St. Patrick’s Day in NY – Wondering how to spend St. Patrick’s Day in NY? I’ve got you covered with some of the best ideas of what to do for this upcoming holiday. In addition to sharing ideas of what you can do to celebrate, I’ll also share a brief history of the holiday. Read on to find out more!
Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling. This goes without saying, but make sure you’re of legal drinking age to partake in some of the activities mentioned.
Saint Patrick’s Day History
St. Patrick’s Day (which is March 17th) is simultaneously celebrated for the death of Saint Patrick and the Feast of Saint Patrick. What’s even more interesting about this holiday is that its origin was actually religious in nature with feasts included in the celebration. Saint Patrick converted the Irish to Christianity once he returned to Ireland from escaping. The holiday began in Ireland and is now widely celebrated in the United States. Now let’s talk about how to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NY.
St. Patrick’s Day in NY
Parades and Museums
The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade
There’s no way I could talk about this holiday without mentioning the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. This is one of the oldest parades worldwide which takes place on the official holiday of March 17th with months of preparation. Not only is it one of the oldest, but it’s also one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades in the Big Apple.
If you’re interested in attending and celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in NY, you can catch the parade route at the beginning from 5th Avenue at East 44th Street and the parade ends at 79th Street. At the NYC St. Patrick’s Day parade you can expect to learn about Irish culture, Irish heritage, and see Irish dancers and Irish families. Whether it’s your first parade or seventh, you’ll be sure to have a good time. If you can’t attend in person you can also watch a livestream of the event. Also, as an FYI, Fifth Avenue has a plethora of options for shopping if you’re up for it after or prior to the NYC parade.
Irish American Heritage Museum
Exploring the Irish American Heritage Museum is a great option to learn more about Irish ancestry and their history in America. Located in Albany, New York about 2 to 3 hours away if you’re looking to explore beyond New York City. The museum offers plenty of exhibitions and learning opportunities; it’s hours are Wednesday-Friday 11am-4pm, Saturday-Sunday 12pm-4pm, and closed Monday and Tuesday.
You can become a member of the museum or donate to help the organization. If you’d prefer a museum directly in the city feel free to check out the Tenement Museum. These are great options if you’d like a sober St. Patrick’s Day.
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St. Patrick’s Day in NY Continued
Irish Bars and Restaurants to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NY
O’Donoghue’s Bar & Restaurant Times Square
Looking for Irish fare, live Irish tunes, and a place to unwind? Check out O’Donoghue’s in Times Square. This is a great Irish bar and restaurant that offers delicious Irish/American cuisine right in the heart of the Theater District and it’s perfect for a St. Patrick’s Day Dinner.
O’Donoghue’s also serves brunch on the weekends so this is another option if you aren’t able to dine during the week. The menu includes Irish classics and traditional dishes such as corned beef and bangers & mash. Since you’ll already be in Times Square, this would be a great time to take a Broadway Tour to learn all about the behind the scenes details of Broadway from an actual Broadway performer. Keep in mind there’s plenty to do in Times Square check out the links below.
The Irish American
If you’re looking for local bars to hang out with New Yorkers and tourists alike, then you’d want to check out The Irish American Pub on the Lower East Side of Manhattan. This Irish pub offers tasty Irish coffees, Irish whiskey (if you’re into whiskey shots), draft brews, and Guinness to name a few. There are other delectable items on the menu if you’re not into spirits.
Looking to bring out your competitive side? How about playing pool, table tennis, air hockey, or Pacman to name a few. If games aren’t your thing, you can also show off your singing voice (whether good or bad) during Karaoke, eat at the restaurant, or you can also watch games on one of the many TV’s. Once you’ve had your fill of delicious noms, since you’ll be on the Lower East Side, how about checking out this Contemporary Art Tour with an NYC critic.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parties and Unique Experiences
Fun and Interesting Ways to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NY
If you’re looking forward to partying, there are plenty of options in NYC even if it’s your first time visiting. However; if partying isn’t your thing no worries, I have more more up my sleeve. Looking for more unique ideas to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in NY? How about taking a St. Patrick’s Day Brunch Cruise with unlimited green beer and a live bagpiper? This is a great experience with St. Patrick’s Day themed food and drink PLUS you’ll get to catch the most amazing views of NYC including the Statue of Liberty and Manhattan Skyline.
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Final Thoughts
That concludes my list of ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in New York. Get ready for some awesome Irish music, delicious green food and beverages (e.g.; green bagels, green beer etc.). To really get into the Irish spirit make sure you wear green clothing (e.g.; a green hat, green shirt, green pants, or even a green dress).
If you partake in any of the activities make sure to tag me on social media. I hope my list has helped you in getting ready for the holiday. As always, thank you for reading. Did you learn anything new or have any feedback? Let me know. Please comment below and don’t forget to subscribe here.
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Disclosure: This blog post has affiliate links which means if you click and make a purchase I may earn a small commission at NO additional cost to you. These are my own personal suggestions based on products/experiences I love and use. Read the full disclosure here.
Covid-19 Disclaimer: The recommendations listed are based on my own suggestions and in no way endorses or condemns travel at this time. If you decide to take a trip, follow national and state guidelines, and of course the CDC when traveling.
This website is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.
Photo Credits
Thank you Johnny Cohen for the photo on the bagpipe players, Amanda Marie for the photo on people celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, Patrick Fore for the Irish green beer photo and Des Recits on the photo of people holding beers. I discovered all of their work from Unsplash.com. Please check them out!
St Patricks day looks like a lot of fun. Although its not celebrated where I live, I can imagine its really great way to meet your friends and have fun
Absolutely! It’s such a great time and everyone is happy to have fun.
NYC sounds like a great spot for St. Patty’s Day. I’ve celebrated in Boston and Dublin, but NYC sounds like the next place to try.
I’d love to celebrate in Dublin and Boston. It sounds like such a wonderful time. Hopefully you’ll celebrate it in NYC soon.
What a great list of things to do for St. Pattys in NY! We visited the city for the first time last August but would love to visit again for the holiday. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much! I’m so happy you were in town last August. Definitely come back for the holiday if you can.
So much of this looks fun! I always find it interesting just how seriously people take st paddy’s day in the States (and NY in particular!) Whenever I’ve celebrated in Ireland it has been way more chilled in comparison.
That’s really interesting! I’d love to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland one day to see the difference.
I am sure that NYC is a great spot for a party for St Patrick’s Day. With its Irish heritage it would be so fun. Hubby always things that this day must be celebrated with green beer. Fun to find some green bagels!
I agree completely, let the fun and festivities commence for the holiday!
There seem to be a few fun ways to celebrate! I think the green food and drinks are the best though.
Yes! The green food and drinks are pretty neat.
NYC looks like a fun place to celebrate St Patrick’s Day! It’s great that there are so many unique places to go in the city.
I agree, there’s never a dull moment in NYC!
Looks like so much fun! My family is Irish and we’ve always gone all out for St. Patrick’s Day – looks like we need to take a trip to New York for it next year!
That’s awesome! I hope you make it to NY soon.
A whisky class sounds like a fun variation on St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New York! Thanks for this fun and informative post.
You’re welcome! Thanks for reading.
I learnt so many new things about this! it seems such like an exciting day to be in New York! thanks for sharing
I’m so glad! Thanks for reading.