St. Patrick's Day in Paris

By Aedín Mac Devitt
Paris might lag behind Dublin or New York when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but March 17th is still an important date on the Parisian calendar. Expats and locals alike flock to the city's numerous Irish pubs to raise a toast to the man responsible for green Guinness and some of the world's liveliest street parades. Thanks to the city’s ever-increasing Irish community, St. Patrick’s Day in Paris is a fun event, free of the cliches and paddywhackery that characterized it in the past.

Whatever your taste, March 17th should not pass you by without some form of celebration, and Paris has plenty on offer to ensure you have a Lá Fhéile Phádraig (Happy St. Patrick's Day).

Irish Pubs in Paris

For many, March 17th is synonymous with Irish pub culture-- so it's not surprising that most of the St. Patrick's Day action is scheduled in Paris' impressive supply of Irish pubs, frequented by expats and those attracted by the laid-back, homey atmosphere often lacking in chic Parisian counterparts. Regular bars will also be jumping on the Paddy’s Day bandwagon, offering specials to pull the crowds, but are best avoided in favor of an Irish equivalent, where you will be guaranteed craic, sport agus spraoi (fun and games).