St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Edinburgh 2025

St. Patrick’s Day in Edinburgh 2025 will be a vibrant celebration filled with parades, concerts, pub performances, and cultural events.

Whether you are looking for traditional Irish music, a lively pub crawl, or family-friendly activities, this city offers plenty of options. Below, you’ll find the complete event details, including dates, locations, and ticket pricing.

St. Patrick’s Day Events Schedule in Edinburgh 2025

EventDateTimeLocationEntry
Cowgate St. Patrick’s FestivalMarch 17, 202512:00 PM – LateThe Three Sisters & Cowgate AreaFree Entry
St. Patrick’s Day Bar CrawlMarch 17, 20257:00 PM – LateVarious Pubs in EdinburghPaid (Booking Required)
St. Patrick’s Charity BallMarch 22, 20256:30 PM – MidnightEdinburgh City Centre VenuePaid (Tickets Required)
Live Irish Music & DanceMarch 17, 2025Evening – LateFinnegan’s Wake PubFree Entry
St. Patrick’s Family Fun FairMarch 16-17, 202510:00 AM – 5:00 PMPrinces Street GardensFree Entry

Event Details in Brief

  1. Cowgate St. Patrick’s Festival: A street festival with live music, dance, and Irish food stalls. Expect a fun and lively atmosphere throughout the Cowgate area.
  2. St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl: A guided pub crawl through Edinburgh’s best Irish pubs. Includes free shots, drink discounts, and games.
  3. St. Patrick’s Charity Ball: A formal fundraising event with live entertainment. Guests will enjoy a dinner, live band, and Irish dance performances.
  4. Live Irish Music & Dance at Finnegan’s Wake: One of Edinburgh’s top Irish pubs will host live traditional Irish folk bands and dancing.
  5. St. Patrick’s Family Fun Fair: A daytime event with games, rides, food stalls, and entertainment for families.

Note:

The event schedule and details were sourced from official event websites and local listings. Please check individual event pages for the latest updates before attending.

For latest Updates visit Official Website’s socialpubandkitchen, rove.me

Parade Routes

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Edinburgh is expected to attract thousands of participants and spectators. Below is an overview of the parade’s route details.

Starting Point and Ending Point

  1. Starting Point: High Street, Royal Mile
  2. Ending Point: Grassmarket Square
  3. Estimated Duration: 1.5 hours
  4. Expected Highlights:
    1. Bagpipe and drum performances
    2. Irish dance groups
    3. Costumed performers and mascots
    4. Floats and decorated vehicles

The parade will wind through the historic streets of Edinburgh, offering a spectacular display of Irish culture. Spectators can gather along the route to enjoy the festive atmosphere and performances.

Ticket Pricing Details

Many St. Patrick’s Day events in Edinburgh are free to attend, but some require tickets or reservations. Below is an overview of the ticket pricing.

EventPricingWhere to Buy
Cowgate St. Patrick’s FestivalFreeNo Ticket Required
St. Patrick’s Day Bar Crawl£15-£25Online Booking Required
St. Patrick’s Charity Ball£50-£100Official Event Website
Live Irish Music at Finnegan’s WakeFreeNo Ticket Required
St. Patrick’s Family Fun FairFreeNo Ticket Required
Book Your St. Patrick’s Day Tickets

For ticketed events, it is recommended to book early as spots sell out quickly.

Age Restrictions for St. Patrick’s Day in Edinburgh

  1. Public Celebrations & Parade: No age restrictions (Family-friendly)
  2. Pubs & Bar Crawl: Strictly 18+ (ID Required)
  3. Charity Ball: Suitable for 16+ (Under 18s must be accompanied by an adult)

Parents should check with individual venues regarding age policies before attending events.

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Late-Night Events, Concerts, and Pub-Based Performances

St. Patrick’s Day in Edinburgh doesn’t end when the sun goes down! The city’s pubs, clubs, and event venues host lively celebrations, featuring live Irish music, DJs, dance performances, and themed parties. Below are some of the best late-night events to check out in 2025.

Top Late-Night Events

EventTimeVenueEntry
St. Patrick’s Night Live Concert9:00 PM – LateO2 Academy EdinburghPaid (Tickets Required)
Traditional Irish Music Sessions8:00 PM – LateFinnegan’s WakeFree
St. Patrick’s Pub Party7:00 PM – 2:00 AMThe Three SistersFree
St. Patrick’s Day Club Night10:00 PM – 3:00 AMWhy Not NightclubPaid (Tickets Required)
Late-Night Ceilidh (Irish Dance Party)9:30 PM – MidnightAssembly RoxyPaid (Tickets Required)

Event Details in Brief

  1. St. Patrick’s Night Live Concert: A massive live music event featuring Irish rock bands, folk musicians, and performers. Tickets available via the O2 Academy website.
  2. Traditional Irish Music Sessions: Enjoy authentic Irish folk music at Finnegan’s Wake, one of Edinburgh’s most popular Irish pubs.
  3. St. Patrick’s Pub Party: The Three Sisters pub hosts a lively outdoor and indoor party with Irish dancers, live DJs, and themed drinks.
  4. St. Patrick’s Day Club Night: A green-themed club night at Why Not Nightclub, featuring top DJs and drink specials.
  5. Late-Night Ceilidh: Experience a fun-filled traditional Irish dance event, perfect for both experienced and beginner dancers.

💡 Tip: Many pubs and clubs have special promotions on drinks and tickets, so booking early is advised.

