Don’t worry about getting yourself a flight to Ireland to celebrate St Patrick’s Day on March 17, because there’s absolutely loads going on in London.
Singing, dancing, a parade and a pint of Guinness or two – the Irish always know how to party and celebrating St Patrick’s Day in the capital is no exception. So for Irish Janes, or Janes who are Irish-at-heart, we suggest you hit the streets and show the city the true meaning of the word ‘craic’.
From enjoying a pint of Guinness in an Irish pub to the St Patrick’s Day parade, we’re here to help you get ready for a green weekend!
FATHER TED-A-THON
If you’re on the hunt for a quirky Irish activity, head to Clapham for the Father Ted-a-thon at The Grand. There will be screening of three select episodes (voted for by the public), a lovely girls competition and prizes for the best nun/priest costume. What more could you want! Tickets are just a fiver, and available from here.
HEAD TO AN IRISH PUB
Waxy O’Connors
Set in the heart of the West End, it couldn’t get more Irish than Waxy O’Connors. The rabbit-warren of four bars over six floors ranges from the gothic Church Bar to the fairytale Tree Room, but you can still find a cosy spot by the fire in the Cottage Bar. If you’re heading there for a night of drinking, we suggest you get there early, as chances are it’s going to get absolutely packed to the brim.
The Faltering Fullback
Just a stone’s throw from Finsbury Park station, The Faltering Fullback is the best Irish Pub in North London, and arguably the best pub in North London full stop. Let’s hope the rain stays away this Paddy’s day, because the Fullback’s garden area is a wonderful little suntrap. If not, don’t fear, the tall, split-level Irish bar is the cosiest place to enjoy a pint or three.
AN IRISH WALKING TOUR
There are free walks all over London across the weekend to celebrate the capital’s Irish heritage. The first happens on Friday and follows the 1916 rebellion, covering the area between Trafalgar Square and Whitehall, meet at Nelson’s column at 2pm. Then on Saturday wander through Camden to hear about lumpers, impresarios, writers, navvies and musicians. Finally, Sunday’s tour travels from Ludgate Hill to Covent Garden and paints central London emerald.
IRISH MUSIC ON THE UNDERGROUND
If you travel via Victoria, Waterloo, Tottenham Court Road or Covent Garden on Friday 17 March, listen out for some traditional Irish music and poetry from buskers.
ST PATRICK’S DAY PARADE
End the celebrations off on March 19 with the St Patrick’s Day Parade. Crowds will line the streets from Piccadilly to Trafalgar Square and cheer on a stream of leprechaun floats, traditional musicians and squads of Irish dancers. For those of you might get a bit peckish and thirsty, there will be a street food market and a ‘tea tent.’ Essentially it’ll be a one-day festival of heavy drinking and loads of fun!
How are you celebrating St. Patrick’s Day? Let us know! @tweetjanes