23 Ways to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Raleigh, 2024

St Patrick’s Day has always been one of my favorite festivals of the year. From Irish pub crawling in the historic district of our hometown of Sydney, to drinking Guinness with thousands of revelers when we lived in Dublin, and watching the river turn green in Chicago, it’s always filled with what the Irish call, “good craic.”

If you’re new to This is Raleigh, then you probably don’t know that I lived in Dublin twice. Once over the summer in 1999 with my best friend waiting tables in the vibrant Temple Bar District, and then with Craig for one year in 2003. It was one of our favorite work abroad experiences yet and a country and people we love dearly. 

I have not been back since 2003 but Craig returned in 2022 on an 8-day Ireland tour. While he made up for lost time with as much Guinness, Irish Coffees, and Irish whiskey, he left room in his belt for some of that this St Patrick’s Day in Raleigh!

We want you to be able to experience the same craic here in Raleigh, so keep on reading to learn about all of the St Paddy’s Day fun in the City of Oaks.

Why do we celebrate St Patricks’ Day?

St. Patrick’s Day is a cultural and religious holiday that is celebrated annually on March 17th. It is named after Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, who is credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century.

The day originally commemorated Saint Patrick’s death, but over time it has evolved into a celebration of Irish culture and heritage. It is especially popular in Ireland, but also widely celebrated in other parts of the world, particularly in countries with large Irish populations like the United States, Canada, and Australia.

St. Patrick’s Day is often associated with parades, green clothing, and Irish food and drink such as corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and Guinness beer. It is a day to celebrate Irish pride and to come together as a community to enjoy the festivities.

Ways to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Raleigh

St Patrick’s Day in 2024 is on Sunday, March 17th, 2024, but some events take place the weekend before as well. 

I’ve researched all Irish pubs in the area and all things Irish to help save you time! These are the things to do on St Patricks’ Day I thought were most unique. You’ll probably find St Patrick’s Day parties at many bars and breweries in Raleigh, so you can always see what your local spot has on.

Below are some St Patrick’s Days events in Raleigh for 2024, and some other possible ways you may want to celebrate. 

1. Have a pint of Guinness wherever you can

Here’s something you should know. Guinness does not travel well. Its secret ingredient is water from the River Liffey, right next to its original brewing location in Dublin. 

Trust us. We’ve drank Guinness (our favorite beer of all time) all over the world. Nothing ever tastes as good as a pint from the Guiness Storehouse in Dublin or from a Dublin pub. 

However, it’s St Patrick’s Day. Even though a pint in Raleigh may not be as good, it still has the spirit of the Irish in it. Our Dublin friend here in Raleigh says The Bridge Pub in downtown has the best Guinness in Raleigh. 

There are also plenty of Raleigh breweries who will do cheap imitation versions of Guinness by way of Stout. Anyone who’s had a proper Guinness will define it as cheap, but really, it’s an apple to oranges comparison and I know you’ll enjoy a hearty pint of stout. 

Pouring a pint of Guinness is an art form in itself. It should be 75% poured, let to rest awhile and then topped up to a perfect creamy head. And the best ones will come with a shamrock drawn on top. There should not be any bubbles, and I’m confident in saying in Ireland, you won’t get any! (watch our video from Dublin).

Trust me, my boss in Dublin threw out plenty of my pints when I was training at the bar, “We’re not serving that fecking s***” was his typical reaction as he poured it down the sink!

2. Drink an Irish Coffee (or just irish Whiskey)

No. It’s never too early for an Irish coffee. Nor is it ever too late. When I lived in Dubin (in my early twenties) the only way we could continue drinking past 11pm pub closure time was to head to the late-night wine bars. We had plenty of Irish coffees in them at 2am!

Invented in County Limerick in 1942, the ingredients of an Irish Coffee are whiskey, hot coffee, brown sugar, and heavy cream lightly whipped on top.

While I’m no longer doing that thanks to graceful aging, I still enjoy a warm Irish coffee and the memories they invoke. 

So far, the Hibernian Irish Pub on Glenwood Avenue has the best one we’ve had in Raleigh. They manage to float the cream, which is the traditional and only way to drink it. Sinking the cream is just as much a crime as pouring a Guinness with bubbles.

Bittersweet dessert bar in downtown Raleigh also does a solid Irish coffee, and pairs well with their pumpkin creme brule. 

