By Anne McCarthy
Ah, St. Paddy’s Day. Every year, on March 17, the world gets a little greener, a little more Irish, and a little more rosy-cheeked. While St. Patrick’s Day is inarguably a more significant celebration in the U.S. and in Ireland than in Italy, there are still fun things to do in the land of pasta should you find yourself there on St. Patrick’s Day!
St. Patrick’s Day originated in Ireland to honor one of the patron saints of Ireland. The original St. Patrick was a Christian missionary from the fifth century, and he was also a bishop on the Emerald Isle. Along with Columba and Brigid of Kildare, he is a patron saint of Ireland.
The traditional celebrations to honor St. Patrick were brought to the U.S. by Irish immigrants, and throughout the decades it has become a behemoth celebration of Irish culture that happens in many different parts of the world.
Join Rome’s St. Patrick’s Day Bash!
Yes, fellow Irish enthusiasts – this actually exists. There is, indeed, a St. Patrick’s Day party in Rome. Note that it is on March 16th (rather than on the actual St. Pat’s Day, March 17). This “St. Patrick’s Day Bash” is a bacchanal event at the Piazza del Colosseo (an iconic place in Rome). The bash boasts Irish dancing, a fun atmosphere, live Irish music, and festively dressed folks. Oh, and lots of good Irish food and drinks.
And the bash’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on St. Pat’s Day, March 17.
Address: Piazza del Colosseo, 21, Rome
Go on an Unforgettable Bike Tour!
The Irish love to cycle and love a good cycling holiday. Why not honor the culture by booking a bike tour? If you’re heading to Italy, be sure to visit us at Fat Tire Tours Rome! Our ever-popular Rome Bike Tour is an excellent way to experience the Eternal City and get a lay of the land by buzzing around the city on bikes and experiencing some of the most gorgeous monuments, like the Trevi Fountain, the Colosseum, the Pantheon, and many more.
Our expert guide will lead you through the city for approximately three hours taking you to all the must-see sights. We also offer a Rome Night Bike Tour (perfect for a romantic trip to Rome), e-bike tours, Segway tours, and even a pasta-making class!
If you want a once-in-a-lifetime tour experience, book our Skip-the-Line Small Group Colosseum Tour with Forum, Palatine Hill, and VR Experience. You’ll get a privately guided tour of the Eternal City’s most famous monument.
If you’re heading to Florence or Milan, book our Fat Tire Tours Florence and Fat Tire Tours Milan tour for more incredible experiences led by an expert guide who knows the ins and outs of these gorgeous cities.
Sip on an Irish Beer at an Irish Pub in Rome
Does it get much more Irish than an ale in a pub? I think not. From Guinness to Magners, the Irish love a delicious beer. No matter where you go in the world, you’ll likely find an Irish pub, and Rome is no different. Here are a few Irish pubs where you can celebrate with like-minded folks on March 17.
At Finnegan Irish Pub, you’ll find a Roman Irish pub with a community feel. Visitors have noted that while it is an Irish pub, it also has a British pub feel to it. The Guinness’s flow freely at Finnegan’s and you’re bound to have a good time here on the holiday of St. Pat’s.
Address: Via Leonina, 66
This Irish pub is slightly more off the beaten track, and its tucked-away location makes it a cozy and lovely spot to mingle with locals, have an Irish beer, and enjoy the intimate atmosphere. If you’re into more low-key celebrations, head to Fiddlers Elbow.
Address: Via dell’Olmata, 43
While Scholars is more known as a sports bar (where you can watch plenty of Irish sports!), it’s also a good place to sip a pint on St. Paddy’s Day and commune with fellow celebrants. This place is also known to have some excellent live music, making it feel all the more festive. If you want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day here, arrive early! It is known to become quite crowded. The kitchen here keeps the Irish staples coming, too. Try their beef and Guinness stew for a tasty Irish treat.
Address: Via del Plebiscito, 101b
Wander down to The Abbey for an experience that can’t be beat. The staff here is known to be very charming and charismatic. This bar is one that has even won awards for their Guinness, so you know it’s got to be good. The food is also enjoyable, and has fare that far exceeds “pub food” expectations. Irish musicians perform at The Abbey from time to time. You can bet your lucky shamrocks that St. Patrick’s Day will be a festive party at the Abbey.
Address: Via del Governo Vecchio, 51
As they say in the old country, “May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back.” Slainte!
Anne McCarthy is the Editor in Chief of the Fat Tire Tours Blog. She is a contributing writer to the BBC, The Washington Post, The Guardian, Variety, Wired, and many more. She splits her time between the U.S. and Europe.
