Top 10 Destinations to Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day

by ShermansTravel Editorial Staff

Top 10 Destinations to Celebrate Saint Patrick's Day

by ShermansTravel Editorial Staff

Thrown on your best green gear, grab your lucky rabbit's foot, and pinch someone: It's time to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day at any one of these 10 destinations.

Thrown on your best green gear, grab your lucky rabbit's foot, and pinch someone: It's time to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day at any one of these ten destinations.

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Dublin, Ireland / Bart_Kowski/iStock
Boston, MA
1 of 10
Boston, Massachusetts

Beantown is well known for its hearty Irish population, so it's no surprise that St. Patrick's Day is a big celebration here. The city's annual parade brings one million people to South Boston (colloquially known as "Southie), where you'll find elaborate floats, pipe and drum bands, and more. The parade also commemorates "Evacuation Day," when British troops evacuated Boston on March 17, 1776. Enjoy Irish step dance performances and other free events at Faneuil Hall Marketplace throughout the day, or, alternatively, participate in the Official Boston St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl, which takes you through some of the city's best bars.

Beantown is well known for its hearty Irish population, so it's no surprise that St. Patrick's Day is a big celebration here. The city's annual parade brings one million people to South Boston (colloquially known as "Southie), where you'll find elaborate floats, pipe and drum bands, and more. The parade also commemorates "Evacuation Day," when British troops evacuated Boston on March 17, 1776. Enjoy Irish step dance performances and other free events at Faneuil Hall Marketplace throughout the day, or, alternatively, participate in the Official Boston St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl, which takes you through some of the city's best bars.

Buenos Aires
2 of 10
Buenos Aires, Argentina

You might not know it, but Argentina has the fifth largest Irish community outside of Ireland. What was originally a small affair, La Fiesta de San Patricio has become a huge party across the city. If you want to be at the heart of it, head to the Reconquista, a street in the center of town lined with Irish pubs. While you're here, be sure to check out Down Town Matias, which serves up over 120 kinds of whiskey, and often offers live Celtic music. 

You might not know it, but Argentina has the fifth largest Irish community outside of Ireland. What was originally a small affair, La Fiesta de San Patricio has become a huge party across the city. If you want to be at the heart of it, head to the Reconquista, a street in the center of town lined with Irish pubs. While you're here, be sure to check out Down Town Matias, which serves up over 120 kinds of whiskey, and often offers live Celtic music. 

Chicago
3 of 10
Chicago, Illinois

Stuck in the states for St. Patty's Day? Consider a trip to the Windy City to watch the Chicago River as it gets dyed green. Nearly 100 pounds of green dye is dumped in the river before the famous Downtown Chicago Parade commences at noon on Saturday, March 16. Each year, Irish-inspired floats make their debut as dancers march in front of some 200,000 spectators. Following the parade, enjoy green beer at classic spots like The River Shannon (Chicago's oldest Irish pub). If you're looking for something authentically Irish, head over to the Irish American Heritage Center, which will host its annual festival starting at 1:00 p.m. on March 16 (after the parade). 

Stuck in the states for St. Patty's Day? Consider a trip to the Windy City to watch the Chicago River as it gets dyed green. Nearly 100 pounds of green dye is dumped in the river before the famous Downtown Chicago Parade commences at noon on Saturday, March 16. Each year, Irish-inspired floats make their debut as dancers march in front of some 200,000 spectators. Following the parade, enjoy green beer at classic spots like The River Shannon (Chicago's oldest Irish pub). If you're looking for something authentically Irish, head over to the Irish American Heritage Center, which will host its annual festival starting at 1:00 p.m. on March 16 (after the parade). 

Dubai, UAE
4 of 10
Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Dubai probably isn't the first place you think of when March 17 rolls around, but it's actually home to many Irish ex-pats.  In fact, The Irish Village, a traditional pub in the heart of Dubai, hosts an annual a three-day celebration in honor of the holiday. The event features live Irish music and dancing, and, of course, classic Guinness pints.

Dubai probably isn't the first place you think of when March 17 rolls around, but it's actually home to many Irish ex-pats.  In fact, The Irish Village, a traditional pub in the heart of Dubai, hosts an annual a three-day celebration in honor of the holiday. The event features live Irish music and dancing, and, of course, classic Guinness pints.

Dublin
5 of 10
Dublin, Ireland

This list wouldn't be complete without Dublin. Start the celebration a few days early by taking an educational walking tour of the city. Of course, you won't want to miss the main event, as you join thousands of spectators to watch the parade, which starts at Parnell Square. End your day at one of Dublin's many pubs (over 1,000, to be exact) for a refreshing pint of Guinness. Alternatively, embark on a pub crawl with Dublin City Pub Crawl. Along the way, you'll get to see many of the city's most famous buildings being lit up in green, an event known as Greening the City.

