Explore 8 culturally authentic St. Patrick’s Day celebrations worldwide, discover traditional Irish dishes, and learn about sustainable travel tips for an enriching experience.
St. Patrick’s Day: A Global Celebration of Irish Heritage
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, honors the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. What began as a religious feast day has evolved into a worldwide celebration of Irish culture, marked by parades, music, dancing, and, of course, traditional Irish food and drink.
While many associate the holiday with green beer and shamrocks, authentic celebrations offer a deeper connection to Irish heritage. Let’s journey through seven culturally rich St. Patrick’s Day festivities around the world, explore traditional Irish dishes, and uncover sustainable travel tips to enhance your experience.
Who Was St. Patrick?
St. Patrick was not Irish—a fact that surprises many. He was actually born in Roman Britain (likely in present-day Wales or Scotland) in the late 4th or early 5th century.
As a teenager, Patrick was kidnapped by Irish raiders and enslaved in Ireland. He spent several years herding sheep, during which time he developed a deep Christian faith. According to legend, he eventually escaped captivity after receiving a divine vision that guided him to return home.
After training as a priest, he chose to return to Ireland as a missionary, spreading Christianity throughout the island. He is credited with converting much of Ireland’s pagan population, using familiar symbols like the shamrock (which he supposedly used to explain the Christian concept of the Holy Trinity—Father, Son, and Holy Spirit).
Patrick’s death is believed to have occurred on March 17, around 461 AD, and his influence was so profound that he became Ireland’s most revered saint.
How St. Patrick’s Day Became a Holiday
Initially, St. Patrick’s Day was a religious feast observed primarily in Ireland. It was a quiet, solemn holiday, recognized by the Catholic Church as a holy day of obligation—a day for attending Mass and reflecting on St. Patrick’s legacy.
But over time, Irish emigrants, particularly in the United States, helped transform it into the global celebration we know today.
The first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade wasn’t in Ireland—it was in St. Augustine, Florida, in 1601 (then a Spanish colony).
The modern parade tradition began in New York City in 1762, organized by Irish soldiers serving in the British army. Boston, home to a large Irish population, also became a hub for celebrations.
In Ireland, St. Patrick’s Day remained a religious event until the 20th century. In fact, pubs were closed by law until the 1970s! Can you imagine?! It was only in the late 20th century that the Irish government embraced the holiday as a way to boost tourism and promote Irish culture globally.
Cerca’s 8 Top Cities to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day
1. Dublin, Ireland
Obviously. There’s no better place to experience St. Patrick’s Day than in Dublin, the capital city of Ireland. The festivities span several days, featuring the iconic St. Patrick’s Festival Parade, traditional music sessions, and cultural events that showcase Irish arts and heritage.
Tips:
Best Parade Viewing Spots: Get to O’Connell Street, College Green, or St. Patrick’s Cathedral early for the best views.
Avoid Temple Bar Crowds: While iconic, Temple Bar is packed with tourists—opt for side streets for a better experience. There are many other wonderful, traditional Irish pubs in Dublin – we’ve listed a few in our What To Eat in Ireland article.
What to eat?
Irish Stew: A hearty dish made with lamb or beef, potatoes, onions, and carrots. It’s a staple in Irish households and a must-try during the festivities.
Boxty: Traditional Irish potato pancakes, crispy on the outside and soft inside, often served with sour cream or smoked salmon.
Experience:
Join a traditional Irish cooking class to learn how to make these dishes yourself. Dublin Cookery School offers hands-on classes that immerse you in Irish culinary traditions.
Sustainable Travel:
Opt for accommodations that prioritize sustainability. The Green Hotel in Dublin is an eco-friendly option, boasting energy-efficient systems and a commitment to reducing waste.
2. New York City
New York City hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades globally, drawing millions of spectators. The parade marches along Fifth Avenue, featuring bagpipers, dancers, and vibrant floats.
Traditional Foods:
Corned Beef and Cabbage: Although not traditionally Irish, this dish became popular among Irish-Americans and is now synonymous with St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S. Corned Beef history is deeply tied to Irish immigration, economic shifts, and global trade rather than centuries-old Irish culinary traditions.
The story of corned beef as an “Irish” dish really begins in the 19th century, when millions of Irish immigrants arrived in the United States, fleeing poverty and famine (particularly after the Great Famine of the 1840s).
