Saint Patrick’s Day, celebrated every year on March 17th, is a day of cultural and religious significance not only in Ireland but also across the United Kingdom. This festive occasion, which marks the arrival of Christianity in Ireland, is commemorated with grandeur and enthusiasm.
If you’re planning to be in the UK during this time, you’re in for a treat. In this article, we will explore the 15 Best Places to Visit in the UK on Saint Patrick’s Day offering you a guide to the most vibrant celebrations across the country.
The Significance of Saint Patrick’s Day Celebrations in the UK
The UK has a rich history of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations, owing to its proximity and ties with Ireland.
From London to Glasgow, cities across the UK host vibrant parades, cultural festivals, and community events that bring together people of all backgrounds to celebrate Irish heritage.
15 Best Places to Visit in the UK on Saint Patrick’s Day
- London
- Birmingham
- Manchester
- Liverpool
- Leeds
- Glasgow
- Edinburgh
- Cardiff
- Belfast
- Dublin
- Cork
- Galway
- Limerick
- Derry
- Armagh
1. London
London, the capital city of the UK, is renowned for its grand Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. The city hosts a spectacular parade that winds its way through the heart of the city, showcasing the best of Irish culture, music, and dance.
Floats, marching bands, and performers dressed in green flood the streets, creating a festive atmosphere that’s hard to resist.
The parade, London also hosts an Irish Film Festival. This event features films from Irish filmmakers, providing a platform for them to showcase their work.
The festival offers a unique opportunity to explore Irish culture and history through the medium of film. From documentaries to feature films, the variety of genres ensures there’s something for everyone.
2. Birmingham
Birmingham, home to one of the largest Irish communities in the UK, hosts one of the largest Saint Patrick’s Day festivals. The festival is a week-long celebration filled with music, dance, and plenty of traditional Irish food.
The highlight of the festival is the parade, which is a vibrant display of Irish culture and community spirit.
The city’s Irish Quarter comes alive during this time, with traditional music sessions, dance performances, and food stalls offering Irish delicacies.
The streets are filled with people wearing green, and the air is filled with the sound of traditional Irish music, creating a festive and welcoming atmosphere.
3. Manchester
Manchester, known for its strong Irish heritage, hosts the Manchester Irish Festival in the lead-up to Saint Patrick’s Day.
This two-week celebration is one of the largest in the UK and includes a variety of events such as music concerts, comedy nights, and cultural exhibitions.
The city also hosts Irish Markets during this time. These markets offer a range of traditional Irish goods, from food and drink to crafts and clothing.
It’s a great place to pick up a souvenir or try some traditional Irish fare.
4. Liverpool
Liverpool, a city with a rich Irish heritage, offers a unique blend of cultural experiences during Saint Patrick’s Day.
The city is known for its vibrant music scene, and this is particularly evident during the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. Concerts featuring Irish bands and musicians are held across the city, offering a mix of traditional and contemporary Irish music.
These concerts are a great way to immerse yourself in the Irish culture and enjoy some fantastic music.
The music, Liverpool also hosts a variety of events that celebrate Irish culture.
From food festivals featuring traditional Irish cuisine to art exhibitions showcasing the work of Irish artists, there’s something for everyone.
The city’s museums and galleries also offer special exhibitions and events that highlight the Irish influence on Liverpool’s history and culture.
5. Leeds
Leeds, a bustling city in West Yorkshire, hosts a vibrant Saint Patrick’s Day Parade each year.
The parade features a variety of floats, marching bands, and performers, all celebrating Irish culture and heritage.
The streets of Leeds come alive with the sound of traditional Irish music, and the sight of dancers performing traditional Irish dances is a highlight of the parade.
The city’s Irish Arts Foundation also organizes a series of events around Saint Patrick’s Day.
These events include music performances, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops, all aimed at celebrating and promoting Irish culture.
Whether you’re interested in learning about Irish history, enjoying some traditional Irish music, or trying your hand at an Irish craft, there’s something for everyone.
