The celebrations are back, and not just in Ireland. If you find yourself elsewhere, here is our ultimate guide to the best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland.
With St Patrick’s Day fast upon us, citizens of the Emerald Isle will be gearing up to celebrate the national holiday in full form for the first time since 2019, making it one of the highly anticipated St Patrick’s Day celebrations in a long time.
However, the frenzied celebrations are not limited to the western edge of Europe. For the green tentacles of Irish ancestry, tradition, and culture have stretched their arms far and wide across the globe.
From the Americas to Asia, across Europe and to Australia, the entire world will be lighting up green on 17 March 2022. If you find yourself outside of Ireland this year, why not find your way to one of the top ten best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland?
10. Auckland, New Zealand – the first city celebrating St Patrick’s Day
The first on our list of the best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland is Auckland in New Zealand, located on the other side of the globe from the Emerald Isle.
Owing to the time difference, Auckland is the first city to officially begin celebrations as midnight strikes here first. Perhaps the highlight of this city’s Irish festivities is that the iconic Sky Tower, standing at an incredible 1,076 ft (328 m) high, turns green for the day.
More info: HERE
9. Paris, France – for a green beer
You may find yourself celebrating St Patrick’s Day in style if you are in magical Paris this year. The French capital is only a couple of hours from Ireland if you are thinking of heading out for the public holiday.
St Patrick’s Day is back in Paris this year with a new programme to commemorate the huge celebrations. Suppose you fancy a night out, head to California Avenue. Here, the building is lit up green and green pints of beer are served.
As any seasoned visitor to Paris can testify, there are also an array of Irish pubs scattered throughout the confines of the city to visit. So, this is the perfect place to enjoy an Irish pub crawl.
More info: HERE
8. Amsterdam, Netherlands – one of the best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland
Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most popular and unique cities. It certainly puts on a show for St Patrick’s Day, as one would expect, with a whole array of cultural events.
On St Patrick’s Day, the city usually holds a two-day Irish traditional music festival at the Splendor Amsterdam music centre. This includes Irish dancing and food.
This rich celebration of Irish culture is what makes Amsterdam one of the best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland.
More info: HERE
7. Chicago, USA – a long history of St Patrick’s Day celebrations
All you need to know about St Patrick’s Day in Chicago can be summed up perfectly by the vivid image of the Chicago River transforming green as it flows through the Windy City.
St Patrick’s Day in Chicago stretches back to an incredible 175 years to when it first began in 1843. Many residents here have strong Irish roots. So, it is now one of the largest celebrations in the US and the world.
To celebrate the public holiday this year, why not embark on a Chicago River cruise or take part in the city’s annual parade, which is a St. Patrick’s Day tradition?
More info: HERE
6. Tokyo, Japan – the biggest of the country’s St Patrick’s Day parades
One of the best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland is Tokyo, the capital of Japan. The parade in Tokyo is the biggest of Japan’s 15 St Patrick’s Day parades.
Despite being on the other side of the world to the Emerald Isle, Irish influence has once again transcended continental borders. Soak up the party atmosphere with huge parades, green clothing, Irish hospitality, and more.
More info: HERE
5. Sydney, Australia – St Patrick’s Day in the Land Down Under
There can be no surprise that the Land Down Under, home to many with Irish ancestry, hosts one of the best St Patrick’s Day celebrations across the globe.
As the famous Sydney Opera House turns green on 17 March, the 2022 St Patrick’s Day Festival in the Rocks includes Irish markets, a St Patrick’s Day parade, live bands, and Gaelic Football.
More info: HERE
4. London, UK – a neighbourly celebration
One of the best places to celebrate St Patrick’s day outside of Ireland is actually not too far from home in London, just across the pond from Dublin and Ireland.
After New York, London is probably the second largest St Patrick’s Day celebration, with thousands upon thousands expected to participate.
London is home to plenty of Irish expats, who want to make the most of the day of festivities. Countless Irish pubs and bars serve Guinness and Irish grub, not to mention the St Patrick’s Day Festival in Trafalgar Square this year.
More info: HERE
3. Boston, USA – for a true Irish celebration
Perhaps the highlight of the city’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations is the huge St Patrick’s Day parade hosted in South Boston. Boston itself can boast that 22.8% of its population is Irish.
There is plenty to see and do in Boston on St Patrick’s Day, such as a cruise around the Harbour or a trip along the Irish Heritage Trail.
Meanwhile, Dropkick Murphy’s, singers of the famous ‘Shipping off to Boston’, will be playing an electrifying concert that night. So, cap it all off with a night of Irish music.
More info: HERE
2. Buenos Aires, Argentina – South America’s premier Patrick’s Day celebration
You may be surprised to hear of this entry. Still, Buenos Aires, the capital of Argentina in South America and another city on the other side of the globe to Ireland, is one of the best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland.
There are over 500,000 Irish people in Argentina, a huge number. So, it is fitting that a big celebration is held in honour of Ireland’s patron saint.
The parade is followed by food and beer stands and live music. As you can imagine, the day of festivities is at its best in the city’s Irish pubs.
More info: HERE
1. New York City, USA – a big parade in the Big Apple
New York has an even deeper historical connection to St Patrick’s Day than Chicago. So, St Patrick’s Day celebrations have been held in the Big Apple since 1762.
In 2022, the St Patrick’s Day parade will march through 5th Avenue. It is reviewed from the steps of St Patrick’s Cathedral by Timothy Cardinal Dolan, the Archbishop of New York.
It is both the oldest and largest celebration of St Patrick’s Day in the world. Thus, it is undoubtedly one of the best places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland.
More info: HERE
Other notable mentions
Brussels, Belgium – Belgium is another location that could easily have made this list. The celebrations are back in Brussels this year.
Montreal, Canada – First held in 1759, St Patrick’s Day celebrations in Montreal boast a very strong tradition.
Munich, Germany – While only beginning in 1996, St Patrick’s Day celebrations are well worth a visit in Munich if you find yourself nearby.
FAQs about St Patrick’s Day outside of Ireland
Who is St Patrick?
St Patrick is Ireland’s patron saint. It is believed that, in the 5th-century, he brought Christianity to some parts of the Emerald Isle.
Why is St Patrick’s Day so popular around the world?
Due to high levels of Irish immigration over the last two centuries, the Irish find themselves in big numbers far and wide. Accordingly, our national holiday is celebrated across the globe.
Where is best to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Ireland?
In truth, celebrating St Patrick’s is a joy anywhere on the Emerald Isle. However, perhaps the best places to do so would be Dublin.
