St Patrick’s Day, the patron saint of the drunk, is celebrated all over the world. But while it’s possible to don a big Guinness hat just about anywhere, there are some spots where things really go off on March 17th. So why not go to one of them and do the big day properly?
New York
Where: United States
Why? New York is the spiritual home of the St Patrick’s Day Parade – it’s still the biggest in the world and people were painting themselves green en masse way before Dublin woke up to the party potential. Over 150,000 people take part in the New York parade, with participants marching clan-by-clan from 44th to 86th Street in a riot of colour and music.
Other attractions: New York can almost boast more Irish pubs than Ireland itself. Top spots include McSorley’s Ale House on 7th Street, Paddy Reilly’s Music Bar on 2nd Avenue and Tir Na Nog at Penn Plaza.
Dublin
Where: Republic of Ireland.
Why? Obviously there’s no better place in which to experience St Patrick’s Day than in the capital of Ireland. This wasn’t the case until the mid 90s, when the city decided that a massive Mardi Gras-style celebration was the way forward. Now around 700,000 people join in the mayhem on March 17th every year, and the festivities last for five days.
Other attractions: St Patrick’s Day is also massive for Gaelic football and hurling, with big matches taking place at the massive Croke Park stadium. It’s the only place to head to for a proper Irish sporting spectacular.
Chicago
Where: United States
Why? There are St Patrick’s Day celebration across the world, and especially America, but only Chicago goes as far as dying the river green to mark the occasion. For 40 years, a group of plumbers has been pouring orange dye into the water, and they claim that a special leprechaun then turns it emerald green.
Other attractions: On the Saturday before March 17th, a giant parade passes through downtown Chicago. Expect plenty of ginger wigs.
Sydney
Where: Australia
Why? Who says it has to be cold on St Patrick’s Day? In Sydney there’s an excellent to top up the tan whilst getting leathered on Guinness. Predictably enough, a big parade of green people passes through the city centre, but the fun really starts in the pubs afterwards.
Other attractions: Sydney has a large Irish population, both in terms of Australians with Irish ancestry and backpackers making it their temporary home for a few months. This means there are plenty of Irish bars to choose from. Try the Cock ‘n’ Bull in Bondi Junction, The Harp in Tempe or Durty Nelly’s in Paddington for good craic.
Downpatrick
Where: Northern Ireland
Why? St Patrick is buried here, under a big stone just outside the cathedral. And that, of course, is a good excuse to turn the whole town into one giant St Patrick’s party for a week. Just about everything gets thrown into the mix, including church services, art exhibitions, quizzes and concerts.
Other attractions: Downpatrick also plays host to the St Patrick Centre, a multi-million Euro technology fest that explores the myths and legends (and occasionally, facts) surrounding Ireland’s patron saint.
This article was originally written for AOL UK.
Copyright David Whitley