6. Glasgow
Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, is known for its vibrant Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The city hosts a week-long festival that celebrates Irish culture through a variety of events. From music concerts and dance performances to film screenings and literary events, the festival offers a diverse range of experiences.
One of the highlights of Glasgow’s Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations is the traditional Irish music sessions.
These sessions, held in pubs and music venues across the city, offer a chance to experience traditional Irish music in an intimate setting. Whether you’re a fan of traditional Irish music or just curious, these sessions are a must-visit.
7. Edinburgh
Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, offers a unique Saint Patrick’s Day experience.
The city hosts a gala on Saint Patrick’s Day, featuring a variety of performances from Irish musicians, dancers, and artists. The gala is a great opportunity to experience Irish culture in a festive and lively setting.
In addition to the gala, Edinburgh also offers a unique experience for whiskey lovers. The city’s whiskey bars and distilleries offer special Irish whiskey-tasting events on Saint Patrick’s Day.
These events offer a chance to learn about the history and process of making Irish whiskey, and of course, to taste some of the finest whiskeys Ireland has to offer.
8. Cardiff
Cardiff, the capital of Wales, is known for its vibrant Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. The city hosts a colorful parade that showcases the fusion of Welsh and Irish cultures.
The parade features a variety of floats, marching bands, and performers, all celebrating Irish culture and heritage.
In addition to the parade, Cardiff also hosts various Irish cultural events. These events include music performances, art exhibitions, and cultural workshops, all aimed at celebrating and promoting Irish culture.
Whether you’re interested in learning about Irish history, enjoying some traditional Irish music, or trying your hand at an Irish craft, there’s something for everyone.
9. Belfast
Belfast, the capital of Northern Ireland, is a city steeped in Irish history and culture. The city hosts a grand Saint Patrick’s Day Carnival that features a vibrant parade, live music, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
The carnival is a great opportunity to experience Irish culture in a festive and lively setting.
In addition to the carnival, Belfast is also known for its traditional Irish dancing events.
These events, held in venues across the city, offer a chance to watch or even participate in traditional Irish dances. Whether you’re a fan of Irish dancing or just curious, these events are a must-visit.
10. Dublin
Dublin, the capital of Ireland, is the heart of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
The city’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the largest in the world, featuring a variety of floats, marching bands, and performers from around the globe.
The parade is a vibrant display of Irish culture and community spirit and a must-see for anyone visiting Dublin on Saint Patrick’s Day.
Also the parade, Dublin’s Temple Bar area hosts the TradFest, a festival featuring traditional Irish music and dance.
The festival offers a diverse range of performances, from traditional Irish music sessions to contemporary Irish dance performances, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
11. Cork
Cork, Ireland’s second-largest city, offers a unique Saint Patrick’s Day experience.
The city hosts a vibrant Saint Patrick’s Day Festival that features a parade, live music, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
The festival is a great opportunity to experience Irish culture in a festive and lively setting.
In addition to the festival, Cork also offers Irish storytelling sessions.
These sessions, held in venues across the city, offer a unique way to learn about Irish folklore and history.
Whether you’re a fan of Irish folklore or just curious, these storytelling sessions are a must-visit.
12. Galway
Galway, a harbor city on Ireland’s west coast, is known for its vibrant cultural scene and is a fantastic place to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day.
The city’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is a highlight of the celebrations, featuring local community groups, artists, and musicians.
The parade offers a colorful display of Irish culture and community spirit, making it a must-see for anyone visiting Galway on Saint Patrick’s Day.
In addition to the parade, Galway also hosts the Galway Food Festival around Saint Patrick’s Day. This festival celebrates Galway’s reputation as a foodie destination and offers a chance to sample traditional Irish dishes as well as innovative creations from local chefs.
From seafood caught in Galway Bay to locally sourced meats and vegetables, the festival offers a culinary journey through the best of Irish cuisine.
13. Limerick
Limerick, a city in western Ireland, offers a lively Saint Patrick’s Day experience. The city’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is a vibrant event featuring local schools, community groups, and sports clubs.
The parade offers a chance to see the local community come together to celebrate Irish culture and heritage.
