March 17 marks St. Patrick’s Day, a global celebration of Irish culture filled with lively parades, traditional fare, and a sea of green.
Whether you’re hosting a get-together, heading to a local festival, or simply raising a glass of Guinness at home, here’s everything you need to make the most of this iconic day.
History of St. Patrick’s Day
St. Patrick’s Day began as a religious feast day, honouring Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century. While the day originally had solemn roots, it has evolved into a global celebration of Irish heritage.
The shamrock, which St. Patrick reportedly used to explain the Holy Trinity, remains a key symbol of the holiday.
Today, St. Patrick’s Day is recognised not just in Ireland but around the world, from New York’s famous Fifth Avenue parade to London’s Trafalgar Square lit up in green. Sure, we all want to be Irish on March 17.
Traditions
St. Patrick’s Day is steeped in customs, both old and new. Parades are at the heart of the celebrations, with Irish dancers and towering floats filling city streets. In Ireland, the day traditionally began with church services, although that has changed somewhat in recent times, before giving way to more *ahem* jovial gatherings.
Elsewhere, rivers are dyed green (hello, Chicago), pints of the black stuff are poured, and for our friends across the Atlantic, they like to make leprechaun legends come to life - something that those on the Emerald Isle do not do, but we allow them to have their fun, bless ‘em.
What’s on the Menu?
No St. Patrick’s Day is complete without a hearty Irish spread. Corned beef and cabbage might be the go-to in the US, but in Ireland, dishes like Irish stew — slow-cooked lamb or beef with potatoes, carrots, and onions — or coddle are more traditional for dinner. Soda bread is a table staple, often served with generous slabs of butter. While a chicken fillet roll is a must for lunch. And for drinks? It’s hard to beat a perfectly poured pint of Guinness, but Irish whiskey, Baileys, or even a simple cup of Barry’s Tea will keep the spirit alive.
Historically, the national holiday also offered a welcome break from Lent — the 40-day period of reflection from Ash Wednesday to Holy Thursday, when many give up treats like chocolate or alcohol. March 17 served as a reprieve from these restrictions, with people, especially kids, using the day as an excuse to indulge in sweets and festive fare – and indulge we do.
Irish Entertainment
If you’re in London for St. Patrick’s Day, the celebrations begin on March 15, with the highlight being the iconic parade on March 16, followed by a lively concert in Trafalgar Square. For a fun twist, join a céilí (traditional Irish dance party) at the London Irish Centre in Camden on March 15, where you’ll be dancing the Walls of Limerick or Siege of Ennis in no time.
Of course, no Paddy’s Day is complete without a visit to your local Irish pub, where the craic agus ceol (fun and music) will be in full swing.
In anticipation of the big day, set the mood with a mix of Irish tunes at home—from folk legends like The Dubliners and The Chieftains to modern acts like Fontaines D.C., CMAT, and Bicep. Want something a bit different? Give some Irish-language rap from Kneecap a try.
Should a cosy night in is more your style - it is taking place on a Monday this year after all - take advantage of Ireland’s Hollywood takeover. With stars like Paul Mescal, Andrew Scott, Saoirse Ronan, and Colin Farrell dominating screens, there’s no shortage of Irish-led films and TV shows to binge.
Look the Part
When it comes to St. Patrick’s Day fashion, green isn’t just encouraged — it’s mandatory. Whether you go all out with a head-to-toe emerald outfit or keep it simple with a shamrock pin, the key is to embrace the festive spirit.
If you want something more subtle, brands like Irish knitwear and sportswear brand Pellador often release limited-edition pieces perfect for adding a touch of authentic Irish charm.
How We Tested
As one of the few Irish natives in The Standard office, it’s practically my patriotic duty to share the secrets of a proper St. Patrick’s Day celebration. From necking back bottles of TK Red Lemonade to picking shamrocks to wear and even marching in Dublin’s official parade — I’ve experienced Ireland’s biggest day in all its glory.
Over the years, I've perfected the art of pouring a pint of Guinness, sampled the finest cans of Rock Shandy, and devoured my fair share of Tayto. I know what makes a St. Patrick's Day unforgettable—or, depending on how many pints you’ve had, a bit hazy.
That’s why the ES Best Shopping team has crafted this ultimate guide to celebrating the day the Irish way.
