What to do in Edinburgh on St Patrick's Day

Saint Patrick's Day is going to be impossible to avoid in Edinburgh this year - so what's happening where?
Celebrations at 

The Three Sisters last year. Pic: Phil Wilkinson.Celebrations at 

The Three Sisters last year. Pic: Phil Wilkinson.
Celebrations at The Three Sisters last year. Pic: Phil Wilkinson.

Celebrations for the cultural and religious event began earlier this week, with Edinburgh’s Festival of Ireland 2016 kicking off the party, with a series of Irish dancing and a Celtic Crossover Concert.

But it’s the day itself on Thursday when things will really get going.

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If you’re looking for some live music, comedy and plenty of Guinness, then the Cowgate St Patrick’s Festival is the place for you.

Some of the event’s highlights include an exclusive performance from former X-Factor contestants Jedward, The Rubberbandits and B*Witched’s Edele Lynch.

If loud music isn’t really your thing, but you wouldn’t mind a casual drink or two with friends, you could join the “Little Ireland Pub Crawl” that will take you on a journey around some of the city’s best loved bars - including The Three Sisters, Biddy’s and The Wee Pub.

And if none of the above options tickle your fancy, and you’d prefer something a little quieter and more upmarket, why not drop into the Balmoral Hotel where bartenders will be shaking up specially created cocktails for the day.

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Customers can choose from Salted Caramel Old Fashioned, Clover Club or Green Sour to sweeten their taste buds.

But perhaps alcohol isn’t on your agenda and you’d prefer to do something interesting with the family.

For those who enjoy testing their knowledge, Sportsters Bar on Market Street is also hosting a special St Patrick’s Day edition for their pub quiz.

A road trip around some of the city’s most iconic landmarks including the Castle, the Usher Hall and the airport could be fun to see them light up green for the occasion.

Saint Patrick’s Day is a public holiday in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland but is widely celebrated around the world - especially in Canada and the USA.

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