Are you ready to paint the town green and join in the festivities of St Patricks Day? As March 17 approaches, it's time to plan your perfect celebration, but you don't need to head to Ireland to party like the Irish, the UK is bursting with St. Paddy's day parties.
In this blog, we'll outline the 7 best UK cities for celebrating St. Patrick's Day:
But first, let's delve into the origins and global celebration of this vibrant Irish holiday.
What is St. Patrick's Day?
St. Patrick's Day is a cultural and religious holiday celebrated on March 17th, commemorating the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. It's a day filled with joy, Irish heritage, and vibrant green decorations. People around the world join in the festivities by wearing green, attending parades, enjoying traditional Irish food and drinks, and celebrating all things Irish!
Is St. Patrick's Day always on March 17th?
Yes, St. Patrick's Day is always on March 17th. This date marks the anniversary of St. Patrick's death in the 5th century and has been celebrated as a public holiday in Ireland since the early 17th century. It's a day of remembrance, celebration, and cultural pride.
Do they celebrate St. Patrick's Day outside of Ireland?
Absolutely! St. Patricks Day has transcended its Irish roots and is now celebrated with enthusiasm in many parts of the world, including the United Kingdom. People from all backgrounds come together to embrace the Irish spirit, making it a truly global celebration.
Is St. Patrick's Day a Bank Holiday in the UK?
St. Patrick's Day is a widely celebrated holiday not just in Ireland but also in parts of the United Kingdom, particularly in Northern Ireland. However, whether or not it is a bank holiday in the UK depends on where you are.
Northern Ireland
In Northern Ireland, St. Patrick's Day is a public holiday, which means that most businesses, schools, and government offices are closed for the day. It's a day when people participate in various festivities, including parades, traditional music, and cultural events.
Rest of the UK
In the rest of the UK, including England, Scotland, and Wales, St. Patrick's Day is not a public or bank holiday. This means that businesses and schools generally operate as usual on March 17th, and there is no day off work or school.
But that doesn't mean us Brits don't celebrate St. Patrick's Day! Up and down the country, people young and old join in the festivities in their own way by wearing green, attending St Patricks Day parades in the UK, and enjoying fun, Irish-themed activities. So, while St. Patrick's Day might not get you the day off work or school in most of the UK, it's still a fantastic opportunity to join in the festive spirit and celebrate Irish culture and heritage.
What to Wear on St. Patrick's Day
St. Patricks Day is not just a celebration of Irish culture; it's a chance to get creative and showcase your love for the Irish through your clothes. Plus, when you head to your local party or St. Paddy's parade, you're going to want to look the part.
Here's a guide on how to put together your St Patrick's Day outfit and join in the festive atmosphere:
- Go Green: The most important rule for your St. Patrick's Day outfit is to wear green. From head to toe or as an accent colour, make sure you incorporate this vibrant shade into your outfit.
- Leprechaun Accessories: Get playful with your outfit by adding some leprechaun-themed accessories like green hats, bow ties, or suspenders.
- Shamrock Accessories: The shamrock is a symbol of Ireland and St. Patrick's Day. Consider wearing shamrock pins, earrings, or even temporary tattoos to show your Irish pride.
- Irish-Themed Clothing: Look for clothing with Irish-themed designs, such as Celtic knots, Claddagh rings, or traditional Irish patterns. These elements will add an authentic touch to your outfit.
- Irish Jerseys: If you're a sports fan, consider wearing an Irish rugby or soccer jersey to represent your favourite team and show your allegiance to Ireland.
- Traditional Attire: If you want to go all out, you can wear traditional Irish clothing like an Aran sweater or a kilt. These outfits not only celebrate Irish culture but also keep you warm on a potentially chilly March day.
- Green Makeup: Get creative with green makeup. Paint shamrocks on your cheeks, go for green eyeshadow or add green glitter for some extra sparkle.
- Green Footwear: Don't forget your feet! Green shoes, socks, or even shoelaces can complete your St. Patrick's Day look.
- Green Accessories: If you prefer a more subtle approach, you can accessorize with green scarves, belts, or handbags to add a pop of colour to your outfit.
- DIY Creations: Get crafty and create your own St. Patrick's Day attire. You can customize t-shirts, and hats, or even make your own St Paddy's-themed jewellery.
Remember, the key to St. Patrick's Day outfit is to have fun. Whether you choose to go all out with a leprechaun costume or simply add a touch of green to your everyday outfit, your enthusiasm for St. Patrick's Day will shine through.
Now that we've brushed up on the basics, let's dive into the best UK cities to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in 2026.
Where to Celebrate St Patricks Day 2026 in the UK
1. London
London is a bustling hub of St. Patrick's Day festivities.
The London St Patrick's Day parade, which winds its way through iconic landmarks such as Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly Circus, is a must-see and admission is completely free! The parade starts at Hyde Park at noon and is expected to last until 6 pm, but those wanting to carry on the party can still find plenty of St Patrick's Day activities afterwards.
Those with an aversion to crowds may want to avoid the parade as over 50,000 people are expected to attend, but fear not, London's Irish pubs also get in on the action with special St. Patrick's Day menus and quieter (but still lively) atmospheres.