In addition to the parade, Limerick is also home to the Limerick International Band Championship. This event, held on Saint Patrick’s Day, features marching bands from around the world competing for the title of ‘Best Band’.
If you’re a music lover or just enjoy a good competition, the Band Championship is a must-see.
14. Derry
Derry, also known as Londonderry, is a city in Northern Ireland known for its rich history and vibrant cultural scene.
The city’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is a community-led event featuring local schools, community groups, and sports clubs. The parade offers a chance to see the local community come together to celebrate Irish culture and heritage.
In addition to the parade, Derry also hosts a traditional Irish music festival around Saint Patrick’s Day. This festival features performances from local musicians and offers a chance to experience traditional Irish music in a festive setting.
15. Armagh
Armagh, known as the city of Saint Patrick, is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in a truly authentic way.
The city hosts various events on Saint Patrick’s Day, including a parade, live music, and a variety of family-friendly activities.
A visit to Saint Patrick’s Cathedral is a must when in Armagh. The cathedral, which is one of the oldest Christian sites in Ireland, offers a unique insight into the history of Saint Patrick and the arrival of Christianity in Ireland.
Tips for Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in the UK
Celebrating Saint Patrick’s Day in the UK is a unique and memorable experience. Here are some tips to help you make the most of this festive occasion:
- Embrace the Green: Wearing green is a fun and easy way to participate in the celebrations. Whether it’s a green hat, shirt, or even a full costume, donning something green will instantly make you part of the festivities.
- Savor the Flavors: The UK offers a wide variety of traditional Irish foods on Saint Patrick’s Day. From hearty Irish stew to corned beef and cabbage, there’s no shortage of delicious dishes to try. Don’t forget to wash it down with a pint of Guinness!
- Learn About the Traditions: Saint Patrick’s Day is rich in history and tradition. Take the time to learn about the significance of the day and the various customs associated with it. This will not only enhance your understanding of the celebrations but also deepen your appreciation for Irish culture.
- Join the Parade: Most cities in the UK host vibrant Saint Patrick’s Day parades. These parades are a fantastic way to immerse yourself in the celebrations and experience the community spirit first-hand.
- Enjoy the Music: Traditional Irish music is a significant part of Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations. Whether it’s a live concert or a music session at a local pub, be sure to enjoy some Irish tunes.
- Participate in Local Events: Many cities host a range of events on Saint Patrick’s Day, from cultural workshops to art exhibitions. Participating in these events is a great way to engage with the local community and learn more about Irish culture.
Remember, Saint Patrick’s Day is all about community, celebration, and embracing Irish culture. So, wherever you are in the UK, make sure to join in the festivities and enjoy the day to the fullest!
Conclusion
The Best Places to Visit in the UK on Saint Patrick’s Day offers a unique blend of cultural experiences, vibrant parades, and lively festivities.
Each city, with its unique traditions and celebrations, provides a memorable experience that truly captures the spirit of Saint Patrick’s Day.
Whether you’re immersing yourself in the historical significance of the day, enjoying traditional Irish music and food, or participating in lively parades, these places offer an unforgettable celebration of Irish culture and heritage.
So why not plan your next Saint Patrick’s Day adventure in the UK? You’re sure to have an experience that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
FAQs
Saint Patrick’s Day parades in the UK typically feature marching bands, traditional Irish music, dance troupes, and floats. Many people attending the parade dress in green or wear accessories featuring the shamrock, a symbol associated with Saint Patrick.
Traditional Irish foods like corned beef and cabbage, Irish stew, and soda bread are often enjoyed on Saint Patrick’s Day. Many people also enjoy Irish beverages like Guinness or Irish whiskey.
Wearing green is a popular tradition on Saint Patrick’s Day. Some people choose to wear a simple green accessory, while others might dress in full green attire. Wearing something featuring a shamrock is also common.
Yes, many cities in the UK host special events for Saint Patrick’s Day, including parades, music festivals, cultural exhibitions, and food festivals. These events offer a great way to experience Irish culture and join in the Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations.
