How to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in London (2025)
St Patrick’s Day in London is always a huge event and we can’t wait to celebrate – London style! There are all sorts of St. Patrick’s Day events going on throughout the city. The festivities are a chance for the Irish community of London – and anyone who just loves a good bit of Irish ‘Craic’ – to celebrate all things Irish.
Check out our guide to what the festivities are all about and the best ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day 2025 in London.
What is the meaning of St. Patrick’s Day?
St. Patrick’s Day is a celebration of Irish culture, held on the 17th March each year. The day marks the death of St. Patrick (c. AD 385–461), Ireland’s primary patron saint, who is widely regarded as the founder of Christianity in Ireland. Both religious and secular events take place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day including festivals, church services, public parades and traditional dances.
Do the English Celebrate St Patrick’s Day?
Although St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally an Irish Celebration, you’ll find St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations taking place far and wide. Many Irish people emigrated to countries all over the world during The Great Famine of the 1840s and, as a result, many nations feel a strong connection to the Irish and Irish culture. The United Kingdom is Ireland’s closest neighbour and, not one to miss out on a good Irish party, the English love to get involved with St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations. You’ll find St. Patrick’s Day parties and festivities happening all over the UK.
Read: St Patrick’s Day in Dublin
Things to do on St Patrick’s Day in London
From the big St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 16th, with its epicentre in Trafalgar Square, to Irish themed club nights and parties that go until the wee small hours, there’s really plenty to do on Paddy’s Day in London.
So, without further ado, here’s our suggestions on the best ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in London:
Head along to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade (March 16th)
If you’re visiting London for St. Patrick’s Day, prepare yourself for a whole lot of Irish-themed fun! While St. Patrick’s Day officially falls on Monday, March 17th, the parade takes place on Sunday, March 16th, 2025.
Where does St. Patrick’s Day Parade in London start?
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of London’s largest cultural celebrations, starting at 12:00 PM from Hyde Park Corner and winding through famous streets like Piccadilly, Regent Street, and Whitehall, before concluding near Trafalgar Square. Thousands of people, both Irish and non-Irish, join in the lively festivities, so wear green and soak up the electric atmosphere.
At Trafalgar Square, the St. Patrick’s Festival will feature live performances, Irish dancing, traditional music, and food stalls, running from 12:00 PM to 6:00 PM.
Find out more about St Patrick’s Day Festival
Did you know? Legend has it that whilst St Patrick worked to convert the Irish into Christians, he used the three leaves of a shamrock to explain the holy trinity. St. Patrick’s Day revellers today wear a shamrock as a nod to this Irish legend.
Drink a Guinness (or two!) in an Irish Pub
We don’t like to stereotype but we think it’s probably fair to say that the Irish enjoy a tipple every now and then. Guinness is probably the most famous of all Irish drinks. Originating at the Arthur Guinness Brewery in Dublin in 1759, it is now brewed in 50 countries around the world and available to drink in over 120. Of course, you’ll be able to find a great pint of Guinness in London.
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We’ve picked out a couple of the best Irish bars in London near the Parade Route, so if you’re in need of a pint before or after the festivities, you’ll know where to go.
Waxy O’Connor’s
Why go? For week-long St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations and a good pint of Guinness
Waxy O’Connor’s is a cracking Irish pub in Central London, just a few minutes’ walk from the start of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade route. Waxy’s is packed full of character with an interior that feels like a cross between a church and a castle, with stone walls, intricate wood paneling and cushioned church pews.
Get stuck into a range of Irish beers such as Rebel Red, Caffreys and, of course, Guinness. There’s also some good hearty grub on the menu with meat pies, burgers, ribs and a pretty decent all-day cooked breakfast on offer. St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations are big here, so expect a week-long schedule of events to commemorate the occasion.
Address: Waxy O’Connor’s 14-16 Rupert St W1D 6DD, UK
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Did you know? Irish party-goers often choose to dress as Leprechaun’s to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, wearing a green coat and large green hat and a long fake beard. Leprechauns are fairy like creatures that often appear in Irish folklore. They are intelligent and at times devious!
