Top 5 Birmingham Pubs to Celebrate St Patrick's Day in Style
St Patrick's Day has arrived in Birmingham, bringing vibrant celebrations across the city. This Tuesday, March 17, offers numerous opportunities to enjoy authentic Irish hospitality without leaving the West Midlands. From traditional pubs with deep roots to newer establishments embracing Irish culture, Birmingham presents a remarkable selection for those seeking the perfect St Patrick's Day experience.
Cleary's: Authentic Irish Atmosphere
Located at 128 Moseley Street in Digbeth, Cleary's stands as Birmingham's premier authentic Irish bar. Owner Patrick Naughton, who hails from Ireland himself, ensures genuine Irish character permeates every aspect of this establishment. The pub offers what many consider the city's finest pint of Guinness, served in warm surroundings that frequently host traditional Irish music sessions.
For St Patrick's Day 2026, Cleary's will open its doors at 11am, featuring hot food from Harry's Burger Hut and DJ Joey taking over the decks from midday onward. If you haven't experienced St Patrick's Day at Cleary's previously, this could be your perfect opportunity to discover why it tops so many Birmingham pub lists.
Hennessey's: Full Day of Festivities
Another Digbeth favorite at 30-31 Allison Street, Hennessey's promises an entire day and night of musical entertainment beginning at 10am. The celebration kicks off with Irish breakfasts and a special St Patrick's Day menu for hungry revelers, followed by live music starting at 2pm with Bang on the Ear.
The musical lineup continues throughout the afternoon and evening, culminating with Heed's performance at 9pm to close out a day of dancing. With St Patrick's Day coinciding with UEFA Champions League fixtures, Hennessey's offers the perfect combination of Irish craic and football viewing opportunities.
Nortons: Free Celebration with Musical Variety
Found at 43-45 Meriden Street in Digbeth, Nortons represents an essential inclusion on any St Patrick's Day pub roundup. Though Peter Connolly also operates The Anchor, his Irish heritage makes Nortons the natural choice for authentic celebrations. The day begins with Mass for those participating, followed by scheduled live music from The Father Teds, Heed, and Jack Banting.
As a free event located directly across from Hennessey's, Nortons allows visitors to sample different St Patrick's Day experiences within steps of each other. Just remember: debating which establishment pours the superior Guinness might be best avoided among friends.
Clancy's: New Bar with Family Heritage
Birmingham's newest Irish bar at 152 High Street in Harborne boasts one of the oldest connections to St Patrick's Day traditions. Though original owner Brendan Breslin is no longer present, his grandson Matthew Clifford prepares to host his first St Patrick's Day celebration at the establishment.
Interestingly, Matthew didn't drink Guinness until November, but he now aims for Clancy's to serve among the city's best pints on this special day. The bar represents a fresh addition to Birmingham's Irish pub scene while maintaining strong family ties to Irish hospitality traditions.
The Old Crown: Legendary Digbeth Institution
From Birmingham's newest Irish bar to its oldest pub, The Old Crown at 188 High Street in Digbeth offers legendary St Patrick's Day celebrations. This historic establishment will feature live music and traditional sessions throughout the day, beginning at 1pm with free admission.
With no Digbeth parade scheduled for 2026, The Old Crown is expected to be particularly lively as revelers seek alternative celebrations. As Birmingham's oldest pub, The Old Crown requires little explanation—if you're considering visiting, you likely already understand its significance to the city's social fabric.
Alternative Celebrations Across Birmingham
For those seeking St Patrick's Day celebrations beyond Digbeth and Harborne, Birmingham offers several excellent alternatives. DJ Quinns in Yardley Wood, McDwyers in Sparkbrook, and The Irish Centre in Kings Heath all provide cracking options for enjoying Irish culture and hospitality across different city neighborhoods.
Whether you prefer traditional music sessions, perfect pints of Guinness, or simply soaking up authentic Irish atmosphere, Birmingham's pub scene delivers exceptional St Patrick's Day experiences throughout the city.
