The Best Places to Experience St Patrick’s Day in London
St Patrick’s Day in London is more than just a sea of green and a pint of Guinness. It’s a full-blown cultural takeover, with Irish music, dance, whiskey, and parades filling the city with energy. Whether you want an authentic pub experience, a wild party, or a more refined way to toast the Irish spirit, there’s something for everyone. Here’s where to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in London in true Irish style.
Join the St Patrick’s Day Parade in Trafalgar Square
Trafalgar Square becomes the heart of the St Patrick’s Day celebrations, hosting London’s biggest Irish festival. Expect traditional Irish music, step dancing, and live performances from top Irish artists. Food stalls serve everything from Irish stew to soda bread, while pop-up bars pour endless pints of Guinness. It’s the perfect spot to soak in the spirit of the day before heading off to a pub for a few more celebratory drinks.
📍Trafalgar Square, London WC2N 5DN
🌐 https://www.london.gov.uk/what-we-do/arts-and-culture/st-patricks-day-london
📸 @stpatricksdayldn
Celebrate at Waxy O’Connor’s, London’s Most Iconic Irish Pub
No St Patrick’s Day celebration is complete without a trip to Waxy O’Connor’s. This legendary Irish pub in Soho spans multiple floors, with hidden alcoves, a 250-year-old tree at its heart, and live Irish music throughout the night. The atmosphere is electric, the Guinness flows endlessly, and the crowd knows how to party. Arrive early, as this place fills up fast.
📍Waxy O’Connor’s, 14-16 Rupert St, London W1D 6DD
🌐 https://www.waxyoconnors.co.uk/london
📸 @waxyoconnorslondon
Sip Whiskey and Dance to Irish Folk at The Porterhouse
The Porterhouse in Covent Garden offers one of the best St Patrick’s Day experiences in London. With live Irish bands, an extensive whiskey collection, and a menu packed with Irish classics, it’s a must-visit. The multi-level venue means there’s space to dance, drink, and soak up the festive atmosphere. Their in-house brews, including their famous oyster stout, add something extra to the usual Guinness-fuelled celebrations.
📍The Porterhouse, 21-22 Maiden Ln, London WC2E 7NA
🌐 https://www.porterhouse.london
📸 @porterhouselondon
Experience a Wild Irish Party at The Clapham Grand
If you’re looking for a high-energy St Patrick’s Day celebration, The Clapham Grand delivers. Think live bands, Irish dancers, and DJs spinning Celtic party anthems. The venue is famous for its immersive events, and St Patrick’s Day is no exception. Expect a mix of themed drinks, confetti explosions, and a party crowd dressed head to toe in green.
📍The Clapham Grand, 21-25 St John’s Hill, London SW11 1TT
🌐 https://claphamgrand.com
📸 @theclaphamgrand
Feast on Irish Cuisine at Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill
For a more refined way to celebrate, head to Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill. This London institution is known for its fresh seafood and Irish influence. Their St Patrick’s Day menu features Irish rock oysters, traditional colcannon, and rich beef and Guinness pie. A perfectly poured pint of stout or an Irish whiskey pairing completes the experience.
📍Bentley’s Oyster Bar & Grill, 11-15 Swallow St, London W1B 4DG
🌐 https://www.bentleys.org
📸 @bentleysoysterbar
Catch Live Irish Music at The Craic
For a more intimate and traditional experience, The Craic in Camden is the place to be. This cosy Irish bar hosts live trad music sessions every night, but St Patrick’s Day brings out some of London’s best Irish musicians. The atmosphere is lively, the drinks are strong, and the Irish accents are everywhere.
📍The Craic, 30 Kentish Town Rd, London NW1 9NX
🌐 https://www.thecraiclondon.com
📸 @thecraiclondon
Wrap Up the Night with an Irish-Themed Club Night
Several London clubs host St Patrick’s Day-themed nights, and they always deliver on the energy. Venues like The Roxy and Infernos turn their spaces into green-lit dance floors, serving Irish-inspired cocktails and playing everything from traditional Irish folk to high-energy house music. If you want to end your night with a wild party, these clubs are your best bet.
📍The Roxy, 3-5 Rathbone Pl, London W1T 1HJ
🌐 https://www.theroxy.co.uk
📸 @theroxylondon
📍Infernos, 146 Clapham High St, London SW4 7UH
🌐 https://www.infernos.co.uk
📸 @infernosclapham
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in True Irish Style
London knows how to do St Patrick’s Day right. Whether you want to dance to traditional folk music, sip fine Irish whiskey, or party until sunrise, there’s something for everyone. The key to the best experience? Start early, wear green, and follow the crowd wherever the craic is best.
