The Best Places to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day Outside of Ireland

With Irish-American populations growing worldwide and St. Patrick's Day becoming an international holiday, people are searching for new ways to celebrate in places closer to home. It is no wonder then, that cities around the world are hosting their own St. Patrick’s Day celebrations outside of Ireland. Whether it's a parade, live Irish music, traditional Irish food, or a pub crawl, you are sure to find a place to celebrate St. Pat's. This article will explore some of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick's Day around the world.

From the United States and Canada to the United Kingdom and Australia, many places have embraced the St. Patrick's Day fun. In most places, these events have a more mild-mannered atmosphere, but there are still plenty of ways to dress up and enjoy the party atmosphere. If you're feeling adventurous, some cities offer more than just standard pub crawls and live music. From energetic street festivals to parades and Irish-themed attractions, there are plenty of ways to get your Irish on!

Can’t make it overseas? Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in the comfort of your own home can be just as fun and rewarding. Buy some traditional Irish foods and decorations, and invite a few friends over for an evening of music and festivities. It's a great way to experience a unique cultural event without having to leave your house.

The Best Places to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day

1. Dublin, Ireland

Naturally, Dublin is at the top of the list for celebrating St. Patrick's Day. This Irish capital hosts a large celebration every year that lasts three days! The festivities take place at various sites throughout the city, including Merrion Square, Central Square, and St. Stephen's Green. The whole city is decked out in green, with Irish foods and beers served up aplenty. Music, street performances, and parades make this St. Paddy's celebration one of the best around.

2. New York City, NY, USA

When in doubt, follow the Irish — and the Irish have certainly made New York their home. In NYC, St. Patrick's Day is an almost week-long affair, with parades, events, and concerts held throughout the city. The iconic Statue of Liberty is known to turn green in honor of the holiday, and the four-day itinerary includes events in midtown, the Upper West Side, Times Square, the Bronx, and more.

3. Boston, MA, USA

As a major hub for Irish-American immigrants, Boston is a prime destination for a traditional St. Patrick's Day celebration. The city's iconic Duck Boats are known to dress up for the occasion, and parades and festivities are held in Jamaica Plain, South Boston, and Cambridge every year. The city is also known for its St. Patrick's Day river-dyeing spectacle, which gives the Charles River an emerald hue for just one day.

4. Montreal, Canada

Ah, Montreal. Home of the ever-alluring poutine and the world-famous St. Patrick's Day parade. Thousands of spectators line the streets of Boucherville neighborhood during the celebration, and end the night with a rave at Place des Arts. The event is known for its live Irish music and parade, as well as its grand fireworks display. For those looking to celebrate far away from home, Montreal is an ideal destination.

5. Galway, Ireland

Why not go straight to the source? While many Irish towns hold their own St. Patrick's Day celebrations, Galway is one of the most festive and traditional of them all. This colorful city features Irish dances, street performance, markets and sports events that last from afternoon until night. The city also has a medieval festival which features jousting tournaments and other historic performances.

6. London, UK

The city of London also celebrates St. Patrick's Day in big style. The city has a two-day event to honor the Irish, featuring floats, parades, live music, and of course, plenty of traditional food and drinks. The Lord Mayor of Westminster throws an annual party with fireworks, while many pubs and restaurants in the area will host their own parties with live bands and DJs.

7. Chicago, IL, USA

Of course, the "Windy City" has to get a mention — this is America, after all. Chicago is known for its grandiose event which is staged in the city's iconic Grant Park. Thousands flock to the city to take part in the festivities, including live music and massive beer tents. As an added bonus, the city changes the Chicago River from emerald green to bright green for the occasion.

8. Sydney, Australia

Down under, Sydney has embraced St. Patrick's Day with an entirely different guest. Instead of beer and whiskey, the city's iconic Circular Quay is taken over by a carnival-style celebration with rides, games, and plenty of food. You won't find a shortage of live entertainment or traditional Irish eats either — from Morris dancers to Irish bands, there's something for everyone in the area.

9. Tokyo, Japan

Yes, you read that right. Japan's capital city also celebrates St. Patrick's Day with their own unique twist. The city hosts a traditional parade and a massive street festival in Yoyogi Park. The festival features live music, Irish-style bars, a parade, and even a "bonnet contest" for participants. Tokyo has also become known for its "green beer" — a beer that features a bright emerald hue.

10. Toronto, Canada

Canada is well known for its St. Patrick's Day celebrations — and Toronto is no exception. The city hosts one of the largest parades in North America, complete with floats, dancers, and marching bands. There's also plenty of Irish-themed events in the area, with live music, traditional foods, and more. It's a great way to get your Irish-American on without having to travel too far.

Conclusion

With Irish-American populations growing throughout the world, it is no wonder that cities around the world are hosting their own St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in places closer to home. In most places, these events have a more mild-mannered atmosphere, but there are still plenty of ways to dress up and enjoy the party atmosphere. From the United States and Canada to the United Kingdom and Australia, many places have embraced the St. Patrick's Day fun. There are plenty of ways to get your Irish on, from vibrant parades and energetic street festivals to Irish-themed attractions and traditional Irish foods. Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in the comfort of your own home can also be just as fun and rewarding, so don’t be afraid to have some celebrations of your own!

Frequently Asked Questions

Find the solutions to frequently asked questions regarding celebrating St. Patrick's Day outside of Ireland right here.

What is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day is an Irish holiday celebration and public holiday held on the 17th of March. It is a global celebration of Irish culture and heritage, with parades, live Irish music, traditional Irish food and drinks, and more.

Where is the best place to celebrate St. Patrick's Day?

Dublin, Ireland, is one of the best places to celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but other cities around the world, such as New York, Boston, London, Galway, and Toronto, also host large festivities.

How can I celebrate St. Patrick's Day at home?

Celebrating St. Patrick's Day at home can be just as fun and rewarding. Buy some traditional Irish foods and decorations, and invite a few friends over for an evening of music and Festivities. It's a great way to experience a unique cultural event without having to leave your house.