For those wanting to get the kids involved in the merriment, you can easily do so thanks to the live Irish music, Irish dancing, food and drink options dotted along the parade- with the majority placed in Trafalgar Square.
Outside of the London St Patrick's Parade, venture to the Irish Cultural Centre and enjoy plenty of family-friendly activities, like story-telling and puppet-making.
2. Birmingham
Birmingham hosts one of the largest St. Patrick's Day parades in the UK.
The Birmingham St Patrick's Day parade hosted by the Birmingham Irish Association in Digbeth features colourful floats, marching bands, and a variety of entertainment for all ages. The atmosphere is family-friendly, but students and adults alike will find plenty of Irish pubs and venues for celebrating into the evening. If you fancy attending the Birmingham St. Patrick's Day Parade, expect big crowds.
But St. Patrick's Day in Birmingham isn't just limited to one day! No, in Birmingham, the St. Paddy's festivities last a whole week with tons of Birmingham bars hosting St. Patrick's Day parties to help you party like the Irish.
Related reading: The 10 Best Day Trips From Birmingham
3. Manchester
Manchester has a deep connection to Irish immigration, dating back to the 19th century when thousands of Irish workers came to the city. To this day, the Irish community in Manchester is vibrant and plays a significant role in the city's cultural life.
Based on this, you can assume celebrating St Patrick's Day 2026 in Manchester is one for the books!
The Manchester St Patricks Day parade is definitely a highlight, showcasing Manchester's Irish heritage, it begins at 12pm and returns to the IWHC at approximately 2pm. Families can enjoy the daytime festivities, while students and adults can explore the city's lively pub scene in the evening. The Irish Community Care organisation are hosting several St. Paddy activities during the weekend including a film night, an Irish trivia pub quiz, and organizing an Irish community shop throughout the week.
4. Glasgow
Glasgow's St. Paddys Day celebrations are an absolute blast, and they owe a big part of their magic to the city's thriving Irish community. For centuries, Irish immigrants have played a pivotal role in Glasgow's history, making it a diverse and culturally rich place to be.
And let's not forget the star of the show - the beloved Celtic Football Club! Fondly known as Celtic or "the Hoops," Glasgow's famous Celtic Football Club the beating heart of Glasgow's Irish community. It was founded back in 1887 to support Irish immigrants facing tough times in the city. Today, it stands tall as a symbol of pride, unity, and a whole lot of fun.
On St. Patrick's Day, Celtic Park turns into a sea of green and white, echoing with celtic songs and cheers. It's a day when the city celebrates not just Irish culture but also the fantastic connection between Glasgow and the Celtic FC. Don't class yourself as a footie fan? No worries, Glasgow is spoiled with fun Irish pubs where you can join the Glasgow St. Paddy's parties and rock your green outfit.
Related reading: The 10 Best Day Trips From Glasgow
5. Liverpool
Liverpool's maritime history attracted many Irish immigrants in the 19th century, so much so that it's actually called the second capital of Ireland and three-quarters of Liverpool's population are said to have Irish roots.
Head to the old Liverpool Irish Centre at 2 pm to join in on the Liverpool St. Patrick's Day parade along the iconic Liverpool waterfront pays homage to this history while the lively pubs and nightlife cater to a diverse crowd, including students and adults.
When celebrating St Paddy's in Liverpool, why not pay a visit to Liverpool's first Irish bar The Flanagan's Apple and enjoy a nice pint of Guinness?
6. Belfast
People often wonder whether they even celebrate St. Patrick's Day in Belfast, but the answer is they definitely do! In Belfast, St. Patrick's Day is actually a bank holiday giving locals and tourists alike the perfect chance to party.
Belfast's St. Patrick's Day celebration reflects the city's close ties to Ireland and runs for several days from 10-18 March. The Belfast St. Patrick's Day parade and festivities offer a glimpse into Belfast's deep-rooted Irish heritage, and the warm and inclusive atmosphere ensures that everyone can partake in the celebrations, from families to students and beyond.
Join the crowd at Belfast's Custom House Square to hear Celtic music, watch circus performers, balloon artists and many more. You can also follow the Féile Trad Trail around the city to hear live local musicians.
7. Edinburgh
Edinburgh's St. Patrick's Day celebrations bring a touch of Irish culture to the stunning Scottish capital. The city's Irish community adds to the diversity of the cultural landscape, and the festivities are designed to be accessible to all, with family-friendly activities and vibrant nightlife options.
Partygoers should head to The Cowgate where you can join fellow revellers at the street party and spill into the various pubs on the street including The Three Sisters, Biddy Mulligans and Cab Volt. If you don't manage to get tickets to the St. Paddy's street party, Edinburgh's best Irish bar Dropkick Murphy's is an excellent second choice.
Where will you party like the Irish?
No matter where you are in the UK, St. Patrick's Day 2026 offers a wide range of family-friendly and adult-oriented St. Patrick's Day activities. So, grab your green attire and head to one of these top 7 UK cities for an incredible St. Patrick's Day experience accessible to everyone. Sláinte!
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