Top 10 Reasons Why Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in Newfoundland is More Than Just Green Beer

Top 10 Reasons Why Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day 2025 in Newfoundland is More Than Just Green Beer

Are you excited for St. Patrick's Day in 2025? This year, it falls on Monday, March 17th, making it a public holiday in Newfoundland and Labrador, the only place outside Ireland to officially recognize St. Patrick's Day as such. Here's why celebrating St. Patrick's Day here is a unique experience:

It’s not unusual for folks to celebrate St Patrick’s Day by drinking some beer. Some even drink green beer. Did you know, St. Patrick’s Day in Newfoundland is about much more than green beer. 

1. A Global Celebration with Local Flair

Pro Tip: When someone yells “Sociable” everyone in the room is supposed to drink *No it’s doesn’t need to be an alcoholic drink*

Every year in March you’ll find expats all over the globe crowding to Irish pubs and restaurants. St. John’s and Newfoundland in general is no exception. Colleges and universities in most countries make St. Patrick’s Day an excuse for excessive drinking and generalized debauchery, but there is only one place outside of Ireland that officially recognizes St. Patrick’s Day as a public holiday, and that place is Newfoundland.

St. Patrick's Day is celebrated worldwide, but in Newfoundland, it's a blend of global tradition and local heritage. Not just an excuse for revelry, it's a cultural homage. St. John's, with its strong Irish roots, turns into a vibrant green festival. 

No spot outside of Ireland takes St. Patrick’s Day as seriously as Newfoundland – well … maybe Boston (they’re pretty hardcore as well). 

2. Geographically Closer to Ireland

If you're in North America and longing to be near Ireland, Newfoundland is your closest bet. St. John’s Harbour and Cape Spear are the nearest North American points to Ireland, weaving tales of shared maritime history and folklore.

Newfoundland folklore A local tale speaks of two brothers from St. John's lost at sea, only to find themselves in Ireland. Their return home was nothing short of miraculous, highlighting Newfoundland's deep Irish connections.

Newfoundland Folklore Legend of the Lost Brothers Almost two centuries ago, there were two brothers fishing off the shores of St. John’s when the fog rolled in and their ship was subsequently lost. About a week later, the brothers found themselves off the west coast of Ireland where they were welcomed by a small fishing community. Because it was the fall of the year, the brothers spent the winter in Ireland repairing their boat with the help of the Irish locals. The following spring, with their boat was all fixed up, the brothers set sail for Newfoundland determined to reunite with the families they had left behind. When they arrived back in St. John’s, nobody would believe it was them since it was assumed the two brothers had perished at sea. Their family in St. John’s had even held a funeral for them and erected gravestones at the Quidi Vidi cemetery.

3. Family Fun and Community

While green beer is popular, St. Patrick's Day here is about family and community. From special menus in restaurants to community parades, it's more festive than Easter or Black Friday. Enjoy family-friendly activities like stargazing in hot tubs at Whale House or walking the scenic coastal paths.

If you’re looking for what to do on St. Patrick’s Day near St. John’s outside of going to a bar, the Stargazing Hot Tubs at Whale House and the East Coast Trail adjacent to Mobile Bay (Tinkers Point Path) are fun ways to take in the weekend with outstanding comfort and style. St. Patrick’s Day weekend often brings sunny skies and longer days, a great time to step out of hibernation mode and celebrate some outdoors and sunshine. 

Taking the ferry to Newfoundland from Nova Scotia during the St. Patrick’s Day Weekend?

 

Marine Atlantic Ferry Experience: The ferry ride from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland during St. Patrick's Day weekend is legendary, often filled with live music and local camaraderie, making the journey as memorable as the destination.

We often hear stories from travelers who took the ferry to Newfoundland during St. Patrick’s Day and the fond memories they have of that Newfoundland Ferry Crossing. If you need to figure out how to get to Newfoundland and what is the best ferry to take from Nova Scotia you can use our Newfoundland ferry selection tips and tricks to help you choose the best crossing and sailing to Newfoundland.

Often Marine Atlantic will have musicians on board, and if they don’t, locals will bring out their own instruments and make their own music. It’s a special time, and if the journey gets extended due to inclement weather, the party will extend with it.