Craig was delighted this past weekend to discover Irish Roe & Co whiskey at the My Way Tavern in Downtown Raleigh. He toured the distillery in Dublin last year. This month they have a special Irish Espresso Martini with Roe & Coe, if you want a cool spin on an Irish coffee!

3. Attend the Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Parade

• Where: Salisbury Street and Hillsborough Street
• When:  Sat, March 16, 2023, 10am
• Cost: Free

Grab your favorite green sweater and your spirit for having a good craic and head downtown to celebrate the St Patrick’s Day parade. The parade started in 1983 with a dozen or so enthusiastic Irish Americans marching down Wilmington Street to the delight and curiosity of downtown residents, merchants and shoppers.

This year will be its 40th year entertaining the locals with bagpipe players, tap dancers, decorated floats and Irish characters – I spy a leprechaun or two. The parade route starts at Salisbury Street and Hillsborough Street and finishes at Fayetteville and Lenoir Streets. The Grand Marshal for 2024 will be Jeff Hogan is a news anchor and on-air journalist for WRAL News.

4. Attend the Doherty’s Irish Pub St Patrick’s Day Block Party

• Where: 1979 High House Road, Cary, NC 27519 & 5490 Apex Peakway, Apex, NC 27502
• When: Sat, March 16, 2023, 2pm & Sunday, March 17, noon
• Cost: Free to attend $$ to drink and eat
• Website

Doherty’s Irish Pub in Cary is said to have one of the best St Patrick’s Day parties in Raleigh. It’s also known to be one of the best Irish pubs in Raleigh with authentic Irish food and good pints of Guinness. 

And this year they are going all out for their 12th anniversary, with two outdoor parties at both their Apex and Cary locations. Their parties will feature traditional Irish food, Irish dancing, bagpipes, and live music all afternoon.

5. Attend the Hibernian Parties

• Where: Hibernian Pub, Glenwood Ave
• When: Sat, Mar 16, 2024; 12pm & March 17 12pm
• Website

The Hibernian’s St Patrick’s Day Block Party has been a legendary Raleigh event for years! Their party will be on Saturday & Sunday this year, so there is no excuse.

Echo LIVE from Ireland will treat you to an incredible U2 impersonation performance on both days! There’ll be Irish dancers, bagpipers, live music and Guinness flowing like the River Liffey.

6. Watch Ireland in the Guinness Six Nations Rugby Tournament

• When: Sat, March 16 vs Scotland

Could there be a better match up on the St Patrick’s Day weekend? Did you know that Ireland is currently ranked as one of the best rugby teams in the world and are on top of the 2024 Six Nations Leader board.

I had the absolute pleasure of attending the rugby world cup in Dublin to see Australia vs Ireland in 1999. It was my tip from a group of Aussie business owners and journalists that my best friend and I served in our restaurant. We also went to attend the Irish players’ after party and meet some of them! What a memory!

So, I’m always up for seeing the Mighty Irish play. The party in Dublin would be incredible! Just head to an Irish pub near you – The Hibernian are holding Six Nations watch parties, or the English themed Bridge Pub in downtown!

7. Join a St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl

Ah to be sure. It wouldn’t be St Patty’s Day without a pint or two of the black stuff! That’s Guinness in case you’re not up to speed with all things Irish. The following St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawls are happening in Raleigh:

• Lucky’s is on March 16. Starting at 4pm at Zenith Raleigh. Comes with shot vouchers, drink specials and waived cover. $10- $15
• Raleigh Official St Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl is on Sun March 17, 2024. Starting from Dogwood Bar and Eatery. Holiday thremed drinks, shots, free entry to establishments and more! $0-$20
• Tri-Sports are hosting their 18th The Raleigh St. Pat’s Pub Crawl on Sat March 16th @ 3pm at Glenwood South.  includes Official Crawl T-Shirt, 5 liquor shooters, bonus beer for early arrivals, mix & mingle games for fun & prizes & shots, and a full day of entertainment. $24-$33

8. St Patrick’s Day at O’Malley’s

• Where: 5228 Hollyridge Dr, Raleigh, NC, United States, North Carolina
• When: Saturday, March 16, & Sun March 17 11am
• Website

Another Irish Pub in Raleigh putting on an all-day party! O’Malley’s is located in northwest Raleigh. There’ll be green beer, drink specials, Irish food, giveaways, and live music with Tom Neuhauser from 2pm – 6pm and Peak City Band from 9pm – 1am on the Saturday and Raleigh Assassins and Magic Pipers Band on the Sunday.

