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St Patrick’s Day is almost upon us, so it’s time to plan where you’ll be celebrating this Irish national holiday. To help you decide, we’ve compiled a list of the best things to do on St Patrick’s Day, featuring food, festivals, pubs and more.
What is St Patrick’s Day?
St Patrick’s Day is a religious holiday celebrated annually on the 17th of March as a tribute to the death of St. Patrick, patron saint of Ireland. ‘Eat, drink and be merry’ has never applied more than to this holiday, when celebrators fill up on Irish stew and dance to live music.
Where to celebrate St Patrick's Day in London
If you can’t be in Ireland, London is the place to be on St Patrick’s Day. You won’t have to go far to find various St Patrick’s Day activities, whether you fancy a 5k run or a festival.
St Patrick’s Day Festival
If you’re looking for a day of entertainment, London’s St Patrick’s Day Festival won’t disappoint. It’s a day to remember, showcasing the best of Irish arts, culture, food and drink.
This unmissable parade has over 50,000 talented performers, including marching bands, pageantry and dance troupes. When the parade is over, head to one of the stages at Trafalgar Square to enjoy music from talented live acts.
Date: Sunday the 17th of March 2024
Cost: Free
How to get there: It’s an 18-minute walk from London Waterloo to Trafalgar Square. Or, hop on the Northern line northbound to Charing Cross, walking 3 minutes from there.
St Patrick’s Day 5k Run
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/london-st-patricks-day-run-2024-world-record-attempt-tickets-593713542187
Challenge yourself with a 5k around Hyde Park this St Patrick’s Day. Gather your friends, dress up in your best Paddy’s Day costume, see how quickly you can finish and reward yourself afterwards at a local Irish bar while watching the rugby (Ireland v. Scotland).
Date: Saturday the 16th of March 2024, 15:00 to 16:00
Cost: £19.34
How to get there: The run begins at Hyde Park Corner, just a 9-minute tube journey from Vauxhall station. Catch the northbound Victoria line to Green Park, then the Piccadilly line eastbound to Hyde Park Corner.
St Patrick’s Church
stpatricksoho.org
21A Soho Square, London W1D 4NR
Located in Soho, this beautiful church is a great place to celebrate the life and legacy of St Patrick. The church runs a dedicated St Patrick’s Day service, with a St Patrick’s Day Mass throughout the day on the 17th of March.
Date: Sunday the 17th of March 2024, 8:00 to 18:00
Cost: Free
How to get there: From London Waterloo, ride the northbound Northern service to Tottenham Court Road.
London Irish Game – St Patrick’s Day Party
london-irish.com
Lionel Rd S, Brentford TW8 0RU
Watch London Irish take on Northampton Saints in a thrilling live rugby game at Gtech Community Stadium. It’ll be a day to remember, with plenty of entertainment before and after the game, plus bars and food stalls to keep you fueled.
Date: TBC
Cost: TBC
How to get there: Kew Bridge Station is just a few steps away from Gtech Community Stadium.
The best Irish pubs in London
The capital has some of the best Irish pubs in the UK. Here’s our list of the top Irish pubs in London.
The Toucan, Soho
thetoucansoho.co.uk
19 Carlisle Street, London W1D 3BY
This aptly named Irish pub is inspired by Guinness’s vintage advertising campaigns, which feature a toucan balancing a pint on its beak. Once the playground of the legendary Jimi Hendrix, The Toucan comes with bags of history.
How to get there: Take the Northern line from London Waterloo to Tottenham Court Road, walking 7 minutes from there.
MC & Sons, Southwark
mcandsonslondon.com
160 Union Street, London SE1 0LH
Thai cuisine meets the traditional Irish pub in this Southwark boozer. If you’re looking for something different this St Patrick’s Day, Mc & Sons is the perfect place. Enjoy live music, an Irish Fayre and an eclectic mix of Thai street food.
