%201.svg){kind=icon}
%201.svg)
St. Patrick’s Day is the one day of the year when everyone is a little bit Irish or at least pretends to be. It’s a day of green beer, questionable fashion choices, and enough corned beef to feed a small army. But while St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide, some cities take the festivities to a whole new level. These are the places where the party starts at dawn, the parades are epic, and the hangovers are legendary. So, grab your shamrock sunglasses and your “Kiss Me, I’m Irish” shirt (even if you’re not), and let’s dive into the five cities that party the hardest on St. Patrick’s Day.
Boston, Massachusetts - Where the Irish Spirit Runs Deep
Boston is basically the Ireland of America. With a rich Irish heritage and a population that takes its St. Patrick’s Day celebrations very seriously, this city knows how to throw a party. The festivities kick off with the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a raucous event that draws over a million spectators each year. The parade features marching bands, bagpipers, and enough green to make Kermit the Frog jealous.
But the real magic happens in the pubs. Boston’s Irish bars, like the Black Rose and Mr. Dooley’s, are packed to the rafters with revelers sipping Guinness and singing along to traditional Irish tunes. And let’s not forget the Boston Celtics, who often play a home game on St. Patrick’s Day, ensuring that the green-and-white spirit is alive and well on the court.
Just be warned: Bostonians take their Irish pride seriously. If you’re not wearing green, you might find yourself on the receiving end of a playful pinch, or worse, a drunken lecture about your lack of holiday spirit.
Chicago, Illinois - Home of the Green River
When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, Chicago doesn’t just dip its toes in the festivities, it dives in headfirst. The city’s most iconic tradition is the dyeing of the Chicago River, a spectacle that turns the waterway a vibrant shade of emerald green. It’s like something out of a leprechaun’s dream, and it draws crowds from all over the world.
But the fun doesn’t stop at the river. Chicago’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is one of the largest in the country, featuring floats, marching bands, and plenty of Irish dancers. And let’s not forget the bars. From The Kerryman to Fado Irish Pub, Chicago’s drinking establishments are the heart and soul of the celebration.
Of course, no St. Patrick’s Day in Chicago would be complete without a hearty helping of corned beef and cabbage. Whether you’re dining at a fancy restaurant or grabbing a sandwich from a food truck, you’ll find that the city’s culinary offerings are as green as its river.
New York City, New York - The Big Apple Goes Green
If there’s one thing New Yorkers know how to do, it’s throw a party. And on St. Patrick’s Day, the city that never sleeps becomes the city that never stops drinking. The centerpiece of the celebration is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the oldest and largest in the world. Dating back to 1762, this parade is a five-hour extravaganza featuring over 150,000 participants and millions of spectators.
But the parade is just the beginning. New York’s Irish pubs, like McSorley’s Old Ale House and The Dead Rabbit, are packed with revelers enjoying pints of Guinness and shots of Jameson. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can join the St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl, a citywide event that takes you to some of the best bars in town.
New York also knows how to cater to every kind of St. Patrick’s Day enthusiast. Want to dance? Head to an Irish ceili. Want to eat? Try the corned beef and cabbage at Katz’s Delicatessen. Want to just sit back and enjoy the chaos? Grab a spot on Fifth Avenue and watch the parade go by.
Savannah, Georgia - Southern Charm Meets Irish Spirit
Savannah might not be the first city that comes to mind when you think of St. Patrick’s Day, but don’t let its Southern charm fool you, this city knows how to party. Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is one of the largest in the country, drawing over half a million visitors each year.
The festivities kick off with the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a lively event that features everything from marching bands to bagpipers to floats adorned with shamrocks. But the real highlight of Savannah’s celebration is the Forsyth Park Fountain, which is dyed green in honor of the holiday.
Savannah’s Irish pubs, like Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub and Molly MacPherson’s, are the heart of the celebration. These cozy establishments are the perfect place to enjoy a pint of Guinness and some traditional Irish fare. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can join the Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl, a citywide event that takes you to some of the best bars in town.
Dublin, Ireland - The Mothership of St. Patrick’s Day
Of course, no list of St. Patrick’s Day party cities would be complete without Dublin. After all, this is where it all began. Dublin’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration is a four-day extravaganza that includes parades, concerts, and enough Guinness to fill the River Liffey.
The centerpiece of the celebration is the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a colorful event that features floats, marching bands, and performers from all over the world. But the real magic happens in the pubs. From The Temple Bar to The Brazen Head, Dublin’s drinking establishments are the heart and soul of the celebration.
And let’s not forget the food. Dublin’s restaurants serve up traditional Irish fare like corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, and soda bread. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can try a full Irish breakfast, complete with black pudding and baked beans.
St. Patrick’s Day is a time to celebrate Irish culture, enjoy good food and drink, and maybe make some questionable life choices. And while the holiday is celebrated around the world, these five cities take the party to a whole new level.
So, no matter where you find yourself on the day, make sure to wear your green, raise a glass, and toast to the luck of the Irish. Just remember: the party might last all day, but the hangover could last a lifetime, and don’t embarrass Chesty.