St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Edinburgh

Parking and Public Transportation

Since St. Patrick’s Day brings large crowds, it’s best to plan your transportation and parking in advance.

Public Transportation Options

Transport ModeAvailabilityBest Option for
Lothian BusesRegular Service (Extended Night Buses)Budget-Friendly Travel
TramsNormal Service Until MidnightFast & Convenient
Taxis & Ride-SharingAvailable All NightQuick but Expensive
Edinburgh Waverley Train StationNormal ScheduleRegional Travel
Bike Hire (Just Eat Cycles)24/7 AvailabilityEco-Friendly Travel

Key Travel Tips:
Buses & Trams: Extra services will run on March 17, but expect delays due to road closures.
Taxis & Ride-Sharing: Prices may increase due to demand, so booking a ride in advance is recommended.
Trains: Last regional trains leave before midnight, so plan accordingly.

Parking and Traffic Considerations

Due to the parade and major events, many streets will be closed to traffic. If you are driving, here are some parking options:

Parking AreaDistance from City CentreAvailability
Q-Park OMNI5-minute walkPaid (Pre-booking Available)
NCP Edinburgh Holyrood10-minute walkPaid
Castle Terrace Car Park15-minute walkLimited Spaces
Park & Ride (Ingliston)Outside CityFree (Tram to City)

🚗 Traffic Alert: Roads along the Royal Mile and Grassmarket will be restricted due to the parade. Avoid driving in these areas.

Accessibility for People with Disabilities

Edinburgh provides accessible public transport and facilities. Here’s what you need to know:

Trams & Buses: Wheelchair-friendly with low-floor access.
Taxis: Wheelchair-accessible taxis available (booking recommended).
Event Venues: Most pubs, concert halls, and venues have disabled access (confirm with venue).
Parking: Blue Badge spaces available at major parking facilities.

Pro Tip: Contact venues in advance to ensure seating and facilities meet your needs.

Weather Considerations

Planning for St. Patrick’s Day in Edinburgh 2025? Be prepared for Scotland’s unpredictable weather!

Typical Weather Conditions in Edinburgh

DateTemperatureRain ChancesWind Speed
March 16-17, 20256°C – 12°C40% (Light Showers)12-18 km/h

☘️ What to Wear & Carry:
Layered Clothing: It may be chilly at night, so wear warm layers.
Waterproof Jacket/Umbrella: Light rain is common, so be prepared.
Comfortable Shoes: Expect a lot of walking due to road closures.

St. Patrick’s Day in Edinburgh

Conclusion

St. Patrick’s Day in Edinburgh 2025 promises to be an exciting celebration filled with parades, concerts, Irish cultural performances, pub parties, and family-friendly activities.

Whether you’re looking for a lively street festival, a traditional Irish pub experience, or a late-night party, Edinburgh offers something for everyone.

FAQs

What are the best pubs to visit for St. Patrick’s Day in Edinburgh?

Edinburgh has several great Irish pubs where you can enjoy live music, traditional drinks, and a festive atmosphere. Some of the best options include:

Finnegan’s Wake – Famous for live Irish folk music.
The Three Sisters – Hosts large outdoor parties and live performances.
Biddy Mulligans – A classic Irish pub with an excellent Guinness pour.
Malones Edinburgh – A lively venue with a great selection of Irish whiskeys.

Do I need to buy tickets for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade?

No, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Edinburgh is free for everyone to attend. However, some late-night events, concerts, and pub parties require advance ticket bookings.

Is the St. Patrick’s Day celebration in Edinburgh family-friendly?

Yes! While pubs and bar crawls are strictly 18+, events like the St. Patrick’s Family Fun Fair, cultural performances, and parade are perfect for families and children.

What time does the St. Patrick’s Day Parade start in Edinburgh?

The parade typically starts at 12:00 PM and lasts for about 1.5 hours. It begins at the Royal Mile and ends at Grassmarket Square.

What is the best way to get around Edinburgh during St. Patrick’s Day?

Public transportation is the best option due to road closures and heavy traffic. Use:
Lothian Buses (Extended night services available)
Edinburgh Trams (Fast & convenient)
Taxis & Ride-Sharing (Expect surge pricing during peak hours)

Related Post

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  3. St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Dublin 2025
  4. St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in Cork 2025

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in United kingdom and Ireland

United Kingdom,

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in cities with a significant Irish background.

Some of them are:

  1. London: The city hosts a parade and a festival around St. Patrick’s Day.
  2. Birmingham: Known for holding the largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in Britain.
  3. Manchester: The city hosts parades and festivals.
  4. Edinburgh: The city also hosts parades and festivals.
  5. Nottingham: The city is known for its celebrations in Irish pubs

Ireland

Saint Patrick’s Day is celebrated in several cities.

Here are a few of them:

  1. Dublin: The city hosts the country’s largest parade and street festival.
  2. Cork: Known for its electric and community-oriented parade, featuring nearly 3,000 performers.
  3. Galway: This seaside city offers a unique celebration of the holiday.
  4. Armagh: The city celebrates Saint Patrick’s roots with a lively online program of culture, comedy, music, and dance.
  5. Dingle: Known for its picture-perfect lush emerald hills dotted with sheep, white-washed cottages, and spectacular cliffs.
  6. Kilkenny City: This city is known for its TradFest as part of the St. Patrick’s Day Festivities.
  7. Clifden: An especially charming County Galway coastal town in the Connemara region.

Please note that the degree to which people celebrate St Patrick’s Day varies according to their religious and political affiliations

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