A local guide to help you find the most suitable place for you to enjoy St Patrick’s day.

Unlike New York, we don’t have a St Patrick’s day parade or any bells and whistles, but that definitely shouldn’t put you off from celebrating.  

For some it’s an expression of their identity, a chance to show off heritage, to be proud of their family roots. Some just fancy a night out. whatever’s your rhyme and reason, there’s plenty of options for places to go. 

With three Irish bars now in York, you might think that the choices for St Patrick’s day are limited but you would be sorely mistaken.  

There may only be three traditional Irish themed pubs in York, but there are plenty of others which celebrate, most of these) selling the infamous black and white, creamy pint of Guinness.

It is important to remember the real reason for celebrating, March the 17th marks the death of St. Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, a missionary who taught Christianity in Ireland in the late 4th century.

He was also believed to drive snakes out of Ireland, which now people think was actually a metaphor of St. Patrick converting those who didn’t believe in Christianity.

It was also said that he used the shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity turning the flower into the symbol for St. Patrick’s Day we know now.

Traditional celebrations were noted to be, eating traditional Irish food like stew, bacon and cabbage and Irish soda bread. Which still stands for a large proportion of those who celebrate but it is now primarily associated with Guinness.

But who serves it best?

For a nice cozy pint (there’s no competition apart from each other,) The Snickleway and The Little Ale House. With an open fire and old vibes, perfect if you’re wanting more of a low-key and chilled way to celebrate the day.  

If you’re after a more lively and high-energy night out, Offbeat events are holding “York’s biggest St Patrick’s day bar crawl” starting at The Lowther on the 17th of march at 19:00 and ending at Flares with other pit stops along the way.