The best places in the UK to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

If you’re looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style, but can’t afford the trip to Ireland, GoEuro (www.goeuro.co.uk), the website that allows travellers to compare and combine air, rail and coach transport across Europe, has compiled a list of the best UK-based alternatives.

1.       St. Patrick’s Day Beerfest Weekend – Weston-super-Mare

SomeRandomNerd

On the weekend of the 15^th and 16^th March, take a trip to the pier at Weston-super-Mare for Beerfest Weekend. This event is free to attend and there will be a showcase of beers (including Guinness!) from a variety of Somerset breweries. There will also be live music throughout the afternoon and the Six Nations’ rugby will also be shown.

2.       St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival – London

Rev Stan

If you fancy taking part in a traditional St. Patrick’s Day parade, why not head to Trafalgar Square in London on Sunday 16^th March? More than 100,000 people will gather here to celebrate the best of Ireland – from music and dance to culture and arts. The theme of this year’s parade is ‘World of Dance’ and there will be dance lessons available with the JIG Troopers.

3.       Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland

www.siamsoir.co.uk

On Saturday 15^th March, Edinburgh will celebrate the best of Celtic culture with the Siamsoir Irish dancers. There will be more than 60 Irish dancers and three highly acclaimed bands performing. This event is also for a good cause as it is in aid of Motor Neurone Disease with MND Scotland.

4.       Family Ceilidh – Newcastle

Barney Moss

Newcastle Discovery Museum is a great place to visit for a family-friendly St. Patrick’s Day celebration. On Saturday 15^th March, a family Ceilidh will be taking place in the Great Hall of the museum. There will also be an Irish-themed fair for those that fancy a tipple, or whose kids are keen to have their face painted with shamrock leaves.

5.       Manchester Irish Festival Market

www.manchesteririshfestival.co.uk

If you’re a big market fan, Manchester is the place to visit this St. Patrick’s Day. Head to Albert Square from Thursday 13^th – Sunday 16^th March for the Irish market, any time between 9am and 6pm, and enjoy the best of Irish food, music and jewellery. There will also be a Leprechaun House and Irish Village Green on show.