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). And the dress code? Be sure to wear something green.
Click here for details.
Camden: St Patrick’s Weekender at the Farrier
Head to Camden for all things Irish. The Farrier will be celebrating all weekend from Friday-Sunday March 17th-19th: expect traditional Irish music, whiskey cocktails and Guinness & Oysters for £10. There’s also offbeat Irish stand-up comedy at the Camden Club on Friday 17th, MC’d by comedian Michael Legge: click here to book.
Irish Whiskey Tasting
Join the folks from Exploring Whisky for a night of Irish whiskey tasting at Ignition Brewery – tickets and details are here. Alternatively, all three BOXPARK sites in Shoreditch, Wembley and Croydon are throwing a free party in collaboration with Jameson Irish Whiskey in honour of St Patrick’s Day on Friday 17th March. Expect live music, games, street food and more than a few drinks for the craic.
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 18th 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 Irish bar afterwards. This year the event is part of a world record attempt, so even more reason to get involved.
If you want to really get into the spirit of things (other than whiskey), how about a spot of Irish folk dancing?
Here’s the link to a beginner-friendly céilí where you’ll get a typically warm Irish welcome.
As always, tag us in your St Paddy’s Day pics on social media and we’ll share our favourites!
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