9. Combine Irish Craic with German Prosting at the Marchtoberfest Festival

• Where: Clouds Brewing Taproom
• When:  Sat, March 23, 2024, 2pm-11:30pm
• Cost: $12- $16
• Tickets

What happens when Germany and Ireland meet? One great big beer-swilling, toe tapping party celebrating Clouds Brewing 8th year anniversary.

German Oktoberfest kicks off at 2pm (so good you have to do it twice a year) followed by the St Patrick’s Day Fest at 7pm.

Traditional music and dancing to suit each country all day. No cover charge for the Irish Fest but your Oktoberfest price includes first beer and a Marchtoberfest glass.

10. Cook an Irish dinner with friends

All you need is some Irish soda bread, a bowl of steaming potato and leek soup, and either bacon and cabbage, bangers and mash, or Guinness stew for the main. 

Put on your Irish playlist during your dinner experience. Of course, I always recommend U2, if you want something a little more modern, put on Inhaler. Close your eyes and tell me who the lead singer sounds like. Yep. It’s none other than Bono’s son!

Of course, you can’t go wrong with the Dubliners for more Traditional Irish music. I guarantee you’ll break out into some kind of Irish jig. 

11. Watch an Irish Movie

Celebrate Irish culture by watching an Irish movie and learning about its rich and complicated past, especially its fight for freedom from oppressive British rule. 

My Left Foot bagged Daniel Day Lewis a best actor Oscar. Michael Collins will give you a little insight into real life revolutionary, And Bloody Sunday is a documentary of the civil rights protest and massacre of January 1972,

We recently watched the newly released, Award-winning Banshees of Inisherin, unfortunately it is a couple of hours of our life we won’t get back, but you may like it. I did think the acting was very good and the scenery beautiful. 

For 2024, I’m loving the Tourist. Season 1 was set in Australia, but season 2 is set in Ireland, which I’m loving!

Snatch with Brad Pitt will give you an insight into my Dublin teaching days. I was a small group teacher for the Irish minority in my school.

I spent almost the entire time asking them if they could repeat that. It’s the thickest accent I’ve ever come across. But what a heartwarming and rewarding cultural experience that was for me.

12. Spend time with the Goats

• Where: Spring Haven Farms
• When: March 6-17, 2024; 10am-4pm Weds to Sun
• Cost: $13.50 ages 4+
• Tickets: You must reserve in advance

Since much of Ireland is countryside and farmland, why not spend a couple of hours with goats at Spring Haven Farm. We’ve recommended them as a farm to visit for pumpkin patches and Halloween. 

They always have something fun going on year-round, especially for kids. This St Patrick’s Day they offer you the opportunity to trade the chaos of city life to the peacefulness of countryside living. There’ll be activities throughout the day, Irish hospitality, and of course, goats to cuddle!

13. St Patrick’s Day celebration on the Old Mill Farm

• Where: The Old Mill Farm, 8913 NC Highway 751 South Durham, NC
• When Sat, Mar 16, 2024, 12pm
• Cost: $13 ages 3+; $42 family pack (4 people) 
• Tickets 

It may be a short drive from Raleigh, but it’s sure to be a fun event in wide open spaces, especially for families. Featuring a scavenger hunt for treasure, 6 hours of live Irish/Celtic music from Big Celtic Fun & Barrowburn, Green Beer, Irish Step Dancers, & so much more! 

Admission includes parking, plus scavenger hunt for kids (includes treasure/gem mining at the end), or first beverage at the bar (adults). The Old Mill Farm is a historical farm that has many events throughout the year including Live music on Fridays at the Farm.

14. Bull McCabe’s St Patrick’s Day Party (Durham)

• Where: 427 W Main St, Durham, NC 2770
• When: Sat March 16 & Sun, March 17, 2024, 11am – midnight
• Website

While we’re in Durham, one of our favorite pubs for their Irish personality and spacious beer garden is Bull McCabe’s. 

Their St Patrick’s Day party will be held across two days this year and will include an entertainment lineup that includes bagpipes, dancers, and live bands. Family friendly until 8:00, strictly 21 and up after 8. They are also showing the Six Nations Rugby.

15. Event in a Tent (Trali Irish Pub, Brier Creek)

• Where:  10370 Moncreiffe Rd, Raleigh, NC 27617
• When: Sat, March 16, 5pmand Sun March 17, 2024 @ 2pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

Bring your good craic into the tent at Traili. There’ll be creamy pints of Guinness, traditional Irish music and dance, and live music in the evening from Oldplay and Cory Luethen and the Traveling Blues Band.