In America, Irish immigrants faced discrimination and lived in poor neighborhoods, often alongside Jewish and other immigrant communities. In New York, this was the lower east side of Manhattan, side-by-side with the Jewish immigrant community from Eastern Europe. These communities had access to kosher butchers, who sold brisket, a tough but affordable cut of beef.
Jewish delis and butchers helped introduce Irish immigrants to kosher-style corned beef. The beef was brined with salt and spices, a curing process similar to the way bacon was prepared in Ireland. The Irish adapted the dish by pairing it with cabbage, which was cheap and widely available in the U.S.
Thus, the dish we now know as “Irish Corned Beef and Cabbage” was not originally Irish, but rather an Irish-American adaptation that blended immigrant traditions.
Experience Recommendation:
The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade: The Main Event 🇮🇪🎺
📍 Location: 5th Avenue (From 44th St. to 79th St.)
📅 Date: March 17th
⏰ Time: 11:00 AM – 4:30 PM
New York’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest (since 1762!) and largest in the world, drawing over 2 million spectators and featuring bagpipers, marching bands, and Irish dancers. Unlike many parades, there are no floats or cars—just pure Irish pride on foot
Best Viewing Spots: The stretch from St. Patrick’s Cathedral (50th St.) to Central Park (79th St.) offers great views. Get there early (8am) for a good spot and don’t use cabs or uber – take the subway.
Grab a pint (on March 17th you’ll need to go early and camp out, grab a booth and plan to spend the day drinking and carousing with friends):
The Dead Rabbit (Financial District) – Award-winning bar known for Irish coffee, whiskey cocktails, and incredible Irish stew.
Molly’s Shebeen (Gramercy) – It calls itself pne of the most authentic Irish pubs in NYC, complete with a sawdust-covered floor, cozy fireplace, and top-tier Guinness.
McSorley’s Old Ale House (East Village) – NYC’s oldest Irish pub (since 1854!)
Pair your Pint…
With a visit to the Irish Hunger Memorial (Battery Park City) – A moving tribute to Ireland’s Great Famine – corner of Vesey Street and North End Avenue in Battery Park City. The memorial is dedicated to those lost during the Great Irish Hunger, in which over one million starved to death between 1845 and 1852.
3. Montreal, Canada
Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the oldest in Canada, celebrating Irish culture with a unique French-Canadian twist. The city’s vibrant Irish community ensures a lively and inclusive celebration. Best Viewing Spots: Anywhere along Ste-Catherine Street, from Fort St. to Metcalfe St.
📍 Location: Downtown Montreal (Ste-Catherine Street)
📅 Date: Closest Sunday to March 17th
⏰ Time: 12:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Eat:
Pâté Chinois: A Quebecois version of shepherd’s pie, reflecting the blend of Irish and French influences.
Irish Coffee: A warming concoction of coffee, Irish whiskey, sugar, and cream, perfect for the chilly March weather.
During World War II, the small town of Foynes, on Ireland’s west coast, was home to one of the world’s busiest transatlantic seaplane airports. At the time, flying across the Atlantic was a long and treacherous journey, and passengers often had to stop in Foynes before continuing on to New York or Canada.
To cater to wealthy travelers—including Hollywood stars, politicians, and business tycoons—Foynes built an upscale restaurant and café inside the terminal. This was where Irish coffee was born, thanks to a talented head chef named Joe Sheridan.
Experience:
Attend a traditional music session at Hurley’s Irish Pub, a Montreal institution known for its live Irish music and cozy atmosphere.
Sustainable Tip:
Choose public transportation to navigate the city. Montreal’s STM offers an extensive and eco-friendly metro and bus system.
Pair with your Pint:
Visit the Montreal Irish Monument, a tribute to the Irish who fled the great famine in the 1800s.
4. Sydney
Sydney might be far from Ireland, but on St. Patrick’s Day (March 17th), the city comes alive with a parade, Irish music, traditional food, and plenty of Guinness and whiskey. With a huge Irish expat community, Sydney throws one of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the Southern Hemisphere.
📍 Location: First Fleet Park & The Rocks
📅 Date: Closest Sunday to March 17th
⏰ Time: 10:30 AM – Late
Traditional Foods:
Meat Pies: While not exclusively Irish, these savory pastries are beloved in Australia and pair well with Irish stout.
Colcannon: Mashed potatoes mixed with cabbage or kale, a comforting side dish.
