Belfast maybe doesn't have the biggest parades in the world, and our river-water is never turned green intentionally by the Local Council... but with some amazing pockets of fun throughout the Country, we've personally had some of our best St Patrick's Days right here in Northern Ireland.
We've come up with our ultimate wee guide for finding something to do in Northern Ireland on Patrick's Day weekend in 2022; and no need to wear your cheap leprechaun wig and lime green trousers from a charity shop anymore, we've got you covered with our sustainably-sourced handmade wooden accessories. St Patrick's Day the way The Dribbly Yak Company do it. See you out there, we're buying the first round!
Before You Leave The House, You Gotta Get Your Lucky Charms On...
We've made them for Weddings, for Funerals, American Beauty Pageants, International Embassy Galas, and everything in-between... and they are an absolute favourite of ours. Our handpainted Shamrock Pin Badges are made from sustainably sourced local wood and are an essential for a low-key nod to old Paddy.
Find Shamrock Pins here https://www.thedribblyyak.com/product-page/shamrock-pins
We also make our Shamrocks into Earrings if you want twice the amount of luck!
Our newest addition are our 'Paddiddas' Pin Badges. These have been flying out and we're so thrilled to have them ready for this St Patrick's Day. For all you pint lovers, we have two styles; a wee simple. 'Happy Paddy's Day' Pin and a slightly cheeky 'Buck Eejit' Pin.
All pins can be found here https://www.thedribblyyak.com/pins
Most importantly, don't forget the pooch! We make a range of Wooden Pet Tags, and this personalised Shamrock Pet Tag is sure to get your pup all the kisses this year...
If You Aren't Leaving The House, Bring A Paddy-Party To Your Sofa...
If you're unluckily in isolation, or just got too used to the feel of sweet sweet pyjamas instead of jeans; whatever your reason for not leaving the house, we can still help make you feel 'St Patricksy'!
We have a big range of Irish home accessories, but these are a few of our favourite...
A hand-drawn Ireland Map, available as a Wooden Wall Hanging, or as a Set of Six Wooden Coasters. Usable all year round, and especially big with those no longer living here but with it still in their heart.
'A Hundred Thousand Welcomes' outdoor sign; maybe not the best idea if you are in isolation, but I'm sure the sentiment is appreciated by visitors!
You love a Guinness and don't have to leave your house to get one? These wall hangings have been massively popular with all those lucky ducks with bars in their back gardens. You don't have to have a bar to have one of these signs... we like to stare at ours sitting on the stairs beside the wellies sipping from a can.
Maybe you're going out but know someone who's staying in? Send them a Lucky Charm Magnet & Card in one...everyone knows now all too well how important it's been to say the things that matter to loved ones
Want To Do A Bar Crawl?
Now that you're kitted out, both body and home, we wanted to share some of our favourite spots for showing off your Shamrock and enjoying some of the best Guinness in the World.
There are so many great bars in Belfast, but these are a few of our favourites that are sure to have the best craic on St Patrick's Day and Weekend. They don't all need a fiddle and a bowl of stew to make it a great celebration, it's the atmosphere and great service that'll make us make the trip...
Bittles
This Institution of a Bar follows it's own path, and has an atmosphere that so memorable that you'll wonder why other places don't do what these guys do. Come for the Whiskey and stay for the charm.
Kelly's Cellars
Over the past couple of years the effort these guys have gone to to keep the spirit of this amazing bar alive is astounding. They've managed to keep their 'hidden gem' vibe whilst looking after everyone in comfortable and spacious outdoor area aswell as their traditional inside. Live music, great drink, tasty stew, maybe a few celebrities.
The Spaniard
Not a Traditional Irish Pub that you'd automatically think of for St Patrick's Day...but any list of cool Belfast pubs that doesn't include The Spaniard can take a long walk off a short pier. This place is consistently a good time because of the people that work there.
The Garrick
Absolutely one of our first and ultimate stops on St Patrick's Day. Although gone are the days of squeezing into this place, holding your pint above your head, and having an almighty knees-up... it's still got the best range of beers and some cracking entertainment.
Duke of York
Are you really out on St Patrick's Day if you don't go here?! If you can get past the crowds posing for photos at the start of the cobbled alleyway, you'll for sure find that every wee space to have a drink in is a cool experience.
