Last year saw 160 landmarks across the globe turn emerald as part of Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening Initiative. The stunt, which began back in 2010 with the Sydney Opera House, saw the London Eye, the leaning tower of Pisa and the Empire State Building bathed in green light. The activity aims to celebrate Ireland as a travel destination, with the island's tourist season kicking off shortly after St Patrick's Day.
The annual Guinness Storehouse shindig
Guinness has been running its St Patrick’s Day festival for a decade at its iconic tourist attraction in Dublin, The Guinness Storehouse. The venue is a hub for Irish music, food and – as in 2014 – rugby. That year the venue screened the Six Nations final - Ireland v France, with live commentary and a pre-match analysis. This year's event will give free admission to everyone named Patrick or Patricia (and many other variants).
Jameson St Patrick's Live
Whiskey brand Jameson holds its own alternative celebration, Jameson St Patrick's Live, every year in the Irish capital. In 2013, punters and ticket winners were treated to performances from Bombay Bicycle Club and Jape at the Dublin Academy, while 2014 saw White Lies headline the city’s Ambassador Theatre. The indie event was also streamed live via the brand’s YouTube page.
East Midlands Train's Guinness crisps giveaway
East Midlands Trains also got in on the St Patrick’s Day action last year with a giveaway of Guinness-flavoured crisps. Commuters at stations including Leicester and Nottingham walked away with the snacks, which were free from alcohol. The company also gave away free miniature bottles of Bailey’s and real (alcoholic) cans of Guinness on its trains as part of its #EMTTreats promotion.
Irish-themed silent disco at The Shard
Back in London, Craic It – an information hub for the captial's Irish population – joined with The View from The Shard to take St Patrick's Day to all new heights in 2015. Punters enjoyed a silent disco which played three channels of music, including one dedicated to Irish tunes. They were greeted with a complementary Jameson and ginger ale.
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