Best St. Patrick’s Day essentials at a glance:
- Best Paddy’s Day Box: The Paddy’s Day Mega Box – £75, The Paddy Box
- Best butter: Kerrygold Irish Butter - £2.60, Ocado
- Best soda bread: McCambridge Irish Soda Bread Kit, Pack of 6 - £16.14, Amazon
- Best tea: Lyons Tea Original Blend, 80 Bags - £5.49, Amazon
- Best Irish breakfast: The Clonakilty Box - £40, The Paddy Box
- Best soft drink: Club Rock Shandy - £2.79, Tesco
- Best biscuit: Bolands Elite Chocolate Kimberley Teacake - £2.35, Amazon
- Best chocolate: Cadbury’s Golden Crisp - £1.45, Amazon
- Best crisps: Keogh's Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar - £1.50, Amazon
- Best condiment: Chef Brown Sauce - £1.75, Sainsbury’s
- Best spice bag mix: McDonnells Spice Bag Classic Flavour Seasoning Mix - £1.30, Amazon
- Best stout: Guinness Draught Nitrosurge Bundle - £38.50, Amazon
- Best alcohol gift set: Baileys Irish Cream Liqueur - £13, Amazon
Find out more below.
The Paddy’s Day Mega Box
Best Paddy’s Day Box: The Paddy’s Day Mega Box
If you’re looking for a one-stop shop of all things Irish, tried and true, you can’t go wrong with ordering The Paddy’s Day Mega Box from The Paddy Box for the ultimate March 17 experience. Packed with classic Irish treats, from Tayto crisps and Cadbury chocolate to Barry’s Tea and soda bread mix, this hamper is perfect for gifting or hosting a festive gathering.
It even includes Paddy’s Day party essentials like an Irish flag and a fun top hat—practically evoking the spirit of St Patrick himself to your celebration.
Buy now £75.00, The Paddy Box
Kerrygold Irish Butter
Best butter: Kerrygold Irish Butter
Kerrygold Irish Butter isn’t just a favourite at The Standard—it’s loved by the culinary elite, including Stanley Tucci, who has said it is his butter of choice. With a rich, creamy taste, a signature golden hue, and milk from Irish grass-fed cows, it’s a staple in top kitchens and Hollywood alike
Perfect for baking, cooking, or more importantly, spreading on your soda bread on Paddy’s Day. No added preservatives, no colouring—just pure, delicious butter.
Buy now £2.60, Ocado
McCambridge Irish Soda Bread Kit, Pack of 6
Best soda bread: McCambridge Irish Soda Bread Kit, Pack of 6
Skip the half pan of Hovis this St. Patrick’s Day and bake your own traditional Irish soda bread instead with this Irish household staple. McCambridge’s Irish soda bread mix makes it foolproof—even for non-bakers. Just add milk (or a dairy-free alternative to make it vegan), pop it in the oven, and in 20 minutes, you’ll have a taste of the Emerald Isle on your table.
Pro tip: add buttermilk and a knob of butter for extra richness—you’ll thank me later.
Buy now £16.14, Amazon
Lyons Tea Original Blend, 80 Bags
Best tea: Lyons Tea Original Blend, 80 Bags
A controversial choice, perhaps, but every Irish household is either Team Lyons or Team Barry’s. Today, Lyons Original Blend takes the win. St. Patrick’s Day may be all about indulgence, but one thing’s certain—you won’t find anyone starting the celebrations without a proper cuppa and the timeless taste of Lyons Tea, offers a smooth and satisfying experience to set you up to celebrate.
Buy now £4.49, Amazon
The Clonakilty Breakfast Box
Best for: Irish breakfast
Kick off your St. Patrick’s Day with a breakfast fit for champions, and Clonakilty is here to deliver. This special Clonakilty Breakfast Box, created in partnership with the Paddy Box, is packed with all your Irish breakfast essentials.
From the famous Blackpudding to Sausages and Rashers (or bacon, for our British friends), this box has it all. It includes: 2 x Packs of Mini White and Black Pudding (4 puddings in total), 2 x Packs of 8 Sausages (16 sausages total) and 2 x Packs of 6 Rashers (12 rashers total). Essentially there’s enough to feed a small army.
