Saint Patrick’s Day, a cultural and religious celebration held on the 17th of March, is a public holiday in Ireland. But the festivities are not limited to Ireland.
London, a city known for its multicultural celebrations, hosts a variety of events to celebrate this Irish festival.
This guide will provide you with a detailed list of activities to do in London this Saint Patrick’s weekend.
Things To Do In London This Saint Patrick’s Day Weekend 2025
1. St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, take part in the annual parade featuring Irish marching bands, dance troupes, and colorful floats.
The parade starts near Green Park Station at 12 PM, moving through Piccadilly, St James’s Street, Pall Mall, and Whitehall, culminating in Trafalgar Square.
Post-parade, Trafalgar Square hosts a festival with live performances, food stalls, and family-friendly activities.
2. Irish London – St Patrick’s Day Walking Tour
On March 16 and 17, 2025, EnjoyLondon’s rich Irish heritage with a guided walking tour. Starting at Parliament Square, the tour explores significant cultural and literary sites, concluding in Soho. It’s an insightful journey through the city’s Irish connections.
3. St Patrick’s Day at Big Penny Social
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Big Penny Social in Walthamstow extends its celebration with performances by Coppermill Folk and Irish dancing from the Maguire O’Shea Dance Academy. Enjoy traditional Irish dishes like coddle, along with stout and baby Guinness shots.
4. St Patrick’s Day at The Audley Public House
Celebrate on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at The Audley in Mayfair with live music from the band Banish Misfortune starting at 3 PM. Indulge in Irish lamb stew or Guinness rarebit while enjoying traditional tunes.
5. Dublin Castle St Pat’s Craic – St Patrick’s Day Party
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, Camden’s Dublin Castle hosts a lively party featuring bands like Skimmington Ride and Riff Raff. After the live performances, DJs will keep the energy high with Irish floor-fillers.
6. St Patrick’s Day Fest at O2 Forum Kentish Town
On Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 2 PM to 9 PM, the O2 Forum in Kentish Town will host a grand celebration featuring live music, traditional Irish food, and a vibrant atmosphere. Organized by Oktoberfest UK, this event promises an unforgettable experience.
7. St Patrick’s Day Ceilidh
See traditional Irish dancing at a lively ceilidh on Friday, March 14, 2025. With live folk music and guided dances, both beginners and seasoned dancers can enjoy this energetic event.
8. St. Patrick’s Day Irish Whiskey Tasting
On Monday, March 17, 2025, at 7 PM, The Old White Bear offers an Irish whiskey tasting session. Participants can sample a variety of Irish whiskeys and learn about their histories and flavor profiles.
9. St Patrick’s Family Day at London Irish Centre
On Sunday, March 16, 2025, the London Irish Centre in Camden presents a family-friendly day with live music, dance performances, arts and crafts, and traditional Irish food. It’s an excellent opportunity for all ages to immerse themselves in Irish culture.
10. London St Patrick’s Day Run 2025
Join the festive run on Saturday, March 15, 2025, starting at 12 PM from the Lodge Cafe. Participants are encouraged to wear green and celebrate with a community run, promoting health and Irish spirit.
Irish Film Festival
The Irish Film Festival London runs throughout Saint Patrick’s weekend. The festival showcases the best of Irish cinema, with a mix of feature films, short films, and documentaries.
The films are screened at various venues across London, including the Regent Street Cinema and the Prince Charles Cinema.
The festival is a great opportunity to immerse yourself in Irish storytelling and cinema. It features post-screening Q&A sessions with directors and actors, giving you a chance to delve deeper into the themes and stories of the films.
Traditional Irish Music Sessions
Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations would be incomplete without traditional Irish music. Many pubs across London host live music sessions featuring traditional Irish tunes. These sessions are often impromptu, with musicians joining in with their instruments.
Some notable pubs for traditional Irish music include The Auld Shillelagh in Stoke Newington, known for its lively atmosphere and authentic Irish music sessions, and The Faltering Fullback in Finsbury Park, which hosts a traditional Irish music session every Sunday.
Irish Food Market
The Irish Food Market is a must-visit for food lovers. The market features stalls selling traditional Irish food and drink. You can try a variety of dishes, from traditional Irish stew and soda bread to modern Irish cuisine.
The market also features stalls selling Irish whiskey and craft beers. And for dessert, you can try some Bailey’s cheesecake or a slice of Guinness cake. The Irish Food Market is a great place to experience the flavors of Ireland.
Saint Patrick’s Day Run
For those who prefer a more active celebration, the Saint Patrick’s Day run is a fun way to celebrate. The run takes place in Hyde Park, one of London’s largest and most famous parks. Participants are encouraged to wear green and there are prizes for the best costumes.
The run is open to all ages and abilities, and it’s a great way to enjoy the city’s scenery while keeping fit. After the run, participants can enjoy a well-deserved pint of Guinness at one of the many pubs in the area.
Conclusion
Saint Patrick’s Day in London is a celebration of Irish culture and heritage. It’s a day to enjoy Irish music, food, and film, and to participate in the Saint Patrick’s Day parade and run. So, put on something green and join in the fun this weekend!
Remember, Saint Patrick’s Day is not just about the parades and the parties. It’s a day to celebrate Irish culture and heritage and to appreciate the contributions of the Irish community to London and the world. So, let’s raise a toast to Saint Patrick and celebrate the spirit of Ireland!
