24 Fun and Festive St. Patrick’s Day Activities to Keep You Entertained
Ah, Saint Patrick’s Day. A day to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland, and a day to have some fun with family, friends, and neighbors. It’s also a great day to try new St. Patrick’s Day activities and learn more about Irish culture.
Whether you’re looking for something to do with the kids or planning a party for adults, here are 24 great activities for Saint Patrick’s Day that are sure to bring a bit of Irish luck your way.
1. Learn about the history of the holiday
Take some time to read about the history of Saint Patrick and how the holiday developed from a religious celebration to the cultural holiday that it is today.
If you’d like to learn more about the history of the holiday, there are some great books you can read. The Oxford Encyclopedia of Christmas and Holidays Around the World by Bruce David Forbes is a comprehensive look at the holiday’s history and its various traditions around the world. Another great resource is Christmas: A Global History by Robert E. McFadden, which traces the holiday’s development from ancient times to the present.
2. Celebrate with a traditional Irish dance
Whether you are a beginner or an experienced dancer, you can learn and practice some traditional Irish dances like the jig, the reel, and the hornpipe. The steps are simple and easy to follow and the music is lively and exciting. You can also learn some new moves and styles that you can use to spice up your dance moves.
>> Read more: Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day 2023 in Style – Get Ready for a Magical Experience
3. Enjoy an Irish meal
Make your Irish meal even more delicious with traditional Irish dishes like corned beef and cabbage, shepard’s pie, and bangers and mash. Enjoy the flavors of Ireland in your own kitchen with these classic recipes. Serve them up with a side of Irish soda bread for a truly authentic experience.
4. Have a themed dinner party
Throw the ultimate Irish-themed dinner party! Invite your friends and family over to enjoy traditional Irish dishes and drinks, like Guinness, Irish whiskey, and other classic Irish favorites. Create a festive atmosphere with Irish music, decorations, and fun party games. For a truly memorable evening, make it a night to remember with an Irish-themed dinner party!
5. Bake Irish-inspired treats
Bring the luck of the Irish into your home with these tasty Irish-inspired treats! Try baking some traditional soda bread, or if you’re feeling adventurous why not make some Irish cream cupcakes and shamrock-shaped cookies to really show off your baking skills. No matter what you make, these delightful treats are sure to bring a smile to your family and friends.
6. Decorate with green
Bring a touch of the Emerald Isle into your home by decorating it with green accents! Hang shamrocks, Irish flags, and green tablecloths throughout your living space to create a festive atmosphere. Not only will these decorations add a unique, Irish charm to your home, they’ll also bring a splash of color perfect for any special occasion.
7. Make crafts
Create something special this Saint Patrick’s Day with fun and festive DIY crafts! Construct a cheerful rainbow wreath to hang in your home, or design a one-of-a-kind shamrock card to give to a loved one. With a few simple supplies, you can make your own Irish-inspired decorations that will bring a festive touch to your home. Get crafty this Saint Patrick’s Day and make something to celebrate the occasion!
8. Wear green
Let’s make Saint Patrick’s Day extra special this year! Get your friends and family together to dress up in their best green attire and celebrate the luck of the Irish! Whether you opt for a festive shamrock, a bright green t-shirt, or something completely unique, wear green on Saint Patrick’s Day to show your Irish pride!
9. Go on a scavenger hunt
Go on a St. Patrick’s Day Scavenger Hunt! Get the kids searching for all sorts of fun items like shamrocks, four-leaf clovers, and items with words like “luck” or “fortune” written on them. Let their imagination run wild as they explore the great outdoors and find some hidden treasures!
10. Have a parade
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day with a fun and festive parade around your neighborhood! Get the kids involved and have them dress up in their best green outfits and march around the streets with instruments and flags. Invite your friends and family to join in on the fun and make this Saint Patrick’s Day parade a memorable one!
11. Learn an Irish language
Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day by learning some basic Irish words and phrases! Impress your friends and family with your newfound knowledge of the Irish language. Start your journey today and learn some of the most popular Irish words and phrases. Who knows, you may even be able to carry on a conversation in Irish by the end of the day!
