Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day In Scotland 2024 ☘️

Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day In Scotland
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St. Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a day that honors St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland.

While this day is celebrated in various parts of the world, Scotland has its unique way of commemorating this event.

This article will guide you through the various ways you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland in 2024.

The Significance of St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland

St. Patrick’s Day is not just an Irish celebration. In Scotland, a country with deep Celtic roots and a significant Irish diaspora, this day is also observed with much enthusiasm.

The Scottish people celebrate their shared Celtic heritage on this day, and it’s an opportunity for them to embrace and showcase their cultural ties with Ireland.

When is St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland?

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the same date worldwide, the 17th of March. In 2024, this date falls on a Sunday, making it a perfect opportunity for a weekend celebration.

But don’t worry, the traditions and celebrations we discuss in this article are timeless and can be enjoyed year after year.

What to Do for St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland

Embrace the Green

One of the most common ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day is by wearing green. In Scotland, you’ll see people dressed in various shades of green, from emerald to lime.

Some even go the extra mile by donning leprechaun hats and shamrock-shaped accessories. So, if you’re planning to join the celebration, make sure to wear something green!

Attend a Parade

St. Patrick’s Day parades are a significant part of the celebration. These parades feature marching bands, traditional Irish music, dancers, and floats.

In Scotland, several cities host their own St. Patrick’s Day parades, each with its unique charm. Whether you’re in Edinburgh, Glasgow, or Aberdeen, you’re sure to find a parade to enjoy.

Visit an Irish Pub

Scotland is home to numerous Irish pubs where you can enjoy traditional Irish food and drinks. These pubs often have special events for St. Patrick’s Day, including live music, dance performances, and whiskey tastings.

It’s a great place to experience the festive atmosphere and maybe even learn a traditional Irish song or two!

Saint Patrick’s Day Events In Scotland 2024

LocationEventDateTime
EdinburghComedy At Waverley Bar (St Patrick’s special)Mar 16, 202410:00 PM
EdinburghPaddy’s Weekender at PilgrimMar 15, 2024Event time not specified
EdinburghRESTART LIVE Edinburgh City FC Social ClubMar 17, 2024Event time not specified
GreenockSFPR: St Patrick’s Day at Connellys BarMar 16-17, 2024Starts at 06:00 PM
GlasgowU2 Tribute: Rattled & Hummin’ at McChuillsMar 16, 2024Starts at 08:00 PM
DundeeSt Patrick’s Day Party at Aura NightclubMar 17-18, 2024Starts at 10:00 PM
GlasgowST Patricks Day Party at Rocknrolla’sMar 17, 2024Starts at 02:00 PM
GlasgowSt Patrick’s Day 2024 at Celtic ParkMar 15, 2024Starts at 07:00 PM
St AndrewsSt Patrick’s Day 2024 at St Andrews Students’ AssociationMar 17, 2024Starts at 10:30 PM
RaplochLiam McGrandles – Live at Vinney’s BarMar 16, 2024Starts at 08:00 PM
DumfriesSt Patrick’s Day Virtual RunMar 16, 2024Event time not specified
GlasgowNYCOS Alumni Singing Day and Fundraiser at St. Margarets Scottish Episcopal ChurchMar 16, 2024Starts at 09:00 AM

Best Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland

Edinburgh

Edinburgh, the capital city of Scotland, offers a variety of events for St. Patrick’s Day. The city’s Irish pubs, such as Biddy Mulligans and The Three Sisters, host special events including live music and traditional Irish food.

The Edinburgh St. Patrick’s Day parade is a must-see, featuring vibrant floats, marching bands, and dancers.

Glasgow

Glasgow is known for its lively St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The city hosts a massive parade that winds through the city center, with participants showcasing traditional Irish music, dance, and costumes.

After the parade, you can head to one of the many Irish pubs in the city, like Jinty McGuinty’s Irish Bar, for a pint of Guinness and some traditional Irish fare.

Aberdeen

In Aberdeen, you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by attending a ceilidh, a traditional Scottish dance. Many local venues host special St. Patrick’s Day ceilidhs where you can dance to traditional Irish and Scottish music.

The city’s Irish pubs, such as McNasty’s and Malones, also offer special menus and events for the occasion.

St. Patrick’s Day in Inverness, Dundee, and Perth

Inverness

Inverness, the cultural capital of the Scottish Highlands, offers a unique St. Patrick’s Day experience. The city’s Irish pubs, such as Johnny Foxes and The Den, host special events including live music and traditional Irish food.

You can also explore the beautiful Scottish Highlands, which share a deep Celtic connection with Ireland.

Dundee

Dundee, known for its vibrant arts scene, celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a variety of cultural events. The city’s Irish pubs, like Clarks on Lindsay Street, offer traditional Irish music sessions.

Dundee’s Contemporary Arts Centre often hosts Irish film screenings and art exhibitions around this time.

Perth

In Perth, you can celebrate St. Patrick’s Day by attending a rugby match. The city’s rugby clubs often schedule matches on or around St. Patrick’s Day, offering a unique way to join in the celebrations. After the match, head to one of the city’s Irish pubs, like The Green Room, for a celebratory drink.

St. Patrick’s Day in Fort William, Oban, and Isle of Skye

Fort William

Fort William, located in the Scottish Highlands, offers a tranquil setting for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. The town’s pubs, like the Grog & Gruel, host special events including live music and traditional Irish food.

You can also enjoy a peaceful walk along the shores of Loch Linnhe, reflecting on the shared Celtic heritage of Scotland and Ireland.

Oban

Oban, a resort town on the west coast of Scotland, is known for its seafood and whisky. On St. Patrick’s Day, you can visit one of the town’s seafood restaurants for a special Irish-themed menu.

