St. Patrick's Day Countdown

St. Patrick's Day falls on March 17 every year, a celebration of Ireland's patron saint that has grown into a worldwide festival of all things green. This countdown is to St. Patrick's Day 2027, ticking down live to March 17.

How many days until St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day is on Wednesday, March 17, 2027, which is 237 days away. The live countdown above ticks down to the exact moment, to the second.

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St. Patrick's Day's story so far

c. 900s ADIrish Christians begin observing an annual feast day in honor of St. Patrick, the origin of the holiday as a religious commemoration rather than a national celebration.

early 1600sSt. Patrick's feast day is formally added to the Catholic Church's liturgical calendar, largely through the influence of Waterford-born Franciscan scholar Luke Wadding, cementing March 17 churchwide.

1798During the United Irishmen Rebellion, green — worn on lapels and carried on flags as a symbol of Irish nationalism — begins displacing the lighter 'St. Patrick's blue' that had been the saint's traditional color.

1845-1855The Great Famine drives more than 1.5 million Irish immigrants to American shores; by 1850 Irish-born residents make up roughly 43% of the country's foreign-born population, and their numbers transform small local observances into major public celebrations.

1848Rival New York Irish aid societies unite their separate St. Patrick's Day processions into a single official parade, which quickly grows into the largest parade in the United States.

1903The Bank Holiday (Ireland) Act 1903, introduced by Irish MP James O'Mara, makes St. Patrick's Day an official public holiday in Ireland.

2010Tourism Ireland launches 'Global Greening' by lighting the Sydney Opera House emerald green on March 17; the initiative later spreads to hundreds of landmarks worldwide, from the Empire State Building to Niagara Falls.

St. Patrick's Day records

Largest St. Patrick's Day paradeNew York City's parade draws roughly 150,000 marchers and about 2 million spectators each year, the largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the world

Largest human shamrock815 people, organized by Blackrock College in Co. Dublin, Ireland, on March 6, 2013

Largest gathering of people dressed as leprechauns1,263 participants, organized by Bandon Town in Bandon, Ireland, on March 17, 2012

Oldest continuously held St. Patrick's Day paradeNew York City's, marching every year since 1762 — 14 years before the Declaration of Independence

Who was St. Patrick?

Patrick wasn't actually Irish, he was born in Roman Britain, kidnapped to Ireland as a teenager, and returned later as a missionary. March 17 marks the traditional date of his death around 461 AD, and the shamrock legend comes from his teaching.

How the world celebrates

New York has held a St. Patrick's Day parade since 1762, Chicago dyes its river green, and cities from Dublin to Tokyo throw festivals. In Ireland it's both a national holiday and, historically, a religious feast day.

Quick facts

Marks the traditional date of St. Patrick's death, around 461 AD
St. Patrick was born in Roman Britain, not Ireland
Chicago has dyed its river green since 1962
New York's parade has marched since 1762

Get your green on

Wear it, decorate with it, toast with it — just don't get pinched.

Green shirts & gear Shamrock decorations Beer mugs & glasses Leprechaun hat Corned beef seasoning Green face paint

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St. Patrick's Day — frequently asked questions

When is St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day is on Wednesday, March 17, 2027.

How many days until St. Patrick's Day?

St. Patrick's Day is on Wednesday, March 17, 2027, which is 237 days away. The live countdown above ticks down to the exact moment, to the second.

Updated July 2026 · alarm-clock.org

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