My family of four will be visiting London over St. Patrick’s Day weekend, and I realized today that I should figure out if there is any fun, family-oriented activities to celebrate the holiday of green. Well, turns out the close proximity to Ireland and a strong Irish community in London means that there will be tons to do!
According to the official London St. Patrick’s Day website, Sunday, March 16th is the day to set aside to celebrate my inner Irish-ness. A parade, which includes marching bands and county groups holding their county flags, in addition to festivals held in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Covent Garden, will certainly hold appeal for my family. I am most excited about the Irish Foods Market in Covent Garden, and my kids will probably enjoy the Children’s Area at Leicester Square. The best part is that most all of these activities are FREE!Since we are arriving a few days before the big festivities, I looked to the Hammersmith and Fulham Irish Center in London for ideas of how to get in the Irish mood. They list a week’s worth of St Patrick’s Shenanigans, including an Irish Dance Set, Irish Storytelling and ‘Fiddle, Sticks, Buttons and Bows’, presented by the Mulkere Academy of Irish Music.
On her London Travel Blog, Laura Porter lists her favorite Irish Pubs in London to try a pint of Guinness. After a day of celebrating with our kids, my husband will be happy to find a bar to explore some Irish suds! For more information, we can also check out the Top 10 - St Patrick’s Day guide on FluidFoundation, London’s leading independent drinking guide.
All this talk about St. Patrick’s Day has me eagerly anticipating our trip - guess I better make sure to pack some green and stock up on my St. Patrick’s Day doo-dads for the parade!
photo of Trafalgar Square on St. Patrick’s Day 2006 courtesy of Diliff
3 Responses
means that there will be tons to do!
“According to the official London St. Patrick’s Day website, Sunday, March 16th is the day to set aside to celebrate my inner Irish-ness. A parade, which includes marching bands and county groups holding their county flags, in addition to festivals held in Trafalgar Square, Leicester Square and Covent Garden, will certainly hold appeal for my family. I am most excited about the Irish Foods Market in Covent Garden, and my kids will probably enjoy the Children’s Area at Leicester Square. The best part is that most all of these activities are FREE!”
It sounds like a really good day out for all the family,and a great way to celebrate St Patrick’s day.
Sounds like a wonderful trip. Unfortunately, that pesky “no liquids” rule on the airplane means you won’t be bringing back souvenirs of Guinness…
I’m so jealous! You’ll have to let us know how it went. I would love to visit London - any day of the year. Although it would probably be hard to explain to my son that Harry Potter doesn’t actually live there!
Paige AKA PJsTravelinTexas