A quick guide to Saint Patrick's Day events in Italy.

St Patrick's Day, the annual celebration in honour of Ireland's patron saint, is marked in many countries around the world each year, including Italy.

There are numerous Irish-themed events taking place in Rome and Milan in the days either side of St Patrick's Day, 17 March, which falls on a Monday this year.

Ireland Week in Milan

Festivities begin in Milan with Ireland Week which celebrates Irish culture, art and tradition from 9-17 March. The programme includes live music, talks, dance, cinema, photography and food tastings.

Weekend di San Patrizio, Rome

A St Patrick's Day festival will be held at the Città dell’Altra Economia in Testaccio, with live Celtic music, beer and whiskey, with free entry from 14-17 March.

Celebration of Irish sports

The Rome Marathon Sports Village at the Circus Maximus will showcase Gaelic Games courtesy of the Rome Hibernia GAA club on Saturday 15 March, from 10.00 until 15.00. Visitors can try their hand at hurling, camogie and Gaelic football.

Six Nations Rugby

There will be rugby excitement in Rome that weekend when defending champions Ireland face Italy at the Stadio Olimpico in the final round of the Six Nations on Saturday 15 March at 15.15.

Rome Marathon

The Embassy of Ireland invites people to cheer on the 500 Irish runners participating in the Rome Marathon on Sunday 16 March at a cheer point on Lungotevere Oberdan, at Piazza del Fante. Those who wish to cheer on the Irish athletes, expected to pass by from 09.45 until midday, are asked to wear their finest green for a morning of fun and Irish music. There is also a children's playground beside the cheer point.

James Joyce

Altroquando Bookshop on Via del Governo Vecchio 82 near Piazza Navona is hosting a presentation by Fabio Pedone and Enrico Terrinoni of their new Italian translation of Dubliners by James Joyce, followed by a live music session, at 19.30 on Sunday 16 March.

St Patrick's Day Mass

On Monday 17 March the St Patrick's Day Mass will be held at St Isidore's College, Ireland's national church in Rome, which is currently celebrating its 400th anniversary. All are welcome to the 10.00 service which sees Rome’s Irish community unite in a nostalgic chorus of Hail Glorious, St Patrick. The church is located on Via degli Artisti 41, just off Via Veneto.

Livorno (Tuscany)

This year’s San Patrizio Livorno Festival hosts a record number of international guests, cultural events and collaborations, from 17-23 March. The programme includes literary and music events as well as opportunities for business and cultural exchange between Ireland and Italy.

Casa della Cultura Irlandese, Rome

Immerse yourself in Ireland's rich traditions as Casa della Cultura Irlandese showcases talented performers and artists at the Basilica of San Silvestro in Capite on Thursday 20 March, from 19.00 to 21.15. The event includes traditional music, poetry and contemporary art. Free entry but registration is required.

St Patrick's Ball, Rome

Irish Film Festa

A firm fixture on Rome's calendar of cultural events relating to Ireland, this quality festival dedicated to Irish films returns to Rome’s Casa del Cinema from 26-30 March, featuring movies and shorts as well as talks with actors and directors. Free entry, see website for details.

Irish pubs in Rome

For those who want to toast St Patrick with a pint of Guinness, the best Irish pubs in Rome include Scholars Lounge, Fiddler’s Elbow, Finnegan’s, Druid’s Den, The Shamrock, Camden Town and The Abbey Theatre, all located in the city centre.

Cover image: The Colosseum in Rome lit up in green in honour of St Patrick's Day in 2019. 

Article first published 5 March 2025, updated 17 March 2025.