The Dirty Onion
These guys put so much work into making your dog feel as welcome as you are. There's a ton of excellent live music, and a nice mix of outdoor space and cosy indoor seats round the fire.
Maddens
So much Irishy-ness wafting out of it you wouldn't be surprised to find a Leprechaun serving the drink. Not cliche. All authentic and totally cosy.
Want Something Different? Here's Some Family Friendly Ideas For The Wee Baby Guinnesses...
Féile an Earraigh
Féile an Phobail’s Spring festival, Féile an Earraigh, celebrates and showcases local Irish culture and diversity through an eclectic mix of vibrant and inclusive Irish cultural and arts activity for local people and visitors to the city in the lead in to and including St Patrick’s Day.
Highlights include:
Headline shows by Irish Super Bands Aslan and Beoga, the Féile Trad Trail, with live traditional music in various locations throughout Belfast;
Bodhran, Tin Whistle and Sean Nós singing workshops
Irish language crash courses for all levels of ability
Family friendly trad music session
Talks and discussions
Events to mark International Women’s Day and World Book Day
Activities for families in local community centre’s and public libraries
Mutiple tours and walks
Number of headline concerts
SPAR Craic 10k
‘Run for the Craic’ in Belfast this St Patrick’s Day and take part in the annual SPAR Craic 10k.
Upwards of 2,000 runners take part in this urban 10k, which leaves City Hall at 9am, passing through the Gaeltacht Quarter before finishing in the EastSide at Ormeau Park.
Revolucion De Cuba
Belfast Singles Speed Dating & Cocktails Class
Not your typical St Patrick's Day activity, but with speed dating, a cocktail masterclass & cocktail making, as well as something called their 'Famous Revolution Flavour Train'...we thought it sounded like some mighty craic for 17th March. We have a few friends going and they're pretty good looking, so get 'er booked.
Dara Ó Briain in Waterfront Hall
Dara Ó Briain is back on tour, with a brand new show and is coming to the Waterfront Hall 18 & 19 March 2022. Can't get much more Irish than this fella.
St. Patricks Folk Day, Balmoral Hotel, Belfast
Tickets are Free, with live music all day long.12pm - Late. Stew & Irish Soda Bread Included. Drinks Promotions All Day & Prizes to be won.
Armagh St Patrick's Festival
Armagh is at the heart of celebrating the life of Saint Patrick and promises a lively and varied showcase of the best culture, music, song and dance from the city. From the 10th March to the 19th March 2022.
Causeway Coast & Glens
The Family Music Session hosted by North Coast Trad -Portrush Yacht Club - March 10, 5pm - Free admission
Irish Music Session trails in Portrush – Ceol agus craic – music and fun,Friday March 11 - Portstewart and Portrush
The Rise of the Ceili Band & The McCusker Ceili Band -Portrush Town Hall -Friday March 11, 3pm
Weekend Wonders: St Patrick's Day Arts & Crafts Sessions for Kids at Flowerfield Arts Centre, Portstewart
Derry City and Strabane
A Spring Carnival Parade is set to take place in Derry City on the afternoon of March 17, and it aims to feature over 500 participants. The live show will transform the area in and around Guildhall Square into a vast canvas with animations, cutting-edge projection mapping, and a new score by composer Nitin Sawhney, performed by local choirs.
Enniskillen
The small voluntary team behind Project St Patrick have decided to put on a ‘scaled back’ St Patrick’s Day parade this year - but only if there is enough interest.
Omagh
Dún Uladh Cultural Heritage Centre, in partnership with Fermanagh and Omagh District Council, are delighted to be hosting the St Patrick's Day Festival Omagh 2022.
A family friendly day of music, dance, arts and entertainment is being planned between 12pm - 4pm in Omagh Town Centre.
Mid and East Antrim
Mid and East Antrim Council will be marking St Patrick's Day with their annual trek up Slemish on March 17.
Those attending can enjoy spectacular views on the one and a half kilometre round walk to the summit and back which takes approximately one hour in good weather.
Broughshane Community Association will provide the hub of the event, with outdoor entertainment for the whole family to enjoy all free of charge. Plan to spend the entire day or join in the afternoon and finish with some fine local food or a family meal.
Newry, Mourne and Down
Newry, Mourne and Down District Council is currently planning to host parades in Downpatrick and Newry for this year’s St Patrick’s Day.
