Five ways to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in London

From the annual parade in Piccadilly to the Trafalgar Square festivities, here are some great ways to join in the craic this St Patrick’s Day. It’s quick and easy to visit London by train for the celebrations on 15–17 March, and raise a glass to commemorate the patron saint of Ireland.

With everything from music parades to traditional Irish dancing – and even an Irish film festival – we’ve picked five fun St Patrick’s Day events for you to experience.

Irish Film Festival

15–17 March
Regent Street Cinema, 307 Regent Street
Sit back and relax at the Regent Street Cinema as you watch a selection of the finest new Irish films and animations. This year’s theme is diversity and inclusivity, inspired by the London Is Open campaign which was launched by the city’s mayor Sadiq Khan. On Friday 15 March at 6:30pm you can watch the first of two programmes being shown over the weekend, the second of which is being shown at the same time on Sunday 17th March. View the full Irish Film Festival programme here.

Dance the night away with Kíla

16 March, 7-11pm
London Irish Centre, 50-52 Camden Square
Irish folk and world music superstars Kíla are performing at the London Irish Centre for a special St Patrick’s weekend show. Jig along to the incredible sounds of one of Ireland’s most innovative bands as they bring an eclectic and euphoric performance to the stage. Buy tickets here.

Irish walking tours

17 March, 2pm
Meeting point: The steps of St Paul’s Cathedral
Take a stroll down Ludgate Hill, Fleet Street and before finishing in Covent Garden as you discover plenty of Irish-London connections en route. You’ll stop at pubs, churchyards, statues, courthouses and theatres on this fun and informative walking tour.
This is a free walking tour but booking is required. Call Tony McDonnell to book 07850 184790.

St Patrick’s Day Parade

Sunday 17 March, 12pm
Green Park to Trafalgar Square
If you don’t mind crowds then the St Patrick’s Day Parade is a must-see spectacle, with a stream of floats, marching bands, dancing schools and more making their way through the streets of London as over 50,000 people watch from the side-lines.

St Patrick’s Day Festival

Sunday 17 March, 12-6pm
Trafalgar Square
The main St Paddy’s Day event in London is taking place at Trafalgar Square. It’s free to attend so all you need to do is rock up and enjoy a line-up of Irish bands and other arts performances throughout the afternoon. There will be plenty of street food stalls to keep any hunger pangs at bay.