St Patrick's Day
St Patrick's Day 2027 falls on Wednesday 17 March. In 2028, St Patrick's Day falls on Friday 17 March.
The dates of St Patrick's Day, this year and in the years ahead.
When is St Patrick's Day?
| Year | Date |
|---|---|
| 2025 | Monday, 17 March 2025 |
| 2026 | Tuesday, 17 March 2026 |
| 2027 | Wednesday, 17 March 2027 |
| 2028 | Friday, 17 March 2028 |
| 2029 | Saturday, 17 March 2029Day off: Monday, 19 March 2029 |
| 2030 | Sunday, 17 March 2030Day off: Monday, 18 March 2030 |
| 2031 | Monday, 17 March 2031 |
Dates calculated from the statutory rules. Source: GOV.UK: UK bank holidays. More about our sources
Who was St Patrick?
St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland. He lived in the fifth century, was born in Roman Britain and, according to his own account, was taken to Ireland as a slave in his youth. After escaping he returned as a missionary. Tradition holds that he died on the 17th of March, which became his feast day. The shamrock, which he is said to have used to explain the Holy Trinity, has become the symbol of the day.
A bank holiday in Northern Ireland
St Patrick's Day is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland only; in England, Wales and Scotland it is a normal working day. If 17 March falls on a Saturday or Sunday, the following Monday becomes a substitute bank holiday. It is also a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland.
Towns across Northern Ireland hold parades and festivals, with some of the largest in Belfast and in Downpatrick, where St Patrick is said to be buried. Elsewhere in the UK, cities with large Irish communities, such as London, Liverpool and Birmingham, also hold celebrations, usually on the nearest weekend.
Frequently asked questions
When is St Patrick's Day 2027?
In 2027, St Patrick's Day falls on Wednesday 17 March.
Is St Patrick's Day a day off?
St Patrick's Day is only a public holiday in: Northern Ireland.
Why do people wear green on St Patrick's Day?
Green is linked to Ireland, the 'Emerald Isle', and to the shamrock that St Patrick is said to have used to explain the Holy Trinity.
Is St Patrick's Day a bank holiday in England?
No. It is a bank holiday in Northern Ireland only. In England, Wales and Scotland, 17 March is a normal working day.
Am I entitled to a day off on a bank holiday?
There is no statutory right to time off on a bank holiday. Whether you have the day off, and whether you are paid extra if you work, depends on your contract. Employers may include bank holidays in your statutory annual leave.