Every year on 17 March, people across the globe celebrate Irish culture and heritage with traditional Irish dishes, sinking the Emerald Isle’s iconic beer and lively parades in honour of St. Patrick’s Day.
From drinking Irish whiskey in Japan to a parade under the Florida sun, discover 12 celebrations and pubs around the world honouring St. Patrick.
Celtic Celebrations
The Other Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day Festival – Dublin, California
If you find yourself in California during St. Patrick’s Day, be sure to swing by Dublin for one of the biggest celebrations on America’s West Coast.
The city of Dublin, California, goes all out during the holiday, welcoming nearly 80,000 people a year to celebrate the city’s Irish heritage.
With over 200 vendors, authentic Irish food and beverages, live music and a pop-up Irish tea cottage, this Dublin sure gives the other a run for its money.
Shamrock Run – Portland, Oregon
Heading into its 42nd year, the Shamrock Run is an annual event not to be missed in downtown Portland. Runners can participate in a 1K, 5K, 8K, 15K or half-marathon, all in celebration of the emerald isle.
Make your way to the city to watch 25,000 runners take on the largest running and walking event in the state of Oregon.
Traditional celebrations – Yosemite Tuolumne County, California
One of the premier annual events in Mother Lode is Murphys’ Irish Day. Each year on the third Saturday of March, thousands from Northern California and beyond gather in the historic gold rush town of Murphys to honour its Celtic heritage and celebrate as only the Irish can.
Its picturesque Main Street is filled with stands offering handcrafted items, original art, photographs, tasty food, wine, and other beverages.
St. Patrick’s Day in Paradise – Florida’s Paradise Coast
For those wishing to honour St. Patrick a little differently this year, head to Florida’s Paradise Coast and bask in the sunny 26˚ heat.
The largest privately-funded parade in the state, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade down Naples’ stunning Fifth Avenue South, celebrates Irish heritage and culture in the US.
Be sure to slather on sun cream before the parade and follow the party to the nearby sugar-white beaches.
Wine tasting in the mountains – Santa Cruz, California
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style this year and sample world-class wine made from grapes grown in the Santa Cruz Mountains while listening to live Celtic music by The Crooked Road Ceili Band.
The tasting room opens at noon, with live music starting at 1 pm. Continue the party at the Britannia Arms in Capitola with a traditional Irish dish of stew and Reuben sandwiches with a beer in hand as you take in sweeping views of the Pacific.
Far-flung Irish Pubs
Barm’s Irish Pub – Miyagi Prefecture, Japan
Barm’s Irish Pub offers an authentic Irish pub experience where locals and visitors can drink some of the best draft beers in Sendai.
The pub offers the best tasting in the city, such as Draft Guinness and Tegaki Kilkenny, Sapporo Draft Beer, Sapporo Classic, and Edelpils, as well as carefully selected locally brewed craft beer.
Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub – Whistler, Canada
Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub is the place to be this St Paddy’s Day whilst skiing in Whistler. A local landmark for over 20 years, Dubh Linn Gate Irish Pub was designed, crafted, and transported piece by piece across the pond to Whistler in 1997.
Enjoy genuine Irish cheer, delicious pub food, live music and a well-deserved pint while house band Ruckus serenade guests with timeless covers, Celtic classics and original tunes.
Muldoon’s Irish Pub – Newport Beach, California
Muldoon’s Irish Pub in Newport Beach offers a typical Irish experience in the heart of southern California.
There are live music and dancing every weekend as well as a hearty menu offering pub classics such as Irish stew and fish and chips. The drinks menu includes a variety of Irish beers, whiskey and award-winning Irish coffee.
Molly Malones – Hiroshima Prefecture, Japan
Hiroshima’s very own Irish pub honouring the unofficial anthem of Dublin is located bang in the middle of the nightlife district.
With live music from 5 pm, this pub is the place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day while on a Japanese holiday. Enjoy Irish music with a side of traditional Irish food, giveaways and endless creamy pints of Guinness.
The Hakata Harp – Kyushu, Japan
Enjoy a pint of the black stuff at this pub, or choose from one of 20 different kinds of Irish whiskey. Hakata Harp offers a wide range of alcoholic beverages, from cocktails to non-alcoholic drinks, including Kilkenny.
Kilkenny is in short supply this far from the Emerald Isle, making this pub a must-visit for travellers.
Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle Irish Pub – Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh’s Irish connections run as deep as its rivers, and Mullaney’s is the city’s pioneering Irish pub.
St. Patrick’s Day in the city of Bridges is spread over two days, and the Harp & Fiddle is the place to be to kick off the celebrations, with 12 hours of live Irish music and plenty of Irish food and drinks to keep you fuelled throughout the day.
The Luck of the Irish “St. Barles Day” – South Lake Tahoe, California
South Lake Brewing Company in South Lake Tahoe, California, is marking more than one celebration this St. Patrick’s Day.
As the brewery owner’s dog named Barley turns six, guests who bring their dog in on a leash and/or wear an Irish costume receive $1 off pints all night long.
The evening will include a new beer release – Irish-themed, of course, along with live music and food for purchase.
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