This list wouldn't be complete without Dublin. Start the celebration a few days early by taking an educational walking tour of the city. Of course, you won't want to miss the main event, as you join thousands of spectators to watch the parade, which starts at Parnell Square. End your day at one of Dublin's many pubs (over 1,000, to be exact) for a refreshing pint of Guinness. Alternatively, embark on a pub crawl with Dublin City Pub Crawl. Along the way, you'll get to see many of the city's most famous buildings being lit up in green, an event known as Greening the City.

Montserrat
6 of 10
Montserrat, Lesser Antilles

Known as the "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean" it's no surprise that Saint Patrick's Day is such a big deal on this sunny island, which has a shamrock for it's passport stamp. Back in the 17th century, the island was settled by the Irish; to this day, it's the only other country in the world (other than Ireland) that considers Saint Patrick's Day a national holiday. Now, the holiday is celebrated with an entire St. Patrick's Week, which is packed with parades, concerts, church services, and dinners. 

Known as the "Emerald Isle of the Caribbean" it's no surprise that Saint Patrick's Day is such a big deal on this sunny island, which has a shamrock for it's passport stamp. Back in the 17th century, the island was settled by the Irish; to this day, it's the only other country in the world (other than Ireland) that considers Saint Patrick's Day a national holiday. Now, the holiday is celebrated with an entire St. Patrick's Week, which is packed with parades, concerts, church services, and dinners. 

New York City
7 of 10
New York City, New York

The Big Apple's annual Saint Patrick's Parade is over 250 years old, making it the oldest (and biggest) one in the world. The event draws up to two million spectators each year, so you'll have to stake out a good spot early. Afterwards, grab a pint at the oldest Irish pub in the city, McSorely's Old Ale House in the East Village. Established in 1854, the bar was one of the last "Men Only" pubs in the city (one of its original mottos was "Good Ale, Raw Onions, and No Ladies"). The spot eventually relented and permitted women to enter (in 1970).

The Big Apple's annual Saint Patrick's Parade is over 250 years old, making it the oldest (and biggest) one in the world. The event draws up to two million spectators each year, so you'll have to stake out a good spot early. Afterwards, grab a pint at the oldest Irish pub in the city, McSorely's Old Ale House in the East Village. Established in 1854, the bar was one of the last "Men Only" pubs in the city (one of its original mottos was "Good Ale, Raw Onions, and No Ladies"). The spot eventually relented and permitted women to enter (in 1970).

Singapore
8 of 10
Singapore

Another unexpected enclave for the Irish, Singapore throws a mean St. Patty's party. The country's Saint Patrick's Society promotes Irish culture year-round to lead up to the annual St. Pat's Ball. Unfortunately, the ball is exclusive to society members; however, if you're not a member, don't fret. Singapore's St. Patrick's Day Street Festival, the largest in Southeast Asia, lasts for three days. Visitors will get to take explore the sites, listen to live Irish music, and even have the opportunity to learn Gaelic Football and Hurling. The festival concludes with a parade, where singing, dancing, and celebrating ensues. 

Another unexpected enclave for the Irish, Singapore throws a mean St. Patty's party. The country's Saint Patrick's Society promotes Irish culture year-round to lead up to the annual St. Pat's Ball. Unfortunately, the ball is exclusive to society members; however, if you're not a member, don't fret. Singapore's St. Patrick's Day Street Festival, the largest in Southeast Asia, lasts for three days. Visitors will get to explore in the sites, listen to live Irish music, and even have the opportunity to learn Gaelic Football and Hurling. The festival concludes with a parade, where singing, dancing, and celebrating ensues. 

Sydney
9 of 10
Sydney, Australia

Sydney's Saint Patrick's Day Parade kicks off on March 17 and transforms The Rocks neighborhood into an Irish village. Here, you'll find kids' activities, live music, food, and craft stalls, along with floats, performances, dances, and more. If you're looking for a unique way to celebrate, hop on the Saint Patrick's Day Harbour Cruise for a tour of the iconic Sydney Harbour. 

Sydney's Saint Patrick's Day Parade kicks off on March 17 and transforms The Rocks neighborhood into an Irish village. Here, you'll find kids' activities, live music, food, and craft stalls, along with floats, performances, dances, and more. If you're looking for a unique way to celebrate, hop on the Saint Patrick's Day Harbour Cruise for a tour of the iconic Sydney Harbour. 

Toronto
10 of 10
Toronto, Canada

One of the main St. Patty's Day events in Toronto is the Grand Marshal's Ball, which is held on the Friday before the holiday. The party includes dinner, drinks, and dancing. Additionally, the city's parade is fun without getting too rowdy. End the celebration at McVeigh's, one of the oldest Irish pubs in the city. 

One of the main St. Patty's Day events in Toronto is the Grand Marshal's Ball, which is held on the Friday before the holiday. The party includes dinner, drinks, and dancing. Additionally, the city's parade is fun without getting too rowdy. End the celebration at McVeigh's, one of the oldest Irish pubs in the city. 

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