Saint Patrick’s Day, is one of the most famous festivals and celebrations which is held annually on the 17th March. This was the traditional death date of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland.
Although an Irish festival, St Patrick’s Day parades and celebrations seem to have been adopted throughout the entire world.
Whether you’re keen on a city break, backpacking across the United States, fancy a trip Down Under or just want to travel around Europe – here are the best places to celebrate St Paddy’s Day around the world.t
1. Boston, USA
If you truly want to get back to the roots of St Patrick’s Day, then don’t head to Ireland, instead hop across the pond to the American city of Boston. Boston is in fact home to the world’s first ever recorded St Patrick’s Day parade in 1737, almost two centuries before the one in Dublin. The city has the largest concentration of Irish people in American and is also home to one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades, with all kinds of St Paddy’s antics, including the Shamrock Shuffle bar crawl.
2. Dublin, Ireland
If you do however, decide to head to ‘the mother country’ though, you won’t be disappointed as Dublin’s St Patrick’s Day celebrations are of course still among the world’s best. Plus you have the added bonus of traditional Irish pubs, dancing and of course the Guinness. The festival is held over four days and every year there is a different theme. Join in the green celebrations with music, pageants, parades and leap around like a leprechaun to take part in the city’s popular St Paddy’s Day treasure hunt. View more of my Dublin travel tips to make your trip to the Irish capital special.
3. New York, USA
For the world’s biggest St Patrick’s Day celebrations, there’s only one place to go – New York City. On March 17 the Big Apple will become awash with green as thousands of spectators gather to watch this honoured event and thousands more watch on TV from their living rooms at home. Check out my NYC travel guide to maximise your trip.
4. Chicago, USA
Chicago wins the award for the sheer madness of its St Patrick’s Day celebrations, which involves even turning the city’s river green. Get there early to watch the colour change, and then head to Columbus Street to watch the parade. Other celebrations include fun runs and shows.
5. Sydney, Australia
If you’re in the ‘land down under’ then one of the best places to go green is Sydney’s St Patrick’s Day parade, which is in fact the third largest in the world. Sydneysiders have been celebrating St Patrick’s Day in their city since 1810 and their annual parade which will happen on March 18 this year involves floats, marching bands, dancing, and a family fun day at Hyde Park.
View my travel blog for more articles and inspiration for worldwide things to do.
