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St. Patrick's Day: the best discounts and deals

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St. Patrick's Day

Green hats, shamrock face paint and a pint of the black stuff: on 17 March, the whole country finds a reason to feel a little bit Irish. Heading to a parade, throwing a party at home or booking a weekend in Dublin? This page brings together deals, promo codes and discount codes from the shops that stock everything you need for St. Patrick's Day 2027.

Content Guide

What is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day is the feast of Ireland's patron saint, held on 17 March, the date traditionally given for his death in the fifth century. What began as a religious holiday has grown into a celebration of Irish culture, music and food, marked by Irish communities and their friends all over the world.

Patrick wasn't Irish by birth. He grew up in Britain, was taken to Ireland as a slave as a teenager and later returned as a missionary. He is believed to be buried in Downpatrick, County Down, which gives the day deep roots in Northern Ireland too.

The St. Patrick's Day symbols you'll see everywhere all have a story. The shamrock is linked to the legend that Patrick used its three leaves to explain the Holy Trinity, and the harp is Ireland's national emblem. One of the more surprising St. Patrick's Day facts is that the colour first linked to the saint was blue: green took over much later, helped by the shamrock and the island's landscape. The leprechaun, with his hidden pot of gold, comes straight from Irish folklore.

Across the UK, the day brings parades and festivals to cities such as London, Birmingham, Manchester, Liverpool and Belfast, along with céilís, live music in pubs and plenty of green on the high street.

When is St. Patrick's Day?

The date never changes: St. Patrick's Day falls on 17 March every year, so the day of the week moves around from one year to the next.

Is St. Patrick's Day a bank holiday?

It's a bank holiday in Northern Ireland and a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland. In England, Scotland and Wales, it’s a normal working day, so celebrations tend to move to the evening or the nearest weekend.

When 17 March falls on a Saturday or Sunday, Northern Ireland gets a substitute bank holiday on the following Monday.

St. Patrick's Day

What to save on for St. Patrick's Day

Most of what people buy for 17 March falls into a handful of categories, and each one has room to spend less.

Outfits and accessories

Green is the only dress code that matters on the day. SHEIN, Amazon and eBay stock St. Patrick's Day accessories such as shamrock headbands, oversized top hats and green braces, often at prices that suit something you'll wear once a year.

To finish the look, St. Patrick's Day nails are an easy way to join in: green polish, shamrock decals and nail art kits from Boots cost very little, and both regularly run multibuy offers on beauty.

Decorations and party supplies

Hosting at home? Amazon, Dunelm and The Range sell St. Patrick's Day decorations in every shade of green, from bunting and balloons to gold coin confetti, tableware and photo booth props.

Buying party bundles instead of single items usually works out cheaper, and a discount code goes further on a bigger basket.

Food and drink for a night in

A good spread at home costs far less than a round at the pub. Tesco, Morrisons and M&S stock Irish favourites for St. Patrick's Day food, from soda bread and Irish cheddar to sausages and potatoes for a big pot of stew, and their loyalty schemes and multibuy deals help keep the total down.

For drinks, online specialists such as The Whisky Exchange and DrinkSupermarket carry Irish whiskey, stout and cream liqueurs, along with a growing choice of low and no-alcohol options.

If you'd rather not cook, check Deliveroo and Uber Eats for promo codes before you order.

Crafts and activities for kids

School projects and rainy afternoons both call for a well-stocked craft box. Baker Ross and The Works sell green card, stickers, paints and ready-made kits for St. Patrick's Day activities for kids, from paper leprechaun hats to rainbow and pot of gold collages, with plenty of low-cost bundles.

Cards and gifts

A card is a thoughtful way to send wishes to friends and family in Ireland or anyone with Irish roots. Moonpig and Funky Pigeon let you personalise St. Patrick's Day cards and post them direct, while Card Factory keeps prices low in store and online.

For small St. Patrick's Day gifts, such as Irish-themed mugs, socks or a bottle of something special, Etsy is full of handmade options from independent sellers.

Trips to Dublin and Belfast

Spending 17 March in Ireland is on plenty of bucket lists, and the St. Patrick's Day parade in Dublin draws crowds from all over the world.

Flights with British Airways link London with Dublin and Belfast, while P&O Ferries is a good alternative if you'd like to bring the car.

Accommodation is where costs climb fastest around the big day, so compare hotels on Trip.com and Booking.com as early as you can.

Staying closer to home? Belfast, Manchester, Birmingham and London all host their own celebrations, while Armagh holds a festival dedicated to the saint. Travelodge and Premier Inn make budget-friendly bases for a night away.

shamrock

How to save on St. Patrick's Day

  • Book travel early. Flights, ferries and hotels around 17 March tend to get pricier as the date approaches, so it pays to lock in your trip well in advance.
  • Shop before the last week. Themed outfits and decorations can sell out in popular sizes, and last-minute delivery usually costs extra.
  • Stack your savings. Pair a voucher code with supermarket multibuys or a retailer's own sale for a better final price. Always read the terms, as some codes can't be combined with other offers.
  • Shop after the day. Decorations and themed outfits are often reduced from 18 March, so it's a good moment to stock up for next year.
  • Plan around Mothering Sunday. Mothering Sunday often falls in March too, sometimes in the same week, so ordering cards and treats for both in one go can help you reach a free delivery threshold.