Paris might lag behind Dublin or New York when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, but March 17th is still an important date on the Parisian calendar. Expats and locals alike flock to the city's numerous Irish pubs to raise a toast to the man responsible for green Guinness and some of the world's liveliest street parades. Thanks to the city’s ever-increasing Irish community, St. Patrick’s Day in Paris is a fun event, free of the cliches and paddywhackery that characterized it in the past.
Whatever your taste, March 17th should not pass you by without some form of celebration, and Paris has plenty on offer to ensure you have a Lá Fhéile Phádraig (Happy St. Patrick's Day).
Irish Pubs in Paris
For many, March 17th is synonymous with Irish pub culture-- so it's not surprising that most of the St. Patrick's Day action is scheduled in Paris' impressive supply of Irish pubs, frequented by expats and those attracted by the laid-back, homey atmosphere often lacking in chic Parisian counterparts.Regular bars will also be jumping on the Paddy’s Day bandwagon, offering specials to pull the crowds, but are best avoided in favor of an Irish equivalent, where you will be guaranteed craic, sport agus spraoi (fun and games).
A Few Favorites
- Coolin
15, rue Clement, 6th arrondissement
Tel: +33(0)1 44 07 00 92
Email: coolin@irishfrance.com
Metro: Mabillon or Odéon (Lines 4, 10)
Coolin is a spacious, authentic bar in the heart of the St Germain des Près district. Fare is conventional (club sandwiches, burgers, etc.)
- Quiet Man
5, rue des Haudriettes, 3rd arrondissement
Tel. +33(0)1 48 04 02 77
Visit the website
Metro: Rambuteau (Line 11)
The stage-Irishness of the eponymous John Wayne movie is thankfully absent in this establishment.
- Corcoran's - St Michel
28, rue St Andre des Arts, 6th arrondissement
Tel: + 33(0)1 40 46 97 46
Email: corcorans-stmichel@irishfrance.com
Metro: St. Michel or Odeon (Lines 4, 10)
RER: St. Michel (Line C)
A member of the Corcoran's chain (with sister bars in Clichy and Grands Boulevards), this one attracts a young crowd.
- Kitty’s
2, rue de la Roquette, 11th arrondissement
Tel: + 33(0)1 48 06 74 15
Metro: Bastille (Lines 1, 5)
A popular tourist haunt in the lively Bastille area, Kitty's is a little gem of a bar. Its tiny interior means you'll need to get here at the crack of dawn, though, to ensure your spot.
- James Joyce
71, bd. Gouvion St. Cyr, 16th arrondissement
Tel: +33 (0)1 40 68 30 42
Metro: Porte Maillot (Line 1)
A transitory stop for the Paris-dwelling Irish, this bar is situated in the Porte Maillot business district, next to the shuttle bus stop linking the city with Beauvais airport (the home of no-frills airlines). This alone ensures a regular crowd but the bar itself sometimes lacks ambiance.
- More Irish Bars and Pubs in Paris (Scroll down to "Paris" to see list)
St. Patrick's Day 2008: Things to Bear in Mind
- March 17th falls on a Monday, so pubs might be calmer than usual this year, with Parisians in the midst of their weekly grind. Make sure the bar, pub or restaurant you're thinking of visiting to celebrate is not closed-- in France, many businesses close on Mondays.
- Drinking in Irish pubs is an expensive pastime, even by Paris standards. So if you’re fond of the black stuff, be prepared to fork out up to 10 euros (approx. $15) for a pint of second-rate Guinness.
Not Interested in Pub Culture? More Ways to Celebrate
There may be no parade on the streets of Paris this year, but non-drinkers and families can still partake in the revelry while avoiding the pub scene. Here are some alternatives to choose from:
Music and Dance
- If you're low on funds and are looking for a more low-key cultural experience, check out the Irish Cultural Centre in Paris, where traditional Irish musician Mary Shannon and friends are giving a St Patrick's Day concert. The price is 10 Euros/approx. $15.
Time: 7:30 p.m. (reservations are recommended)
- Each year, "La nuit de la St Patrick" (St. Patrick's Night) is organized by Lorient's InterCeltic festival, and the venue this year is Paris' Bercy omniplex. A medley of Celtic musical acts is provided for those who favor the more serene environment of a concert hall. Dancers and musicians from all of the Celtic nations will provide entertainment though to 2 a.m.
Date: March 15, 2008
Reserve tickets: 0 825 840 701 (0.15 Euros per minute)
St. Patrick's Day Family Fun at Disneyland Paris
If, despite all this, you're still hankering after a real St Patrick's Day parade, then there's nothing for it but to get yourself over to Disneyland Paris, less than an hour outside of Paris and accessible by the RER A train. The kitschiest of all Paddy's Day parades awaits you here from March 9th through 17th, with green-clad Disney favorites, Irish dancers, face painters and a dazzling green fireworks display to finish the evening. Admission is free for kids under 12 if you book ahead.
About the Author
Originally from Dublin, Ireland, Aedin Mac Devitt is a Paris-based writer, editor and translator.
