, Manchester M15 4FN

The capital of Scotland has no shortage of Irish pubs, and St. Patrick's Day is usually one of the wildest party nights of the year. The largest St. Patrick's Day festival takes place at the enormous, five-level Three Sisters bar. This pub is housed in a former historic brewery in the Cowgate area, nicknamed 'Little Ireland,' and is world-renowned for its non-stop party atmosphere.

This year, the St. Patrick's Day party will start as early as 8:00 AM and run until 3:00 AM. You can expect free breakfasts, live music performances, celebrity guests, 'craic'aoke,' and fun competitions with big prizes.

Address:
139 Cowgate, Edinburgh EH1 1JS