St Patrick’s Day in London: A Local’s Guide for 2026
Planning to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in London? Look no further! Here’s your ultimate guide to the Irish holiday in the capital — from a local!
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Are you in London for St. Patrick’s Day? Well, you’re in luck!
Welcome to a world where green is the dress code, pints are aplenty, and lively street parades and cultural performances offer a grand spectacle.
This London guide is your golden ticket to immersing yourself in the thrills, spills, and joy of the city’s vibrant Irish celebrations. From the cheerful Trafalgar Square to the hearty Irish pubs scattered across the city.
So put on that green hat and get ready to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in London like a local! (from a local).
St Patrick’s Day in London: A Local’s Guide
P.S. – Coming to London? Have the perfect trip planned for you with our 3,5, or 7-Day London Tourist Itineraries 🇬🇧
Don’t Miss St Patrick’s Day Parade
Photo courtesy: St Patrick’s Day Parade
This Sunday 17th make sure you don’t miss the amazing St Patrick’s Day Parade, where you’re guaranteed a fun experience complete with floats, marching bands and dance troupes.
The route starts at Hyde Park Corner around midday and passes through Piccadilly and other iconic London sights. But that’s not all! The festivities continue at Trafalgar Square in partnership with London Irish Centre, where you’ll find the best of Irish arts, culture, food, music to enjoy, and more.
You can’t miss this massive event with more than 50,000 people celebrating the relationship between British and Irish people. It’s on another level!
Head to an Irish Pub
With the multicultural London being so close to Ireland, of course the offer of Irish pubs is massive without leaving! Here are just a few of the best options for this St Patrick’s Day.
The Auld Shillelagh
The ‘most authentic Irish pub in the world outside of Ireland’ is in Stoke Newington and it takes pride in offering an authentic Irish experience that’ll make you celebrate like you’re in Dublin. With its fantastic selection of drinks and lively atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot for a St. Patrick’s Day gathering.
The Porterhouse
Renowned worldwide for its home-brewed stouts, this huge spot in Covent Garden is a must visit. Spanning over three floors and boasting an energetic vibe, there couldn’t be a better venue for your St. Patrick’s Day pint-downing session.
The Sun Tavern
Arguably East London’s favourite Irish bar, the Bethnal Green pub offers an impressive bash with a live cèilidh band, delicacies like oysters, and a special cocktail menu featuring top-notch Irish whiskies and beers that were once brewed illegally in Ireland. So, yeah, your St. Patrick’s Day will be well spent here…
Waxy O’Connor’s
Located in Soho, right at the heart of London, this one’s hard to miss. The award-winning pub is also one of London’s best Irish bars, so the atmosphere here is absolutely guaranteed in St Patrick’s Day… And the whole weekend!
Waxy’s Little Sister
And one can’t finish this list without mentioning the fancy, intimate and trendy sibling of Waxy O’Connor’s, where you get your Guinness pint delivered on a mini-elevator. It’s tucked away from the crowded streets, so get ready to enjoy your St. Patrick’s Day with a friendly atmosphere.
Treat Your Belly to Irish Cuisine
What a better way to celebrate St Patrick’s Day than by taking your taste buds to an Irish trip without leaving London? Here are some amazing restaurants!
Rotunda
Located at King’s Cross and boasting spectacular views of Regent’s Canal, this Irish-owned restaurant has a big party every year you can’t miss. You’ll enjoy a three-course meal, Irish music from special guests and amazing drinks. It’s quite popular, so book in advance!
The Farrier
This famous pub in Camden is celebrating all things Irish from Friday to Sunday with food, drinks and music with an Irish twist. You’ll also be able to watch the Six Nations match of Ireland vs. Scotland in the most cheering atmosphere in London.
The Coach Makers Arms Pub Marylebone
Celebrate in style with a night of live music and Irish inspired snacks menu, including potato farls topped with whiskey cured salmon, pickled leeks and dill.
BONUS: Crosstown
The now famous Guinness & Baileys doughnuts will be back this St Patrick’s Day, both in-store and online. They’re available in six and twelve-packs and they’re going to blow your mind! So make sure you order in advance.
Party Like a Leprechaun in London
London’s top spots to party are just too cool to miss out this St. Paddy’s Day. And these are just some of the many options you’ll have that weekend!
Skylight Tobacco Dock & Skylight Peckham
London’s ‘most imaginative rooftop bar’, both in the heart of East and South London, is perfect to have an Irish celebration with the most wonderful views and ambience. You’ll have Irish music, stout, games and traditional food from early ’til late!
