Fancy celebrating St. Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland? From Paris to Tokyo, Sydney to New York – they’re celebrating in shades of green - in style!

New York

Pipe Bands and Floats on 5th Avenue

Celebrate Ireland’s most famous patron saint (St. Brigid and St. Columba are the other two), surrounded by several generations of Ireland’s diaspora.

Famous the world over, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day parade is one to place firmly on your travel bucket list. Beginning at 11am and finishing at 5pm, the procession of pipe bands, flamboyant floats, and performers makes its way up Fifth Avenue, via St. Patrick’s Cathedral before finishing up at the American Irish Historical Society on Manhattan’s Museum Mile.

There are plenty of pubs along the way, pop into Finnegan’s Wake for a traditional Irish meal and a dram of Whiskey. If it’s a 'right old hooley' you’re after, head for Doc Watson’s where live bands will have you dancing an Irish jig in no time!

 

 

 

 

 

 

Sydney

All-night Long Party - Irish-Ozzie Style

Celebrating all things Irish, from day to the early hours, in a most spectacular way. Sydney provides a superb backdrop for the festival, with its epic architecture, stunning scenery, and of course, the city’s friendly locals.

The location for the event changes each year, but party-goers can expect to enjoy colourful parades, family-friendly activities, live bands, and plenty of yummy food and drink.

 

 

 

Paris

Hopping South instead of West

If you still fancy a change of scenery, but just a short journey by plane, train or car, Paris could be the perfect St. Patrick’s Day destination for you.

Paris does away with the shenanigans often associated with the festival, and allows you to celebrate in Irish style. The Capital’s many Irish pubs host traditional music concerts in their cosy alcoves, and bars such as The Quiet Man and The Green Linnet keep their patrons well lubricated with a great selection of Irish stout and spirits.

 

 

 

Oslo

Live Music in Norway's Capital

If you are searching for a more refined celebration, Oslo offers visitors a programme of highly entertaining, but far from raucous festivities. Oslo has an extensive Irish community, and the city’s St. Patrick’s Day committee organises a fantastic selection of acts each year – including talented performers from Ireland.

Besides an impressive parade, visitors to the city can enjoy live singers, traditional musicians and Irish dancers, in addition to authentic Irish cooking. This alternative way to join in on St Patrick’s Day is great for those who value some sort of sleep at night!

 

 

 

Tokyo

Japan-Irish - an Interesting Mix!

Since 1992, the locals have gone all out to bring a little piece of Ireland to Tokyo. The parade is filled with everything from the expected (gigantic Guinness inflatables) to the controversial (Vegas-esque showgirls?).

Once you embrace the notion that some Irish traditions may get a little lost in translation, the weekend-long celebrations are entertaining to say the least. This event attracts both tourists and locals, which could have something to do with the fact that the area’s Irish bars offer half price drinks for the duration of the festival.

 

Wherever in the world you find yourself on 17th March, you can be pretty sure there is some sort of nod to St Patrick - such is his international appeal.