St Patrick's Day: taking a look at Irish culture in Newcastle

Celebrated each year on the 17^th of March, it's a day that historically began to honour the patron saint of Ireland and through time has evolved into a day to commemorate Irish culture worldwide. Look around yourself and you will see people dressed as leprechauns, painted in all green or gulping down pints of Guinness (approximately 13 million pints are sold globally on St Paddy’s Day!). So, what is there to do this St Paddy’s Day in Newcastle. How can we really appreciate Irish culture within the home of the Geordies?

St Patrick’s Day is a huge celebration, and Newcastle is known for being home to the biggest festival in the North East, where Irish jigs are danced, Guinness is drank and street food can be inhaled as much needed fuel during the night. Celebrated this year on the 14^th of March, this must attend event- so called PaddyFest is rumoured to be all the ‘craic’. Also, something for all the students to take note of- buy your wristband for a 5 venue official events where St Paddy’s Day is being hosted at Soho Jesmond, Blackie Boy, Tropicana, Irish Tavern and Soho Rooms, for a memorable night of dancing and building memories. 

Within Newcastle, Irish culture can be celebrated regularly through the numerous Irish bars such as Katie O’Brien’s or the Dubliner, as well as the Tyneside Irish Centre, which hosts events regularly dedicated to Ireland’s lively culture. Ireland is home to great storytelling, historic rituals and a pub culture which gives our favourite ‘Toon’ a run for its money, as well as the much-loved leprechauns and lucky four-leaf clovers, which is often the stereotypical thought of Ireland when their culture is discussed.  

The Emerald Isle is also commemorated in a celebration later in the year, normally in October, this celebration focuses on the Irish community and is Britain’s longest-established Irish arts festival. The occasion has been a Northern tradition since its debut in 1987 and showcases numerous Irish talents from the Ceilidh to playing the fiddle. So don’t worry the Irish culture does not die after the unforgettable night of St Paddy’s Day is over. 

Remember have fun, drink Guinness and do an Irish jig as we celebrate this Irish day with the recklessness of a true Irishman.