St Patricks Day in London

On the 17th of March the capital colours are turned green as the celebration of one of the patron saints of Ireland, St Patrick. A celebration of Irish culture that is enjoyed worldwide in a number of countries including Canada, New Zealand, Uruguay, United States and of course the United Kingdom. If you are in the UK for this years St Patricks day then there is no better place to celebrate the event than in London where the largest minority community is Irish.

With the street festivals being held slightly earlier on March the 15th the carnival atmosphere will be enjoyed most in Trafalgar Square which becomes the hub for all things Irish. With the best Irish music from modern to traditional, a selection of Irish crafts, culture and food. Anyone with a hint of an Irish decent or even some with none at all will all gather and turn out for the craic.

Fair to say that on St Patricks Day the drink of the day will undoubtedly be Guinness, and there is no better place to enjoy a cool pint of Guinness then a traditional Irish pub a perfect place to enjoy the blend of traditional, rustic decor, folk music, and good-humour! Here is a list of a few traditional Irish pubs around the capital where it will be packed to the rafters with jubilant revellers;

Quinns
65 Kentish Town Road, NW1 8NY

Filthy McNasty's
68 Amwell Street, EC1R 1UU

Waxy O'Connors
14-16 Rupert Street, W1D 6DF

St Patricks Day is not all about wearing green, shamrocks and drinking Guinness, many people forget that this is a religious celebration by people of Irish ancestry, Roman Catholics, Anglicans, Eastern Orthodox and many English speaking countries. Going to mass on St Patrick's Day is a tradition that has spanned decades. In London there are many truly beautiful Catholic churches and is an authentically Irish way to celebrate St Patrick's Day. Here is a list of a few traditional Irish churches:

St Patrick's Soho
21a Soho Square, W1D 4NR

St George's Cathedral
Westminster Bridge Road, SE1 7HY

Westminster Cathedral
42 Francis Street, SW1P 1QW

It is a yearly event that can not be missed, a day of guaranteed celebration, partying and merriment for everyone.