Whether you’re Irish or you just like green beer, you’ll likely have marked next Tuesday in your calendar - it’s St Patrick’s Day again! It is originally a religious holiday, marking the death of Saint Patrick, who is said to have converted the Pagans in Ireland to Christianity, using the three-leaved shamrock to explain the Christian concept of trinity - hence the wearing of green and the symbol of the shamrock.
Today, many cities and nations around the world celebrate St Patrick’s Day with parades, the so-called “greening” of rivers or other landmarks, like for example the Chicago River or the Sydney Opera House.
Being a city of internationals, Copenhagen has a lot to offer on St Patrick’s Day, too! Here is some inspiration for you, so grab your best green shirt or dress and get going!
Attend the parade
Like many other cities around the world, such as Dublin, London, or New York, Copenhagen also offers a parade on St Patrick’s Day. Starting around 15:30 on Rådhuspladsen (city hall square), the parade then moves through the streets of inner Copenhagen and ends back at Rådhuspladsen again. On the square, there’s music and entertainment, free face painting for the kids, and of course a pint or two of Guiness for the grown-ups. More info here.
Drink green beer at one of the many Irish pubs
St Paddy’s Day is all about green stuff, and the green beer is super popular. Of course, it is also served at most Irish pubs around the city, like The Irish Rover on Strøget, or The Globe on Nørregade. Lots of them have live music, free green merchandise, activities, or special offers. To pick your favorite, there’s a full list of Irish pubs in Copenhagen here.
Do some good
If you enjoy green beer, parades, and partying, but also want to calm your conscience and do some good, why not participate in this year’s three-legged charity race? The idea is simple: a race through five Irish pubs in the city, while tied at the leg to another person! At each stop, participants must drink, so the fun is pretty much guaranteed. Registration starts at 12:30 at Kennedys on Gammel Kongevej. Participation is DKK 150 per person, and proceeds go to charity. More information here.
Party it up at Copenhagen Downtown Hostel
If you’re not a fan of Irish pubs, why not head over to the Copenhagen Downtown Hostel, near Christiansborg and the National Gallery? They’re hosting a St Patrick’s Day party, which is very likely to attract a young and fun crowd - if my experiences with hostels are any indication! More info here.
So, in the spirit of St Patrick’s Day:
May your troubles be less, your blessings be more, and nothing but happiness come through your door!
Holly says
Hi Laura,
I’m thinking of visiting Copenhagen in summer with my boyfriend and your blog has been a great insight so far!
Would you recommend it as a holiday destination for two 20 year olds and have you got a blog post about the best things to do?
Thanks!
Holly
Laura says
Hi Holly, thanks so much, I’m glad you found my blog helpful!
I would definitely recommend Copenhagen as a holiday destination, pretty much for any age. There are so many things to do, and my recommendations for what to do really depend on what you guys like. There are plenty of museums (like Louisiana, I have two posts about that), there are tons of great options to enjoy great food, and even just a walk through the small streets of the inner city can be an amazing experience. I suggest you go to my “Copenhagen” category, you’ll hopefully find lots of inspiration there!