The Porterhouse
Why go? For a lively atmosphere in a great central location
The Porterhouse is a sprawling Irish Pub in Covent Garden. Spread across an incredible 12 floors, this popular Central London Irish bar is consistently busy with a good atmosphere. On a sunny day, head to the outside terrace which is the perfect place for enjoying a pint with friends in the sun. If the weather isn’t so nice, then there’s plenty of nooks and crannies around the place to while away a few cosy hours.
Run by Porterhouse Brewing Co – an Irish Brewery with six bars in Ireland and one in New York – this isn’t a quaint and charming small Irish pub. However, if you’re looking for a lively Irish Pub in Central London, The Porterhouse is a good choice.
Address: The Porterhouse 21-22, Maiden Lane WC2E 7NA
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Listen to some Live Irish Music
Music and storytelling is an incredibly important part of Irish culture and history. In centuries gone by, villagers would gather around a fire in their local pub, share stories and listen to folk music played by local musicians. The tradition has been kept alive ever since. If you’re looking to enjoy some St. Patrick’s Day music in London, then there’s plenty of places throughout the city that will be more than happy to oblige. We’ve picked out a couple of our favourite places to enjoy live Irish music in London.
Skehan’s Freehouse
Why go? For a relaxed local vibe, rollicking Irish folk bands and great karaoke nights
Self-proclaimed ‘purveyors of craic’ Skehan’s is a back-road gem in South East London. When the trendy pubs of Peckham are jam-packed, those in the know head to Skehan’s for its laid-back atmosphere, friendly staff and hearty Thai food. Arguably, Skehan’s is one of the best Irish pubs in London. The wood burning stove is always lit during the chilly winter months and there’s a pool table and darts to keep you entertained.
Live music nights usually take place on Monday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday nights with traditional Irish folk bands often getting the crowds involved for riotous singalongs. There’s also a chance to test your vocal prowess at Skehan’s rip-roaring karaoke nights.
Address: Skehan’s Freehouse 1 Kitto Rd Nunhead SE14 5TW
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The Lamb
Why go? For some great Irish tunes without any of the gimmicks
The Lamb isn’t strictly an ‘Irish Pub’ but it is a cracking local boozer serving craft beer and local ales from the likes of Howling Hops, Signature Brew and Five Points. Shamrocks or leprechauns you won’t find at The Lamb, but it’s got a lovely cosy vibe, with traditional wood-panelling, rustic floorboards and a laid back atmosphere.
The spirit of Holloway Road’s Irish sessions is kept alive at the Lamb. Every Tuesday head along to the lamb for a dose of traditional Irish folk music led by Mick O’Connor. All musicians are welcome to come along and participate so if you happen to be in London with your fiddle or flute, come get involved! (or just come along and listen)
Address: The Lamb 54 Holloway Rd Highbury East N7 8JL, UK
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Party like the Irish
If you’re keen to do St. Patrick’s Day like the Irish, then you’ll no doubt want to hit the town, have a cheeky drink and dance until the wee small hours. Here’s a couple of St. Patrick’s Day events in London that have caught our eye this year:
St Patrick’s Day Fest
Why go? For live Irish music, high-energy dancing, and a non-stop party atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a full-on Irish celebration, St. Patrick’s Day Fest at O2 Kentish Town is the place to be. Brought to you by the team behind Camden Oktoberfest, this event swaps Bavarian steins for pints of the black stuff, with live Irish music, energetic dancing, and a lively crowd ready to celebrate in true Irish style. Whether you’re there for the tunes, the drinks, or just the unbeatable atmosphere, this is one for those who like to go all in on St. Patrick’s Day. Mark your calendar for March 15th, you won’t want to miss it!
St. Patrick’s Day at The George
Why go? For a perfect mix of great pints and a buzzing St. Patrick’s Day atmosphere.
If you’re looking for a lively spot to soak up the St. Patrick’s Day spirit, The George on Great Portland Street is the place to be. Expect a warm welcome, plenty of Guinness (including Guinness 0.0 on draught!), and some tasty Irish-inspired treats. There’ll be freshly shucked oysters, crisps straight from Ireland, and a special cocktail menu to keep the celebrations flowing.
Planning your St Patrick’s Day London trip? Book now at Clink261 Budget Hostel in London or chat to one of our friendly team on live chat.