16. St Patrick’s Paddy on the Green Festival (Lafayette Village)

• Where: Lafayette Village, North Raleigh
• When: Sat, Mar 16, 2024, 12 – 4pm
• Website: 

Offering an entertaining, fun-filled peek into Irish Culture. Enjoy live music, food, and fun for the entire family! North Carolina Fairy Hair with Fairy Hair Flare in the courtyard for photos. As it’s in the village you can shop and dine here! RSVP for entry into $100 giveway.

17. Party on the Tin Roof for St Patrick’s Day

• Where: Tin Roof, Glenwood Ave
• When: Fri Mar 15 – Sun March 17
• Website

If going green is on your wish list, then you’ll enjoy a green beer on the rooftop of Tin Roof (note, you can’t turn Guinness green). Their stage will be rocking all weekend long with talented bands and musicians to keep the festive vibes alive. 

18. Green Gnome Feest, Norse Brewing

• Where: 203 Brooks Street, Wake Forest, NC
• When: Sat, March 16 @ 3pm -10pm
• Website

Not wanting to leave our Wake Forest friends without an option in this list of things to do for St Patrick’s Day in the Triangle.

Norse Brewing is having a Green Gnome Fest with craft beer and some Irish Food. Live music will be Drew Holgate and 3 Second Rule. See more of our recommended things to do in Wake Forest.

19. Race in the St. Patrick’s Day Beer Mile

• Where: R & D Brewing, 1399 Capital Boulevard Raleigh, NC 27603
• When: Sun, March 17, 2024; 1:30pm check in
• Cost: $15
• Website

A running event an Irish would be proud of. Seven Saturdays Taproom is hosting a fun St Patrick’s Day event in Raleigh. Run, drink, and have a blast with friends as you complete the mile course while 4 enjoying ice-cold brews. (You can just watch the shenanigans as well)

Other festive games & competitions, as well! Prizes for Best Dressed (most festive), Most Spirit (most green themed), Best Group!

20. Tap Yard’s ShamROCKIN’ St. Paddy’s Party

• Where: Tap Yard Raleigh, 1610 Automotive Way Raleigh, NC 27604
• When: March 16, 12pm
• Cost: Free
• Website

Get ready to have a shamROCKIN’ good time with us at Tap Yard Raleigh with an all day party and rockin’ night with live music from Vertigo! Let the green drinks flow all day long with green beers, irish whiskeys, and hand-crafted cocktails created exclusively for St. Patrick’s Day weekend. Come dressed up!

21. Shamrock Shuck Party, Oak City Brewing

• Where: Oak City Brewing, Knightdale
• When: Sat March 16, 12 -8pm
• Cost: Free, but Oyster roast tickets MUST be purchased in advance
• Website

The Shamrock Shuck is back at Oak City Brewing with Irish music, bagpipes, green beer, & an oyster roast to kick off your St. Patrick’s Day festivities!

The Shamrock Shucker Ticket includes: 1 peck of steamed oysters, 1 engraved oyster shucker, and 1 koozie. There are food trucks available if you don’t like oysters. There will be green beer and live music and Irish bagpipes all day!

22. Participate in an Irish Scavenger Hunt

• Raleigh St. Patrick’s Day Treasure Hunt will be on multiple dates in Raleigh (and other Triangle locations) @ 2pm. Depart with a treasure map on a walking team scavenger hunt and follow St. Patrick’s Day themed clues, solve puzzles, and crack codes to find and unlock the treasure chest for a grand prize!

• Shamrock Search Scavenger Hunt is a competitive scavenger hunt perfect for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in a family-friendly & fun way! Find all the hidden green shamrocks in downtown Raleigh first to win a basket full of goodies from local businesses. Sat, March 16, 2024, at 1pm in Moore Square.

23. Plan a trip to Ireland

Why not grab a six pack of Guinness from the store, or make yourself an Irish coffee, sit down with a loved one and start planning a trip to Ireland?

It’s a very easy country to travel to and around. Craig flew into Dublin via Washington DC. We have some posts to help you on our travel blog:

• You don’t want to miss these experiences and things to do in Dublin.
• Introducing Achill Island, Ireland’s largest Offshore island (See, Eat, Do)
• 23 Experiences to Have In Ireland (for 1st time visitors)
• 15 Incredible Places to Visit in Ireland with Kids

Comment: Your turn to share. What are you doing for St Patrick’s Day? Any great memories to share from previous year’s celebrations? Have you been to Ireland or want to go?