Irish roots run deep here in Savannah, with a rich history spanning well over 200 years. The first celebrations of Irish heritage in this city can be traced back to the early 1800’s. Today, the Savannah’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is among the largest in the country. While the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is certainly the main event, there are plenty of other things to do around the holiday. We’ve created a comprehensive guide to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, to include an interactive map for the parade, a list of pubs, St. Patrick’s Day activities and a number of related events throughout the month.
Table of Contents:
- Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade
- Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Activities
- Pubs and Places to Drink in Savannah, Ga
Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Tourists from all over the world come to Savannah to to watch decorated floats, marching service members and live performances at the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade begins near Forsyth Park and passes through many of Savannah’s gorgeous squares. Since the streets are closed and clear of cars, this once a year experience gives visitors an unadulterated, picture perfect view of Savannah. This year, the parade bleachers will be setup near Colonial Park Cemetery, by St. John’s Cathedral and alongside Bay Street. Purchasing bleacher seating is optional, but you can purchase tickets here.
The map below will show you where you can find public parking, the parade route, public restrooms and places to grab a drink.
Savannah St. Patrick’s Day Activities
Georgia Beer Day + Sour Fest
Two Tides Brewing Company and Smol Bar will host a bloc party event Mar. 4 from 12 p.m.- 6 p.m. with a lineup of sour beers, sour slushies and sour cocktails. The Red Taco Truck will be out, ready to serve up delicious food. Good vibes will be provided by DJ Troy Stoner.
Green Fountain at Forsyth Park
Forsyth Park is the largest park in Savannah’s historic district, and it’s fountain is an iconic piece of history. Per tradition, the official greening ceremony will begin Friday, Mar. 10 at 12 p.m. at the Forsyth Park Fountain. This event is a great celebration for all ages.
St. Patrick’s Day Themed Bar Crawl
“St. Practice Day” is a St. Patrick’s Day themed bar crawl that happens the weekend before the holiday. Participants in this event are given a list of bars offering drink specials exclusively to bar crawlers. The first 250 crawlers to complete their scorecard will snag themselves a t-shirt and several other related gifts. Tickets are $20 and the event takes place Mar. 11 from 4 p.m.- 10 p.m.
Shamrock the Riverwalk
This year, the Plant Riverside District is hosting a 9-day St. Patrick’s Day event. The festivities include a special lighting ceremony, live Irish themed performances, photos with Lucky the Leprechaun, cookie decorating and much more. The event kicks off Mar. 11 at 1 p.m. and ends Mar. 19.
Tybee Island Irish Heritage Celebration Parade
Kick off St. Patrick’s Day at the beach! The Tybee Island Irish Heritage Celebration Parade will begin at Tybee City Hall and make its way down Butler Avenue to Tybrisa Street. The fun begins Mar. 11 from 3 p.m.- 5 p.m.
Celtic Cross Ceremony Savannah’s Emmet Park
Emmet Park is located next to the Savannah River and has amazing views all around. Its history runs deep with the Irish since it was located next to Savannah’s Old Fort neighborhood. Back in the 1800’s, most Old Fort neighborhood residents were Irish. There are quite a few Irish monuments to stop by and look at throughout the park. To honor Irish of the past, present and future, a Celtic Cross Ceremony will be held Sunday, Mar. 12, at 11:30 am.
Sgt. William Jasper Green Ceremony at Madison Square
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee pays tribute to the military by hosting the Sgt. William Jasper Memorial Ceremony each year on the eve of the Parade. The ceremony is named after the famed Revolutionary War hero who lost his life while rescuing his regiment’s colors during the Siege of Savannah in 1779. The formal ceremony honoring Sgt. William Jasper Green and all military, with or without Irish decent, is held Mar. 16 at 4 p.m.
Saints of Savannah Kickoff Party
Bar Julian is hosting its first annual kickoff party. To get in the Irish spirit, the bar will serve an Irish breakfast and play Celtic music. The party starts Mar. 16 from 9 p.m.- 1 a.m.
Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist
The Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist is a beautiful building and one of the most recognized locations in Savannah, Ga. The history of the church has deep Irish roots. The Mass Feast of St. Patrick will take place Friday, Mar. 17 at 8:00 a.m.
PUBS AND PLACES TO DRINK IN SAVANNAH, GA
There’s nothing like stopping by a local pub to truly get into the Irish spirit. Savannah offers plenty of places to grab a drink and do just that. Whether you’re taking a stroll down City Market or sight seeing on River Street, there’s always a pub just steps away, ready to quench your thirst. The best thing about Savannah is that you can take your drink to go and quite literally, put a little extra pep in your step!
Sixpence Pub
245 Bull St, Savannah, GA 31401
O’Connell’s Irish Pub
42 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401
The Rail Pub
405 W Congress St #2410, Savannah, GA 31401
Pour Larry’s
206 W Saint Julian Street, Savannah, GA 31401
Rusty Rudders Tap House
303 W River St, Savannah, GA 31401
Churchhill’s
13 W Bay St, Savannah, GA 3140
Barrelhouse South
125 W Congress St, Savannah, GA 31401
Abe’s on Lincoln
17 Lincoln St, Savannah, GA 31401
Savannah Taphouse
125 E Broughton St, Savannah, GA 31401
The Original Pinkie Masters
318 Drayton St, Savannah, GA 31401