Oban’s distillery also offers whisky tastings, allowing you to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in a uniquely Scottish way.

Isle of Skye

The Isle of Skye, known for its rugged landscapes and rich Gaelic heritage, is a unique place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The island’s pubs, like the Isles Inn, offer traditional Gaelic music sessions.

You can also explore the island’s historic sites, many of which have connections to the ancient Celtic cultures of Scotland and Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Day at Loch Ness and Other Famous Scottish Locations

Loch Ness

Loch Ness, famous for its mythical monster, is a beautiful place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. The loch’s surrounding pubs, like the Dores Inn, offer traditional Irish music sessions and special menus for the occasion.

You can also take a boat tour of the loch, keeping an eye out for ‘Nessie’ while enjoying the stunning Highland scenery.

Scottish Whisky Distilleries

Scotland is world-renowned for its whisky, and many distilleries offer special events for St. Patrick’s Day. You can take a guided tour of a distillery, learn about the whisky-making process, and sample a variety of whiskies.

Some distilleries even offer special St. Patrick’s Day tastings featuring Irish whiskies alongside their Scottish counterparts.

Scottish Highlands and Lowlands

The Scottish Highlands and Lowlands, with their breathtaking landscapes and rich history, offer a unique setting for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

You can explore ancient castles, hike through stunning landscapes, and visit historic sites with connections to the ancient Celtic cultures of Scotland and Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Day Activities in Scotland

Pub Crawl

One of the most popular ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland is by participating in a pub crawl.

Many cities, including Edinburgh and Glasgow, host St. Patrick’s Day pub crawls where participants visit multiple Irish pubs in one night.

It’s a great way to experience the festive atmosphere and sample a variety of traditional Irish drinks.

Ceilidh

A ceilidh is a traditional Scottish gathering where people come together to enjoy music and dance. On St. Patrick’s Day, many venues in Scotland host special ceilidhs with a mix of Scottish and Irish dances. It’s a fun and active way to celebrate the day.

Rugby Match

Rugby is a popular sport in Scotland, and St. Patrick’s Day often coincides with important matches. Attending a rugby match can be a unique and exciting way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland.

Scottish St. Patrick’s Day Traditions

Celtic Music

Celtic music is a significant part of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Scotland. Many pubs and venues host live music sessions featuring traditional Irish and Scottish tunes.

Some even offer music workshops where you can learn to play a traditional Irish instrument, such as the tin whistle or the bodhrán.

Irish Gaelic Language

While Scotland has its own Gaelic language, Irish Gaelic is often highlighted during St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Some pubs and cultural centers offer Irish Gaelic language workshops and storytelling sessions, providing a unique opportunity to learn about Irish culture and history.

Scottish Kilts and Bagpipes

Scotland’s own cultural symbols, such as kilts and bagpipes, also feature prominently in St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

You’ll often see bagpipe bands participating in parades, and many people choose to wear a kilt as part of their St. Patrick’s Day outfit.

Exploring Scottish Castles

Many of Scotland’s historic castles have connections to the ancient Celtic cultures of Scotland and Ireland.

Visiting these castles can be a great way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while learning about the shared history of these two nations.

Preparing for St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland 2024

Plan Your Itinerary

With so many events and activities happening across Scotland, it’s essential to plan your St. Patrick’s Day itinerary in advance.

Whether you’re interested in attending a parade, participating in a pub crawl, or exploring historic sites, planning ahead will ensure you make the most of your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

Dress Appropriately

Remember to wear something green on St. Patrick’s Day! Whether it’s a green shirt, a shamrock pin, or a full leprechaun costume, dressing up is a fun way to get into the spirit of the day.

Learn a Few Gaelic Phrases

While not necessary, learning a few phrases in Irish or Scottish Gaelic can enhance your St. Patrick’s Day experience.

Simple phrases like “Sláinte” (cheers) or “Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit” (Happy St. Patrick’s Day to you) can be a fun way to engage with the celebrations.

Respect the Culture

While St. Patrick’s Day is a day of celebration, it’s also important to respect the cultures and traditions of both Ireland and Scotland.

Remember to celebrate responsibly and appreciate the rich history and shared heritage that this day represents.

Conclusion

St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland is a celebration of shared Celtic heritage, a fusion of Irish and Scottish traditions that creates a unique and memorable experience.

From the lively parades in Edinburgh and Glasgow to the tranquil celebrations in the Scottish Highlands, there’s something for everyone.

Whether you’re exploring historic castles, participating in a pub crawl, attending a ceilidh, or simply wearing green, St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland offers numerous ways to celebrate.

Remember to plan your itinerary, dress appropriately, learn a few Gaelic phrases, and most importantly, respect the culture.

This guide has provided an overview of what to expect when celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland in 2024. However, the best way to truly understand and appreciate this celebration is to experience it firsthand.

So, pack your green attire, brush up on your Gaelic, and get ready for a memorable St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland!

FAQs

When is St. Patrick’s Day celebrated?

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide on the 17th of March.

What are some traditional St. Patrick’s Day activities in Scotland?

Traditional activities include attending parades, participating in pub crawls, visiting Irish pubs, attending ceilidhs, and exploring historic sites.

What should I wear for St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland? 

Wearing something green is a common tradition for St. Patrick’s Day. Some people also wear shamrock pins or leprechaun hats.

What is a ceilidh?

A ceilidh is a traditional Scottish gathering with music and dance. Many venues in Scotland host special St. Patrick’s Day ceilidhs.

What is the significance of St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland?

St. Patrick’s Day in Scotland is a celebration of shared Celtic heritage with Ireland. It’s an opportunity for Scottish people to embrace and showcase their cultural ties with Ireland.

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