St. Patrick's Day 2022
When is St Patrick's Day 2022, and how is it celebrated? Parades, church services, the shamrock toast and landmarks around the world turning green.
St Patrick's Day, on 17 March, is a religious and cultural holiday in Ireland. The day remembers the life of Saint Patrick, the foremost patron saint of Ireland, who is traditionally said to have died on that date in the fifth century. The Irish mark the day with merriment, dressed in green festival clothes and accessories decorated with shamrocks.
When is St Patrick's Day 2022?
In 2022, St Patrick's Day falls on Thursday 17 March. It is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and a bank holiday in Northern Ireland. After two years in which the big parades could not go ahead as normal, many people are looking forward to celebrating in the streets again.
Get ready to party
St Patrick's Day is a carnival of a day. Expect colourful parades with marching bands, community groups, charities, sports clubs and street performers. There are church services for those who wish to attend. And there is plenty to eat and drink: traditionally, the day offered a break from the Lenten fast.
If you happen to be in Downpatrick, where Saint Patrick is said to be buried, you can join the processions and events held in the town. Many people end the day with the traditional toast known as "drowning the shamrock": you place a shamrock in your glass, raise a toast to Saint Patrick and drink. Afterwards you can swallow the shamrock with the last of the drink, or take it out and throw it over your left shoulder for good luck.
Not just in Ireland
St Patrick's Day is celebrated far beyond Ireland. Large parades take place in cities such as New York, Boston and London, and in Chicago the river is famously dyed green. Each year landmarks around the world, from the Sydney Opera House to the Sky Tower in Auckland, are lit up in green for the occasion. They are always a beautiful sight.
Tips for St Patrick's Day in Dublin
- Arrive early for a good spot along the parade route, and dress for the weather.
- Public transport is busy and some roads close, so plan your journey in advance.
- Pubs fill up quickly, so expect queues and book ahead if you want a meal.
Dates, programmes and prices change from year to year, so always check the festival's official website before you travel. Read more about Irish celebrations in 3 traditional Irish celebrations and their outfits.
