St. Patrick’s Day, recognized on March 17, may be an Irish-American holiday that commemorates death, but it’s celebrated a variety of different ways. Whether you’re looking for a pub crawl, a history tour, or a more cultural experience, D.C. offers Washingtonians the chance to do all of the above and more!
1. Kick off the festivities with a bar crawl
One of the biggest St. Patrick’s Day draws for many is the bar crawls it brings. Good news, Washingtonians—this year you can partake the weekend before or during the actual holiday, giving you multiple chances to get in on the fun!
- St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl (March 11)
- Washington D.C. Shamrock Stroll (March 18)
2. Strut, sip, and learn
Down for a bar crawl but still want to learn a little along the way? D.C.’s History Tour Pub Crawl has both! Getting a little tipsy in the name of history? That’s a win to us!
3. Visit the Embassy of Ireland
A unique aspect of D.C. that beats out the rest is access to embassies and cultures worldwide. So if you’re feeling a bit more historical this year, check out the Embassy of Ireland!
4. Explore St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in D.C.
Another more historical option, you can check out St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in D.C. With its beautiful architecture and a parish established in 1794, you can take in the beauty, snap a photo, or attend its special St. Patrick’s Mass at 12:10 p.m. on Friday, March 17.
5. Check out Ireland at The Wharf festival
On Saturday, March 18, The Wharf is partnering with Kirwan’s Irish Pub and continuing the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations with Ireland at The Wharf! The free festival at District Pier will be filled with with beer at the pop-up Guinness Beer Garden, Irish coffees from Praline Bakery, a chance to watch Ireland vs. England Six Nations Rugby Final, and live performances from bands, bagpipers, and dancers—including the DCFD Emerald Society Pipe and Drum Band and Boyle School of Irish Dance! Learn more here!
6. Eat out at an Irish pub
Great year-round, chow down and slam some drinks at a traditional Irish pub from the comfort of D.C. No matter where you choose you’ll get great fare and beers to match!
- The Dubliner
- Duffy’s Irish Pub
- Kelly’s Irish Times
- Kirwan’s on the Wharf
7. Indulge in St. Patrick’s Day specials
Even some of the non-Irish D.C. restaurants and bars have some celebratory menu items in store!
- Ted’s Bulletin (bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, loaded potato soup and Paddyshakes)
- Dacha Navy Yard (green beer and Dynasty Brewing’s 838 Irish Stout)
- DC Vegan (shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, Guinness chocolate cupcakes and more)
- Takoda (green beer, Guinness and Irish car bombs)
Looking to celebrate at home with the little ones? Consider serving up some green eggs and ham for a fun and festive meal! Speaking of Seuss-themed festivities, The Dr. Seuss Experience is opening at Tysons Corner in just a few weeks — and you can now get your tickets to this magical, imaginative experience.