How to get there: Hop on the Jubilee line from London Waterloo to Southwark, walking 6 minutes from there.
The Porterhouse, Covent Garden
porterhouse.london
21-22 Maiden Lane, London WC2E 7NA
The Covent Garden branch of this iconic brewery is one of the largest bars in London, split over three main levels. It has live music, entertainment, and a variety of food and drinks.
How to get there: Ride the Northern line from London Waterloo to Charing Cross, walking 6 minutes from there.
The Sheephaven Bay, Camden
sheephavenbaycamden.co.uk
2 Mornington St, London NW1 7QD
Just off Camden Town High Street, The Sheephaven Bay is a charming and traditional Irish pub. Boasting two bars, three seating areas and plenty of TV screens showing live sports, it’s a great spot to visit on Paddy’s Day.
How to get there: Take the Northern line from London Waterloo to Mornington Crescent, walking 5 minutes from there.
Connolly’s, Chiswick
connollysbarchiswick.co.uk
450 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 5TT
Owners Brendan and Lynda have served fresh, homemade Irish food in this cosy pub for nearly a decade. Connolly’s embraces tradition on St Patrick's Day with Irish dancers and live bands.
How to get there: Catch the train to Chiswick, then walk 20 minutes to reach this atmospheric Irish bar.
Tir Na Nog, Wandsworth
tirnanogwandsworth.co.uk
107 Garratt Lane, London SW18 4DW
There’s plenty of craic to be had in this small family-run pub. With walls adorned with Irish memorabilia, Tir Na Nog transports you to the Emerald Isle. Live music is the order of the day, plus lots of drinks promotions and traditional Irish dishes.
How to get there: Tir Na Nog is just a stone’s throw from Wandsworth Town station.
Whelan’s, Kingston Upon Thames
whelanspubs.co.uk/whelans-irish-traditional/whelans-kingston
20 Richmond Rd, Kingston upon Thames KT2 5EB
It may be the new kid on the block, but this Irish pub has been an instant hit with the Kingston locals. The interior resembles a traditional Irish street with shop fronts as a backdrop. Live bands, dancers and hearty helpings of bacon and cabbage transport you to Dublin.
How to get there: Located just outside Kingston station, Whelan’s is hard to miss.
For more pub and bar recommendations, check out the best sports bars in London and the UK’s top independent breweries.
The best Irish pubs in the South West
Celebrating St Patrick’s Day elsewhere? Here are some of the top Irish pubs in the South West.
Shenanigans, Portsmouth
facebook.com/shenaniganssouthsea
57 Osborne Rd, Southsea, Portsmouth, Southsea PO5 3LS
Shenanigans guarantees a warm welcome and a friendly atmosphere. Head down this St Patrick’s Day for a delicious breakfast followed by live music and an appearance by their resident band.
How to get there: This Irish pub is a 20-minute walk from Portsmouth and Southsea station.
The Stand Off, Exeter
thestandoff.co.uk
Portland House, Longbrook St, Exeter EX4 6AB
Also new on the scene is Exeter’s The Stand Off. This Irish pub was recently re-opened after a major refurbishment by Exeter Chiefs player Gareth Steenson. Enjoy delicious home-cooked Irish stew and dance to live music in a fantastic party atmosphere.
How to get there: The Stand Off is less than a 20-minute walk from Exeter St David’s station.
The Steamer Inn, Isle of White
thesteamer.co.uk
Esplanade, Shanklin PO37 6BS
The Steamer Inn at Shanklin celebrates St Patrick’s with raucous Irish live music and delicious food. Each year, the pub serves a delicious Irish-themed menu and pints of the Black Stuff, which can be enjoyed as you listen to top-class Irish bands.
How to get there: Hop on a ferry to Shanklin on the Isle of Wight to get merry.
Ready to celebrate? Let us do the driving and book your train tickets in advance to get the best price. You can save with a Railcard or GroupSave too! Travel on any train with flexible Sunday Out tickets.
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