Saint Patrick’s Day: Irish cultural celebrations in the Netherlands

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.

Top Irish events on St Patrick’s Day 2024 in the Netherlands

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 2024.

St Patrick's Day Festival, The Hague

• March 17, from 4.30pm
• Where: Grote Markt, 2512 EW, The Hague

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 4.30pm, 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

Drunken Dolly St Patrick's Day Extravaganza, Rotterdam

• March 17, at 9pm
• Where: Rotown Rotterdam, Nieuwe Binnenweg 19, Rotterdam

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!?

St Patrick's Day, Amsterdam

• March 17-19
• Where: Aran Irish Pub, Max Euweplein 73, 1017 MA, Amsterdam

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 will be hosting a whole weekend of live music in honour of St Patrick's Day. Other pubs that are worth checking out on March 17 are Molly Malone's, St James's Gate, and O'Reilly's.

St Patrick's Weekend, Eindhoven

• March 17-19
• Where: O'Sheas Irish Pub, Jan Van Lieshoutstraat 9, 5611 EE, Eindhoven

One of the many Irish pubs across the Netherlands to be hosting their own St Patrick's event is O'Sheas in Eindhoven, where festivities kick off with some live music on March 17. 

But that's not all! Head to O'Sheas Irish Pub on March 18 and 19 too for some more music and fun (and beer) to celebrate the occasion in style.

D'irish Folk, Enschede

• March 17, at 8.30pm
• Where: Folkclub Twente, Beckumerstraat 2, 7548 BG, Enschede

Folkclub Twente is once again gearing up to go all-out for St Patrick's Day. On March 17, the bar will play host to a night of live music - all with an Irish theme, of course. Expect to hear hits from well-known bands such as The Dubliners, The Pogues, and The Kilkenny's. 

The beer will be flowing, but there will also be plenty of other snacks and drinks on offer on the big night, including Irish coffee.

Celebrate Saint Patrick’s Day in the Netherlands

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.