12. Visit a museum
On St. Patrick’s Day, explore Irish culture and history by visiting a local museum! From ancient artifacts to modern art, you can discover fascinating facts and stories about the Emerald Isle. With a wealth of exhibitions and interactive activities, you can get a deeper understanding of the country’s culture and heritage. Plus, you can take part in traditional activities like cooking, music, and dance to make your visit even more memorable!
13. Plant a shamrock
Bring luck and good fortune to your home this St. Patrick’s Day by planting a shamrock! Not only is it a symbol of luck, but it also adds a special touch to your garden. Plant your shamrock in a sunny spot and be sure to water it regularly – a little luck never hurt anyone!
14. Make a traditional Irish stew
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in style with a classic Irish stew! This hearty and comforting dish is made with potatoes, carrots, onions, and beef, making it a perfect meal to share with family and friends. Get creative with your ingredients and add any herbs or spices you’d like to make it your own. Enjoy the unique flavors of a traditional Irish stew for a truly special St. Patrick’s Day celebration!
15. Put on a play
Bring the family together and create an unforgettable experience with a play about Saint Patrick and Irish folklore! Invite everyone to participate in the show, from writing the script to costume design and building the set. Have fun with it and get creative as you dive into the rich culture of the Irish. You’ll be sure to have a memorable time putting on a play with your family!
16. Have a Saint Patrick’s Day-themed game night
Have a Saint Patrick’s Day Game Night with a twist! Celebrate the traditional Irish culture by playing fun games like shillelagh, handball, or hurling. Enjoy an authentic Irish experience that’s sure to bring luck and lots of laughs to your night. Get ready to experience some of the most exciting traditional games around!
17. Play Irish music
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with some traditional Irish music! Get your party going with the pipes, fiddle, or bodhrán to create a lively atmosphere. Enjoy the sounds of traditional Irish music and bring the luck of the Irish to your celebration!
18. Read an Irish story
Engage your kids in a captivating Irish story! Read them The Children of Lir by Joseph Jacobs and take them on a magical journey of Irish folklore. This beloved tale follows the four children of Lir, who are turned into swans for 900 years. Discover the beautiful imagery, lyrical language, and powerful themes that make this a timeless classic.
19. Decorate with leprechauns
Add some Irish charm to your home this St. Patrick’s Day with festive leprechaun decorations! Create a magical atmosphere with a leprechaun hat, a pot of gold, and other fun accessories. Decorate with leprechauns for a memorable holiday celebration!
20. Learn about Irish folklore
Explore the fascinating world of Irish folklore! Immerse yourself in the myths, legends and stories that have been passed down through generations of Irish people. Take a journey through the history of Ireland and uncover the unique culture and customs of the Emerald Isle. Learn about the creatures, heroes and gods of Irish folklore and discover why these stories are still relevant today.
21. Have a movie night
Make movie night extra special by watching some classic Irish films, like The Secret of Kells and The Wind That Shakes the Barley. Both movies are guaranteed to bring a unique cultural experience and captivating story-telling that will make for a great evening of entertainment. So grab some snacks, invite some friends, and get ready for a night of Irish cinema!
22. Paint a landscape
Paint a beautiful landscape of the rolling emerald hills of the Irish countryside. Capture the majestic beauty of the green fields dotted with sheep and the distant mountains. Let the majestic ocean views take your breath away with the crashing waves and serene sunsets. Paint a vivid picture of the vibrant colors of the Irish countryside and the unique culture of the Irish people.
23. Visit an Irish pub
Experience the authentic Irish pub atmosphere and enjoy some traditional Irish music and drinks by visiting a local Irish pub. From cozy pubs with roaring fires to pubs that turn into lively bars on weekend nights, an Irish pub is a perfect place to explore and experience the culture, music, and spirit of Ireland. Come and experience the culture, atmosphere and hospitality of an Irish pub today.
24. Make an Irish toast
Raise a glass and make a traditional Irish toast to St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, and to good luck! May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be ever at your back, and may the blessings of St. Patrick be with you now and forevermore! Sláinte!
No matter how you celebrate, these 24 activities for Saint Patrick’s Day are sure to bring some good cheer and a bit of Irish luck your way. So do your green and get ready to celebrate!