Experience :
PJ O’Brien’s (CBD) – One of Sydney’s biggest Irish bars, packed on St. Patrick’s Day.
Sustainable Travel Tip:
Stay at The Urban Newtown, a hotel known for its sustainable practices, including energy-efficient systems and eco-friendly amenities.
5. Buenos Aires
Buenos Aires may be best known for tango, steak, and Malbec, but on March 17th, the city transforms into one of the best places in Latin America to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. With a strong Irish-Argentine community and one of the biggest Irish festivals in South America, Buenos Aires offers an exciting mix of Irish culture, traditional music, food, and lively parties.
📍 Location: Plaza San Martín & Downtown BA
📅 Date: March 17th (or closest weekend)
⏰ Time: 6:00 PM – Late
Traditional Foods:
Locro: A hearty stew made with corn, beans, and meat, reflecting Argentina’s rich culinary heritage.
Experience:
Visit The Kilkenny, a popular Irish pub in Buenos Aires known for its lively atmosphere and extensive selection of Irish whiskeys.
The Shamrock (Recoleta) – A classic BA Irish pub with a hidden speakeasy downstairs.
Sustainable Travel Tip:
Explore the city on foot or by using the Ecobici bike-sharing program, which offers free bicycle rentals.
6. Tokyo
Tokyo’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the biggest in Asia, with over 1,500 participants and thousands of spectators. The colorful parade winds through the fashionable Omotesando district. The event showcases traditional music, dance, and even features Irish-themed cosplay.
📍 Location: Omotesando & Harajuku
📅 Date: Closest Sunday to March 17th
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
What to Eat:
Matcha Scones: A fusion of Irish and Japanese flavors, these green tea-infused scones are a local favorite during the festivities.
Fish and Chips: This classic dish is popular in Tokyo’s Irish pubs.
Experience:
An SÓLÁS (Shibuya) – A Irish-owned, local favorite for St. Patrick’s Day parties and pub quizzes.
Sustainable Travel:
Stay at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo, which boasts a vast Japanese garden and has implemented various eco-friendly initiatives.
7. London
London’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a lively event featuring colorful floats, marching bands, and performers from various communities. The festivities extend to Trafalgar Square, where visitors can enjoy Irish music, dance, and food.
📍 Location: Central London (Trafalgar Square)
📅 Date: Closest Sunday to March 17th
⏰ Time: Parade starts at 12:00 PM
Traditional Meals:
Full Irish Breakfast: Similar to the English breakfast, it includes sausages, bacon, eggs, black and white pudding, and soda bread.
Guinness Pie: A savory pie filled with tender beef and vegetables, cooked in Guinness stout.
Best Irish Pubs in London:
The Auld Shillelagh (Stoke Newington) – Often called the best Irish pub in London, with perfectly poured Guinness and live Irish music.
The Porterhouse (Covent Garden) – A massive Irish bar with multiple floors, live bands, and great craft beer. Right in the heart of hip central London and the theater district.
Waxy O’Connor’s (Soho) – A huge, maze-like Irish pub with traditional music and a lively St. Paddy’s party. Have your Sunday Roast with a Guinness.
8. Boston
Boston, often considered the most Irish city in the U.S., goes all out for St. Patrick’s Day. The city has a deep-rooted Irish history, with nearly 20% of its population claiming Irish heritage. The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a historic and patriotic event, attracting over a million spectators, featuring marching bands, military units, and plenty of Irish pride.
📍 Location: South Boston (Southie)
📅 Date: Closest Sunday to March 17th
⏰ Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
What to Eat:
Irish Brown Bread: A dense, slightly sweet wholemeal bread, often served with butter or smoked salmon.
New England Clam Chowder: Not Irish, but a Boston classic worth trying, made with fresh clams, potatoes, and a creamy broth.
Experience:
Irish Heritage Walking Tour: Take a guided tour of Boston’s Irish history with Boston By Foot and learn about the Irish immigrants who shaped the city.
Where to Guinness:
The Druid (Cambridge): This pub in Cambridge offers some of the best fish and chips in the city and an authentic Irish atmosphere. Check the website for the schedule of live Irish music sessions.
The Black Rose: One of Boston’s most famous Irish pubs, with live traditional music and a great Guinness pour.
Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day is an unforgettable experience, blending history, heritage, and some of the best Irish food in the U.S.
