Where to Celebrate St Patrick’s Day: Best Irish Pubs in Paris
Last Updated on 4th December 2022 by Sophie Nadeau
This post may contain affiliate links. Please check out my privacy policy and disclosure for more information.
Grab something green to wear, sip on a pint and sit back… because here are the best Irish pubs in Paris (and shops)! At a first glance, Paris may not be the first place that comes to mind when conjuring up ideas of going out for St Patrick’s Day. However, it turns out that there are a number of surprisingly fun options to choose from in the form of bars, traditional Irish pubs, and even a shop or two!
St Patrick’s Day is on the 17th March. This is not a national holiday in France and so businesses operate at their standard operating hours. For more ideas on Paris during this time, check out our complete guide to Paris in March.
Contents
- What is St Patrick’s Day?
- Your definitive guide to the best Irish pubs in Paris:
- Guinness Tavern, 31 Rue des Lombards
- The Cork & Cavan, 70 Quai de Jemappes
- O’Sullivans by the Mill, 92 Boulevard de Clichy
- Le Comptoir Irlandais, 157 Boulevard Voltaire
- Corcoran’s Irish Bar Sacre Coeur, 11 Rue Foyatier
- France Travel Information
What is St Patrick’s Day?
St Patrick’s Day, also fondly known as St Paddy’s Day, and often referred to as The Feast of Saint Patrick, was created in the 1600s by the Catholic Church and is always held on the 17th of March (the traditional death date of St Patrick).
The day traditionally commemorates the saint and celebrates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland. Restrictions on diet and drinking that are in place as a result of Lent are lifted for the day.
Your definitive guide to the best Irish pubs in Paris:
Guinness Tavern, 31 Rue des Lombards
Ah, that refreshing first sip of a Guinness beer; having started in Dublin, it is now one of the most successful beer brands in the World. The Irish dry stout was first introduced in the 18th-century, and if you’re a beer lover, then you can’t celebrate St Patrick’s day and not order a pint!
The Cork & Cavan, 70 Quai de Jemappes
The quaintest Irish cafe/ bar/ pub in the city may well be the Cork & Cavan situated on the very edge of Canal St Martin. Filled with books, it is the perfect place to have a drink and go people watching (a favourite Parisian pastime).
O’Sullivans by the Mill, 92 Boulevard de Clichy
Situated right next to the Moulin Rouge, in the heart of Pigalle, this Irish pub is part of a chain of pubs throughout France. At some point during the evening, this bar turns into a club, ensuring the perfect night out for celebrating St Patrick’s Day.
Le Comptoir Irlandais, 157 Boulevard Voltaire
Before heading out, why not stock up on some Irish purchases: with clothing, whisky, tea and crockery to choose from, there’s something for everyone…
Corcoran’s Irish Bar Sacre Coeur, 11 Rue Foyatier
The highest Irish pub in the city has got to be three-quarters of the way up the stairs that lead to the Sacre-Coeur. A great place to celebrate and have a drink, from here you can just about admire the views from the top of the butte, the kind that makes Montmartre such a must-see district!
France Travel Information
France uses the Euro (€)
The main language spoken in France is French. Though you can get by with English is more touristic places, it’s always a good idea to learn some of the local language. Bring along a simple phrasebook like this one to help make your travels easier.
The capital of France is Paris. For more information and inspiration, check out our best Paris travel tips.
France uses plug types, types C and E. As such, if you’re travelling from the UK, USA, Canada, and many other destinations, you’ll need to buy an adapter. I recommend buying a universal travel adapter that you can use for multiple destinations (rather than buying a new adaptor for each place you visit).
As one of the most popular destinations in the world, you should always consider booking your accommodation well ahead of time. Check out this website for price comparison details and detailed reviews.
Be careful with your belongings. I also highly advise to avoid wearing a backpack and to instead opt for a crossbody bag like these ones. I personally use a crossbody bag by this brand and love its shape, size, and versatility.
Psst. If you’re planning to visit Paris, then we’ve created a gorgeous 100+ page eBook full of beautiful photos and insider tips by a local. Included you’ll find hidden gems, arrondissement guides, walking tours, suggested itineraries, and more. Find more information here.
