Belfast St Patricks Day; What’s on
By Dáracha McGlynn
St. Patrick’ s day is nearly upon us once more. Students and the general public alike will don every green item they own in order to celebrate Irish culture in various ways on the March 17th. Whether you’ll be in the queue for the Hatfield House at 10am or lining the streets of the city centre to watch the parade, the people of Belfast will be ready to have the craic on what is sure to be a fantastic day. Here’s a guide to some of the best places and events in Belfast to celebrate the occasion.
As usual, it is to be expected that The Holylands and surrounding areas will be filled with students celebrating and enjoying themselves. Whether you have your tickets bought, or you’ve decided to go with the flow, there will be somewhere for everyone to enjoy the day.
Down Royal Racecourse in Lisburn will be hosting students for its St. Patrick’s Day races. An after party will also be held at Common Market following what is sure to be a memorable (or not so memorable) day for attendees.
For students looking to start celebrating early, UFO and BABBA are joining forces in The Limelight on March 16th which is sure to set the tone for the chaotic festivities of the big day. The Limelight will also be open on St. Patrick’s Day.
If techno isn’t your vibe, The Points on Dublin Road will have the traditional band ‘‘All Folk’d Up’’ playing on St. Patrick’s Day Eve also.
Many students will be looking to celebrate the occasion what some may call the traditional way – in the pub having the craic with their friends. Last year the Irish News reported that ‘‘hundreds of St Patrick’s Day revellers formed queues from early morning outside bars,’’ [1] such as Ormeau Road’s Hatfield House. This venue in particular is synonymous with Irish culture and is a firm favourite of many students in Belfast. Anyone wanting to celebrate here should be warned to queue early to avoid disappointment.
The Points is also sure to be busy with students that day with tickets for their Paddy’s Day event now on sale.
In regards to what QUB is saying, they said in a recent statement that they ‘‘want to remind all students of the importance of being a good neighbour.’’ [2] Ryan Feeney, QUB Vice-President Governance and External Affairs and Registrar advised students to ‘‘ensure that your behaviour does not have an adverse impact on your fellow students, your neighbours or the University.’’ [3]
For students looking to venture in the City centre for the occasion, Belfast Trad Fest has organised a Saint Patrick’s Day music festival, which will run in various venues across Cathedral Quarter from March 13th to 17th. ‘‘Across five days, audiences can enjoy headline concerts, relaxed workshops, the uplifting sound of pipe bands, the fun and grace of set and céilí dancing,’’ and much more. [4]
The National are celebrating from 1pm with live bands throughout the day and DJ on all floors across the venue after 9pm.
The annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will begin at 1:30pm at Belfast City Hall. The parade is set to feature ‘‘local dance troupes, schools, community groups and musicians.’’ [5] Spraoi Cois Lao organized by Conradh na Gaeilge and Féile an Phobail returned to Custom House Square this year. Taking place on March 7th. It seemed that all who attended enjoyed the beginning of the city’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
For Belfast students, St. Patrick’s Day isn’t just another night out – it’s a full-day event that blends culture, community and a bit of chaos. Whether your memories last the whole day or fade somewhere after the third queue, there is something for everyone wishing to celebrate the occasion in this amazing city.
References
1 – irishnews.com. 2024. “St Patrick’s Day: Hundreds of Revellers in Belfast and Derry Line up for Annual Drinks and Festivities.” The Irish News. irishnews.com. March 18, 2024. https://www.irishnews.com/news/northern-ireland/hundreds-of-revellers-in-belfast-and-derry-line-up-for-st-patricks-day-pints-CA5GNOMY5JFPBLZ3LLFECH66HM/.
2 – “St Patrick’s Day: Celebrate Safely, Respectfully and Responsibly.” 2026. Qub.ac.uk. March 2, 2026. https://www.qub.ac.uk/sites/my-queens/student-roundup/StPatricksDayCelebrateSafelyRespectfullyandResponsibly.html.
3 – “St Patrick’s Day | Public Engagement | Queen’s University Belfast.” 2022. Qub.ac.uk. March 4, 2022. https://www.qub.ac.uk/public-engagement/In-the-community/StPatricksDay/.
4 – Belfast TradFest. 2026. “Belfast TradFest.” Belfast TradFest. 2026. https://www.belfasttraditionalmusic.com/st-patricks-music-festival.
5 – McLaughlin, Sophie. 2026. “Belfast St Patrick’s Day Celebrations 2026 Announced as Hundreds of Events Planned across the City.” Belfast Live. February 23, 2026. https://www.belfastlive.co.uk/whats-on/arts-culture-news/belfast-st-patricks-day-celebrations-33475927.
