11th Apr 2025
How to Make the Most of Bank Holidays at Your Pub
St Patrick’s Day is a time-honoured celebration of Irish heritage, marked by parades, traditional music, and warm gatherings with friends and family. Every year, thousands of people across the UK embrace the spirit of the day, whether by attending lively public events or simply heading to their local pub to celebrate the day.
While it’s often associated with pints of Guinness and good craic, St Patrick’s Day is also an opportunity to honour Ireland’s culture and history. If you’re looking to celebrate in a way that captures both the fun and the tradition, here’s how your local pub can be the perfect place to enjoy the day.
St. Patrick’s Day, celebrated annually on March 17th, honours St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to the island in the 5th century. Originally a religious feast day, it has since evolved into a worldwide celebration of Irish heritage. The tradition of wearing green stems from the legend that St. Patrick used the shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity. Today, people across the globe embrace Irish culture on this day, from lighting up famous landmarks in green to enjoying Irish music and storytelling.
As St Patrick’s Day falls on Monday, 17th March this year, celebrations will most likely begin over the weekend. Pubs and venues will host events on Saturday and Sunday, ensuring that everyone has a chance to join in on the fun. Whether you’re planning a quiet evening or a big night out, there will be plenty of ways to embrace the Irish spirit.
A pint of Guinness is a St Patrick’s Day staple, and in 2024, around 2.7 million pints were sold in the UK on the day alone! Pubs will most likely have special deals on Guinness, but if you’re not a stout fan, there are plenty of other Irish alternatives, including Irish whiskeys, including Jameson or Bushmills, Baileys Irish Cream, or even green-themed cocktails.
If you’re not looking for an alcoholic drink, then don’t worry – most pubs will offer non-alcoholic alternatives throughout the weekend, including Guinness 0.0%, a non-alcoholic stout beer that has the same taste, colour, and head as Guinness, to keep you in the Irish spirit!
However you choose to celebrate, don’t forget to raise your glass with a hearty “Sláinte!”—the traditional Irish toast to good health.
One of the highlights of St Patrick’s Day is the music and dancing that bring the celebrations to life. Many pubs will feature live bands playing traditional Irish folk music, complete with fiddles, tin whistles, and bodhráns (Irish drums). If you hear a lively tune, don’t be shy—join in on an Irish jig or at least clap along to the beat.
While pubs are a fantastic place to celebrate, St Patrick’s Day is also about local community events. Many towns and cities across the UK host parades with floats, dancers, and marching bands, Irish dance performances by local groups or schools, and family-friendly activities that showcase Ireland’s cultural heritage. Consider starting the day by attending a parade or visiting a local Irish cultural event before heading to the pub in the evening.
St Patrick’s Day is more than just a night out; it’s a celebration of Irish history, culture, and community. Whether you’re enjoying a pint of Guinness, singing along to Irish songs, or simply spending time with friends and family, remember to embrace the Irish spirit!