How to Celebrate St Patrick's Day in Newcastle

Where To Go

Rosie’s Bar, Stowell Street

The story of Rosie’s reads like the pages of historical crime fiction. The bar's namesake Rosie O'Shea came to Newcastle from Ballyogan, Ireland with her bare-knuckle fighter cousin Bertie, where they set up home on the Quayside an encountered a local character known as Mr Alexander with whom she opened the tavern on Stowell Street which still stands to this day. Rosie earned a reputation for nightly singing performances and when Mr Alexander was murdered for his money in 1874, Rosie fell into depression and fled the city. Five years later, she could be seen on Ellis Island, New York singing her heart out to the arriving immigrant Irish masses. History aside, Rosie’s Bar is a welcoming and renowned location for those with and without Irish heritage to enjoy an extensive drinks menu and a warm welcome (it’s also perfect for a pre-match pint too!)

Rafferty’s, Pink Lane

This long-established pub - with its original features including Victorian brickwork around the bar and old masts from ships - is a Newcastle favourite with pub goers of all kinds. You’re guaranteed a yarn or two from the friendly bar staff and locals, and they always have great offers on pints and cheap trebles too.

Katie O'Brien's Irish Tavern, Collingwood Street

Great craic is always on the cards with a visit to Katie O'Brien's. Part of a chain that extends to Durham, Yorkshire and the Midlands, the Collingwood Street branch opened its doors in 2023 and quickly became a firm favourite thanks to its Temple Bar vibes, traditional surroundings and regular live music and sport.

Filthy’s, Bigg Market

There’s always a fantastic party at Filthy’s on a Friday night, where you can enjoy amazing up-and-coming live music alongside DJs, signature cocktails and a club that delivers on its promise of giving you a memorable night out. Pair that with Paddy’s Day and things might get a bit more raucous...just remember to wear green, you don’t want to be pinched!

The Points, Bigg Market

New York Irish you say? Forget about it! Set yourself down by the idyllic, warming fireplace and be transported back to the old world. Open every Friday and Saturday, the bar plays host to a wealth of musicians playing famous Irish folk music, and on St. Patrick’s Day that goes double. A stout, whisky or Irish cocktail might be your first port of call before you’re up and dancing like Michael Flatley.

The Dubliner, Close

Bringing a taste of Temple Bar to the heart of the Quayside, The Dubliner opened its doors in 2023 where the iconic nightclub Julie's once stood. With live music seven days a week and perfectly poured pints of Guinness on tap, good vibes and great craic are guaranteed at this vibey joint whenever you visit, but they're amping things up big style for St Patrick's Day and we don't blame them.

Fitzgeralds, Grey Street

Named for John Fitzgerald of Tipperary who rose to become a prominent figure and businessman, this former Lord Mayor for Newcastle and Knight Of The Realm has his family to thank for maintaining the bars and company that bear his name. So, it’s fitting on 17th March that you head to this Grey Street haunt - with its striking architecture and classy surroundings - and raise your glass to celebrate with an Irish whisky and a pint of the black stuff.

What To Do

Bongo’s Bingo St Patrick’s Special @ Boiler Shop

Is the luck of the Irish with you for Bongo’s Bingo? On Sunday 15th March, there’ll be an afternoon edition of this hugely popular happening to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the magical isle that gave birth to the king of Bongo’s Bingo himself, Jonny Bongo! Dig out your best green outfit, apply the four-leaf clover face paint and get set for a game of bingo like no other! You probably know what’s in store by now; there will be bingo, rave, cheesy singalongs, dance offs, prizes and actual cash money to be won. Needless to say it’ll be the best party atmosphere around.

Sunday 15^th March 2026, From £20

Saint Patrick’s Day Concerts & Celebrations @ Tyneside Irish Centre

Tyneside Irish Centre is hosting a day of live music to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on Monday 17^th March! With three floors of live music, dance and craic – as well as traditional music sessions too – there’s plenty to keep you entertained!

Tuesday 17^th March 2026, From £5

Image: People Celebrating Saint Patrick's Day in the Bar / Photo by Darlene Alderson via Pexels / Free to use under the Pexels License

Irish Cookery Class @ Blackfriars

Discover the Emerald Isle's culinary heritage with Blackfriars’ amazing cookery club themed around Irish food on Tuesday 17^th (6pm-9pm). Suitable for beginners and led by Blackfriars' friendly chef-tutors, guests will learn how to make traditional dishes like boxty pancakes, seafood chowder and soda bread and get to eat their delicious creations too. Places cost £90 per person and include ingredients and refreshments during the class too.

Tuesday 17^th March 2026, From £90

Paddy Fest 2026 @ Times Square

Head to Times Square for the Paddy Fest bonanza, which promises DJs, live music, and thousands of St. Patrick's Day partiers dress in green. The whole day is going to be a joyful riot of Guinness hats and people pronouncing ‘craic’ wrong! Check the website for tickets and further details.

Saturday 14^th March 2026, Prices vary

Brunch Me, I’m Irish @ Slug & Lettuce

Head over to Slug & Lettuce this St. Patrick’s Day, and you’ll enjoy a complimentary Baby Guinness shot on arrival, bottomless drinks and live music from Conor Michael throughout the evening. One thing’s for sure, there’ll be non-stop craic all night!

Friday 20^th March 2026, From £11

This selection of fine Paddy’s Day events and local Irish pubs will surely have you reaching for last year’s fluffy Guinness hat, so enjoy the celebrations and raise your glasses to St. Patrick on 17th March in Newcastle!

Main image: Guinness Glass Filled With Beer / Photo by Engin Akyurt via Pexels / Free to use under the Pexels License