During March, the Marine Atlantic Ferry to Newfoundland is primarily frequented by locals who are often returning to Newfoundland after being away. For them, it’s always a special feeling to come home to Newfoundland, and if you’re doing it on a ferry boat on St. Patrick’s Day surrounded by neighbors and friends sharing the same sentiment, it leads to a special sort of vibe.

4. The Accent and Language

Newfoundlanders often get mistaken for Irish due to their accent, a direct lineage from the Irish immigrants who settled here. It's like stepping into a mini-Ireland.. Since many parts of Newfoundland were originally settled by people from Ireland, many residents in Newfoundland are direct descendants of Irish immigrants, retaining much of the same dialect and accent.

Many consider Newfoundland to be the most Irish place in the world next to Ireland. We can’t really argue with that. Several of our neighbors are often mistaken for Irish when they travel to Ireland.

5. The Second Emerald Isle

St. John’s transforms into a green haven, with landmarks like Cabot Tower lit up in green, celebrating its Irish heritage.

Cabot tower awash in Green to celebrate it’s Irish Heritage

6. Sociable Gatherings

While drinking is part of the tradition, St. Patrick's Day in St. John's is also about socializing. There is even a St. Patrick's Day Breakfast on George Street, known for its concentration of Irish pubs, which becomes the epicenter of festivities with live music, dance, and Irish cuisine.

PRO TIP:  If you’re planning on drinking in Downtown St. John’s during St. Patrick’s Day evening, be sure to take your time and pace yourself. Green beer is everywhere, but if the novelty of green been has worn off, try sipping on a lower alcohol beer like Quidi Vidi Iceberg or even substitute a few glasses of water for beers in the middle of your evening. The rule “less is more” can be applied to many situations and St. Patrick’s Day is no exception. 

7. First in North America

Because of their time zone, Newfoundland is the first spot in North America to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, just a few hours after it’s officially St. Patrick’s Day in Ireland. Every year, St. John’s is the first capital city in North America to officially kick off St. Patrick’s Day.

The Famous O’Reilly’s Pub … people line up for HOURS to get in on March 17th

8. Spring Skiing at Marble Mountain

For those who love skiing, St. Patrick's Day weekend at Marble Mountain offers perfect spring conditions with an Irish twist at the après-ski.

One of the best spring skiing weekends in Newfoundland takes place on St. Patrick’s Day weekend at Marble Mountain near Corner Brook. Spring skiing in Western Newfoundland is always superb, but spring skiing at Marble Mountain on St. Patrick’s Day weekend is special.

There is always a great vibe at the ski hill, the conditions are usually great, and the lodge often has Irish bands along with beer and food at the ski lodge as an apres ski event. 

9. Sheila’s Brush.

Expect one last significant snowfall around St. Patrick's Day, known locally as Sheila's Brush, symbolizing the end of winter and the beginning of spring.. Many of us spent the better part of this week shoveling over a meter of snow. In Newfoundland, that’s normal for around St. Patrick’s Day and totally in line with Shelia’s Brush. According to the legend, Sheila’s Brush is the last big winter storm that takes place on or around St. Patrick’s Day.

You can chalk it up to folklore or farmers almanac alchemy, but every year without failure mother nature brings Newfoundland one last big winter storm in or around St. Patrick’s Day. What’s great about Sheila’s Brush (besides being a great snow day) is that after this storm, the weather turns to spring. In Newfoundland, St. Patrick’s Day signifies the end of winter and the beginning of spring.

10. Go Green

With cannabis now legal, celebrating St. Patrick's Day can also mean enjoying the "other" green in a responsible manner.

Besides Irish green, Newfoundland, and Canada as a whole, have become famous for another green. Recreational cannabis became legal across Canada in October 2018, and Newfoundland became the first place in Canada to legally sell a joint of Canadian cannabis.

Plan your visit to Newfoundland for St. Patrick's Day 2025. Experience the celebrations, culture, and community spirit unique to this enchanting part of Canada. Book your stay at Whale House Guest House for an authentic taste of the festivities!

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