Buy now £40.00, The Paddy Box
Club Rock Shandy
Best for: soft drink
Club Rock Shandy is a uniquely Irish soft drink born from the blend of Club Orange and Club Lemon. First crafted in 1955 at O'Rourke's pub in Blackrock, Dublin as legend would have it, it combines real fruit flavours with signature bits for a truly distinctive taste.
Smooth yet zingy, it offers a punchy, tangy sensation and high-intensity fruity aromatics, delivering that bold, impactful flavour with every sip. A fantastic non-alcoholic alternative on March 17.
Buy now £2.79, Tesco
Boland's Elite Chocolate Kimberley Teacakes
Best for: biscuits
Known simply as Kimberley’s to the locals, Boland’s Elite Chocolate Kimberley Teacakes are a beloved treat in Ireland. The six-individually wrapped ginger-flavoured biscuits feature a soft mallow centre, all coated in smooth milk chocolate.
Whether you nibble the chocolate first or dive straight into the gooey mallow, one thing’s for sure—these biscuits are a sweet tooth’s dream this Paddy’s Day.
Buy now £2.35, Amazon
Cadbury Dairy Milk Golden Crisp
Best for: chocolate
Cadbury may have originated in the UK, but Ireland does it better—and with exclusive flavours to prove it.
The undisputed king? The Golden Crisp. This beloved Irish classic blends smooth Dairy Milk chocolate with crunchy honeycombed granules, a fan favourite in the Emerald Isle since 1936. So it would be rude not to try one to honour Ireland’s national holiday.
Buy now £1.45, Amazon
Keogh's Sea Salt & Cider Vinegar
Best for: crisps
While Tayto may reign as Ireland’s classic crisp, Keogh’s is the artisanal answer with its hand-cooked, farm-fresh potato crisps. The Sea Salt & Sweet Irish Vinegar flavour is crafted with homegrown potatoes and vinegar sourced from Llewellyn's Orchard in Co. Dublin, delivering a uniquely tangy crunch.
Made in small batches on the same day as harvest, Keogh’s crisps are gluten-free, GMO-free, lactose-free and suitable for coeliacs, vegetarians, and vegans. There’s a taste of Ireland in every bite.
Buy now £1.50, Amzaon
Chef Brown Sauce
Best for: condiment
While Ballymaloe Relish is a sandwich essential, Chef’s Brown Sauce is the unsung hero of Irish kitchens. With its rich, tangy, and subtly spiced flavour, this sauce elevates everything from a classic bacon butty to a hearty shepherd’s pie.
Unlike HP, this Irish twist brings depth and warmth to traditional dishes—try it in an Irish stew, on a fry-up, or as a secret ingredient in marinades. A must-have for any flavour lover on March 17.
Buy now £1.75, Sainsbury's
McDonnells Spice Bag Classic Flavour Seasoning Mix
Best for: spice bag mix
McDonnells, Ireland’s top curry sauce brand, has captured the flavour of the nation’s favourite late-night treat with its Spice Bag Mix. With spice bags gaining popularity beyond Ireland, this seasoning blend lets you recreate the perfect crispy, salty, and spicy dish in your own kitchen—no takeaway required.
Designed for chips, chicken, tofu and more, the mix delivers the authentic taste of an Irish spice bag with a carefully balanced blend of bold seasonings this St. Patrick’s Day.
Buy now £1.30, Amazon
Guinness Nitrosurge Bundle
Best for: stout
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the perfect pint—no pub required! The Guinness Nitrosurge bundle lets you enjoy the iconic, velvety smooth taste of draught Guinness right at home.
Using innovative ultrasonic technology, the nitrosurge device recreates the signature two-part pour for a rich, creamy finish. This bundle includes everything you need to trial it at home, including four cans of Guinness Nitrosurge, which the device is designed to work exclusively with.
Buy now £38.50, Amazon
Baileys Gift Set - Irish Cream Liqueur 20cl, 2x Branded Glasses
Best for: alcohol gift set
Indulge in the rich, velvety taste of Baileys any time of year—not just at Christmas! This gift set includes a 200ml bottle of Baileys Original Irish Cream, blending smooth Irish whiskey with luscious chocolate notes and a hint of exotic vanilla.
Complete with two elegant Baileys tumbler glasses with extra special gold detailing, it's perfect for sharing or savouring solo. Enjoy it neat or over ice for a truly indulgent treat.
Buy now £13.00, Amazon
