St Patrick’s Day (March 17) is Ireland’s national holiday and has turned into a yearly celebration of Irish culture globally.
It's popular to celebrate St Patrick’s Day all over the world by wearing something green and socialising with crowds of people, perhaps at your local Irish pub. However, it's all the more enjoyable to go one step further and bask in the vibrant, energetic atmosphere of live music, Irish dancing and singing to let your imagination transport you to the misty hills of Ireland.
There are many St Patrick's Day events happening in different Dutch cities. While it's easy to find bars and green clothes, it may not be as simple to find an outstanding event in which Irish excellence is celebrated through the performing arts. As a culture-vulture born and raised in Ireland, this IamExpat editor decided to highlight the cultural value of specific Irish-centred events taking place on (or around) St Patrick's Day 2025.
This is easily the biggest St Patrick's Day event in the Netherlands; head to the Grote Markt in The Hague to enjoy the St Patrick’s Day Festival with a stage full of bands, dancers and singers playing Irish music and getting you into the vibe of Irish culture.
The programme kicks off at 1pm, with a substantial evening and night full of free entertainment in the street planned (let's hope the weather holds up!), and there will be an Irish market where you can buy souvenirs and other Irish products, food and drink stalls and, of course, terraces to sit and enjoy Irish beers, perhaps a Guinness.
Video: YouTube / Grote Markt Den Haag
Don't forget about Rotterdam! While The Hague certainly takes centre stage on St Patrick's Day, this Dutch city has its own events going on, and also has plenty to offer those looking to get into the St Patrick's Day spirit this year.
This year, the Drunken Dolly St Patrick's Day Extravaganza is back, bigger and better than ever before. Prepare for live music, DJs, and, as the website says, "a hefty supply of Guinness". What more could you ask for!?
There might not be one central event in Amsterdam, but that doesn't mean there's nothing to do in the Dutch capital on St Patrick's Day! The many Irish pubs that can be found across the city are all set to host their own events, many of which will feature great tunes and great drinks.
One such pub is Aran Irish Pub, which has hosted live music performances in honour of St Patrick's Day before. Other pubs that are worth checking out on March 17 are Molly Malone's, St James's Gate, and O'Reilly's.
One of the many Irish pubs across the Netherlands that usually hosts their own St Patrick's event is O'Sheas in Eindhoven. Head to O'Sheas Irish Pub on March 15 to 17 for some music and fun (and beer) to celebrate the occasion in style.
Old Irish Pub is gearing up to go all-out for St Patrick's Weekend. From March 15 to 16, the bar will play host to a night of live music - all with an Irish theme, of course. The beer will be flowing, but there will also be plenty of other snacks and drinks on offer on the big night.
No matter how you decide to spend it, be sure to make it a memorable St Patrick's Day this year!
Thumb: David Ardura via Shutterstock.com.