St. Patrick’s Day in Belfast is a great opportunity to embrace Irish culture, community and creativity. From parades to pints, the options are endless, so we’ve highlighted some of them here so you can add them to your schedule well in advance. Whether you’re a local or visiting, we want your day to be as memorable as possible.
Experience the Belfast Parade
Witnessing a parade on St. Patrick’s Day is an absolute must and what a better way to do it than on the island itself! This iconic parade involves music, dancing, colourful floats and so much more iconic cultural displays that capture the heart and soul of the city. So why not wander along the streets, feel the festive atmosphere and join in on the wonderful madness as the city celebrates its rich Irish heritage in a spectacular way.
Spar Craic 10K: Join the Fun and Support the Runners!
Why not come down to support the runners in this year’s SPAR Craic 10k- a new staple in the St Patrick’s Day festivities. Over 5 thousand runners from all across the island and beyond will be hitting the roads and you can be part of the action, even if you’re not running! There’s still a chance to get involved as a volunteer by offering assistance during the event or simply cheering on the participants. This vibrant eco-friendly race is a celebration of fitness, community and sustainable efforts and is a fun and energetic way to embrace the celebrations and show your local pride.
The Union Bar: Experience All the Fun Under One Roof
Experience all the fun of St. Patrick’s Day under the one roof! That’s right the Union Bar has a jam-packed schedule of activities to keep you entertained throughout the day. Enjoy a live trad session that fills the air with authentic Irish tunes, let loose at the Trash Disco and take part in a game of Trash Bingo for your chance to win that all-important shamrock blazer! Then, cap off your night with great vibes and tunes provided by the amazing All Folk’d Up, ensuring your St. Patrick’s Day is unforgettable.
SU Foyer Event: Wednesday 12th March
If you want to kick off the St. Patrick’s Day fun a little early, the SU is hosting a special event on Wednesday, 12th March from 11am-2pm in the SU Foyer.
Drop by to chat with experts about your safety and wellbeing ahead of the big day. There will be mocktails and non-alcoholic samples to enjoy, an interactive drink checker, and plenty of knowledgeable people to offer advice, including representatives from SU Voice, QUB Wellbeing Service, SU Volunteer, SOS Bus and DAISY.
This event is the perfect way to prepare for a safe and fun-filled St. Patrick’s Day while learning about valuable support services available to students. Don’t miss out on this chance to grab some useful tips, enjoy some refreshing drinks, and start the celebrations in a responsible way!
Keep the City Green by Joining the Big Spring Clean
After a day filled with celebration, help keep Belfast’s beautiful streets sparkling by volunteering for the Big Spring Clean Up. This initiative, led by SU Volunteer, shows that the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day goes beyond just fun and festivities—it’s about caring for our community. Join fellow students in picking up the remnants of the day before and ensure that Belfast remains as vibrant and welcoming as ever.
Whether it’s experiencing the majestic Belfast Parade, supporting the SPAR Craic 10K, partying at the Union Bar, or lending a hand with the Big Spring Clean, Belfast offers something for everyone this St. Patrick’s Day. And while you might also find time to visit local gems like Kelly Cellars to listen to live music, or savour hearty staples like wheaten bread, Guinness, and Irish stew, remember—this day is all about celebrating the true Irish spirit.
Plan your day, join in the fun, and make this St. Patrick’s Day in Belfast a celebration to remember!
