Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style at your local Greene King pub
What is St Patrick’s Day?
St Patrick’s Day honours St Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who lived in the 5th century and is credited with bringing Christianity to the country. Legend has it that he even drove all the snakes out of Ireland; however, historians have disputed this, insisting that snakes were not present on the Emerald Isle at the time. The celebration takes place on March 17th, as it is the date traditionally believed to mark St Patrick’s death in 461 AD. Over time, St Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration of Irish history and culture, and is now a national holiday in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.
How is St Patrick’s Day celebrated?
St Patrick’s Day is the perfect excuse for an Irish-inspired night out with friends. Across the country, Irish pubs come alive with music, laughter, and the clink of a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, making it an ideal occasion for a pub crawl from one lively venue to the next.
Whether you are raising a glass to Irish heritage or simply enjoying the atmosphere, St Patrick’s Day is all about great company, great pubs, and an unforgettable night.
What are some Irish St Patrick’s Day traditions and activities around the world?
In Ireland, there are major parades in Dublin, Cork, Galway, Kilkenny, and Belfast, as well as in communities throughout the country.
Festivities often include céilí dancing, traditional Irish feasts, pub crawls, and cultural events, while many people also observe the day as a religious one, with Mass or other church services.
St Patrick’s Day is a huge event in America too, due to large Irish communities, with New York hosting the largest parade in the world.
The city of Chicago even dyes its river green, a tradition that first started back in the 1960s. Buenos Aires in Argentina throws huge street parties, while Rio de Janeiro in Brazil lights the Christ the Redeemer statue green.
London has plenty of Irish spirit for St Patrick's Day, too. There are big parties held across the city, including around Trafalgar Square and Piccadilly, as well as Covent Garden and Carnaby Street.
If you are searching for a London pub, Greene King has plenty that offer the perfect St Patrick’s Day experience, with flowing Guinness, as well as restaurants serving up delicious dishes. Enjoy day parties or let the celebrations continue into the night.
Close to the festivities is the Garrick Arms in Charing Cross, while the Punch & Judy in Covent Garden is a spot with plenty of historical charm and plenty of Guinness!
The Blue Posts in Soho is a traditional family-friendly pub on Kingly Street, just a stone's throw from the iconic Carnaby Street, and the Brewmaster is in the heart of Leicester Square.
Why is Guinness such a popular Irish drink?
The Irish have long been known for their love of a good party, and a pint of Guinness is often regarded as the drink of choice. The dry stout was first brewed in Dublin in 1759, and has remained a firm favourite thanks to its rich flavour, smooth texture, and creamy head.
At Greene King, we’ve got Guinness on tap, and we may even pop a little shamrock in the foam for the festivities. If you’re not drinking, we also offer Guinness 0.0% for all the flavour with none of the next-day fog.
Why is a shamrock linked with St Patrick’s Day?
The shamrock has deep roots in Irish culture and tradition. According to legend, St Patrick used the three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit while spreading Christianity in Ireland. Even before this, the shamrock was viewed as a symbol of spring, renewal, and good fortune in ancient Ireland, and today, it remains a proud emblem of Irish heritage.How can you celebrate St Patrick's Day with Greene King pubs?
Plenty of our venues are hosting celebrations this March 17th, so you can raise a pint of Guinness and celebrate St Paddy’s Day at a proper Irish pub with Greene King. Stay put in one venue or turn the night into a bit of a pub crawl.
Our restaurants are serving up delicious plates from our pub food menu, and you can keep the drinks flowing with a tasty tipple from our bar, whether you’re craving a pint of Guinness, cocktails or a crisp glass of wine.
We’ve got plenty of ways to celebrate the Emerald Isle, so pop your postcode or location into our handy pub finder tool to see what's on offer. Make a booking or just swing by to paint the town green.