The Piano Works
Known as ‘London’s only non stop live music venue’, this spot is popular for its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations starting from midday until 4 am. In it, a DJ takes over to play the most requested songs while you drink your £4 (!) pint of Guinness.
Big Penny Social
A craic-ing good time is waiting for you at this St Paddy’s Day Party in Walthamstow, where you’ll enjoy Irish whiskey cocktails, live music from a traditional Irish band and a so-called ‘dance academy’. DJs will be spinning tunes until 1 am, for those late-night sleepers.
Neverland
For just £5 per person, you can join Neverland’s St Patrick’s Day bash on Wandsworth Bridge. You’ll have drinks, dancing, games, delicious food and so much more. Oh – and don’t forget to dress in green if you want a free shot of Baby Guinness!
Break a World Record at the London St Patrick’s Day Run 2024
For the fourth time, the London St Patrick’s Day Run 2024 will take place to attempt a World Record Attempt. So if you’re a runner eager to join a cool crowd to celebrate the most popular Irish holiday in a fit way, join in!
They’ll meet up at the Lodge Cafe from 3 pm to complete a 5k lap on the perimeter of the Serpentine in Hyde Park, before heading to the Irish themed bar Hose and Groom to watch Ireland play the Six Nations against Scotland.
The pub will be already booked and a pint of Guinness is included in the ticket! Get yours from £19.34.
Become a Whiskey Connoisseur
While Scotland is the world’s largest whisky producer, the Irish know well how to compete! Today, the country is home of over 30 distilleries, so why not become an expert on them this St Patrick’s Day in London?
Attend the Croydon Whisky Festival
Don’t miss out on South East England’s most welcoming, inclusive and diverse whisky event, where you can sample spirits from craft distilleries and independent brands. It’s happening next Saturday March 16th, which leaves you space for another activity on Sunday! Tickets start at £32.52.
MAP Maison
Join one of the now traditional masterclasses and premium tasting sessions, including the Macallan Whisky Experience with Cheese Pairing & Tapas, the Japanese Whisky Masterclass, the Japanese Whisky Tasting with Cocktails and Tapas, and the Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon Masterclass.
Join the St Patrick’s Day Céilí
Photo courtesy: St Patrick’s Day Céilí
Get into the spirit of St Patrick’s Day the best way possible: with your feet!
This event has now become a classic. In it, you’ll learn the Irish dance lead by the teacher and fiddle player Louise O’Connor and her band Celtic Dance Party.
After the class, you’ll relax to some old-school Irish tunes all the way until midnight.
Tickets are usually £20 per person, so don’t forget to book in advance!
St Patrick’s Day Cabaret Show & Dinner at Phoenix Arts Club
Photo courtesy: The Phoenix Arts Club
This year, celebrate St Patrick’s Day in style at Soho’s legendary The Phoenix Arts Club, where a fun night of cabaret by the best Irish talent waits for you.
From comedians and burlesque stars to musical icons from the West End, drag queens & kings and so much more.
Your ticket will include a traditional 3 course set menu (with vegan options available) and the bar will be full of Irish specials, including the traditional Guinness and some of the best whiskies from Ireland.
Don’t forget to book to avoid missing out!
St Patrick’s Day in London FAQs
Q: Do they celebrate St Patrick’s day in London?
A: Absolutely! London hosts a grand bash to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, embracing its own magnificent Irish heritage.
Q: Where should I go for St Patrick’s Day in London?
A: For a full-on Paddy’s Day experience, head towards Trafalgar Square or immerse yourself in the celebrations at one of London’s traditional Irish pubs.
Q: Is St Patricks Day always on 03/17?
A: Yes, each year, without fail, St Patrick’s Day is celebrated on the 17th of March.
Q: Does the London Eye turn green for St Patrick’s Day?
A: Oh, yes! The iconic London Eye often turns a stunning shade of green to mark St Patrick’s Day.
Q: Where is the largest St Patrick’s Day celebration in the world?
A: Believe it or not, the world’s largest St Patrick’s Day celebration is typically held in New York, despite being in the US!
Thanks for reading my St Patrick’s Day in London Guide. If you enjoyed it, let me know on Instagram!
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- Christmas in London: The Best Things to Do
- How to Spend New Year’s in London: Your Ultimate Guide
Happy Londoning,
