Celebrate St Patrick’s Day with our guide to some of the best craic in London.
St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland and is believed to have converted its people to Christianity in the fifth century. Although not born in Ireland – he was kidnapped from Roman Britain aged 16 and taken to Ireland as a slave – Patrick returned after his escape to found schools and churches. March 17th, his feast day, is celebrated by the Irish diaspora throughout the world.
St Patrick’s Day Parade
The biggest of the London St Patrick’s Day events is undoubtedly the annual St Patrick’s Day Parade, which features elaborate floats, marching bands, Irish dancing and Guinness galore. Starting at midday in Piccadilly, the 1.5 mile route finishes at Trafalgar Square via many iconic London landmarks (although not all the participants will be sober enough to recognise them) where the festival will continue. And the dress code? Be sure to wear something green.
St Patrick’s Day Big Weekend at the Farrier: Camden
Head to Camden for all things Irish. The Farrier will be celebrating all weekend from Friday-Sunday March 15th-17th: there’s a six-course gourmet menu on the Friday, traditional Irish music, Irish-themed cocktails and some expertly-poured Guinness (as always) on Saturday and a full-on party on the day itself.
St Patrick’s Day at the 411: Islington
Head over to the 411 which will be fully decorated for the occasion and serving pints of the black stuff at £6. The bar’s popular Picklebacks – the shot-and-chaser combo of Irish whiskey and pickle brine – will also be on offer for only £7; DJs will be on hand to keep the energy high. Book here.
St Patrick’s Day Discover Live Boxpark Shoreditch
Boxpark Shoreditch is hosting a special St Patrick’s Day edition of Jodie Bryant’s Discover Live, with an exciting lineup of new and independent music from Ireland featuring Jessica Doolan, AikJ & Áine Dean. Being St Patrick’s day, there’s a fab DJ and a drinks deal to get involved in; sign up here for your free ticket.
St Patrick’s Day 5k Run: Hyde Park
For something a little healthier – or to clear the fog from Friday night’s celebrations – how about London Kilt Run’s annual St Patrick’s Day 5k run around Hyde Park on Saturday 16th March? It starts at 11am from the Lodge Cafe by Hyde Park Corner and finishes there around 12:30pm. Tickets to take part have now sold out, but that doesn’t mean you can’t cheer them on from the warmth of the cafe and tag along to the watch the Ireland/Scotland Six Nations match at a nearby pub afterwards. This year the event is part of another world record attempt, so even more reason to get involved.
As always, tag us in your St Paddy’s Day pics on social media and we’ll share our favourites!
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