The Biggest Guinness Day of the Year
St. Patrick's Day, 17 March, is the day more people order a Guinness than any other. It is also the day it is hardest to get a good one: packed pubs, stretched staff and rushed pours. A little planning goes a long way.
Did you know?
We don't publish a hand-picked list of St. Patrick's Day pubs. The rankings on our data pages come from community ratings and update as new ratings come in. Start with Guinness pubs in London or Guinness pubs in England, and use the Head and Taste scores to pick.
When to Go
Time It Around the Crowds
- The weekend before or after: if 17 March falls midweek, many people celebrate on the nearest weekend, when pubs are prepared but less frantic.
- Lunchtime on the day: fresher kegs, fewer people, bartenders still fresh.
- The evening: expect a crush from about 5pm.
- The day after: often the best pint of the week. Kegs have turned over, staff are rested, and the chaos has passed.
Pro Tip
If you only want one ceremonial pint on the day, have it early. Save the session for a quieter evening.
Finding Great Guinness
Use the Ratings
Look for:
- High Head, Schtick and Taste scores
- Several ratings rather than one (more data is more reliable)
- Recent activity (quality changes over time)
Quality Indicators on the Day
Good signs:
- The pub is normally busy, so it handles volume well
- Multiple Guinness taps
- Known for its Guinness the rest of the year
- Staff who look used to the demand
Warning signs:
- Guinness is normally an afterthought
- A single tap
- Poor ratings the rest of the year
- Visibly overwhelmed staff
Avoiding Common Problems
Rushed Pours
St. Patrick's Day is notorious for one-pour Guinness as busy bartenders cut corners.
Solution: go early, choose quality pubs, or politely ask for a proper two-part pour.
Warning
If a pub is doing one-pours on St. Patrick's Day, its standards are probably suspect year-round. Make a note.
Depleted Kegs and Overwhelmed Staff
High demand means kegs change constantly and staff attention is split. Lunchtime visits avoid most of this. In the evening, be patient and choose pubs with enough staff.
Booking
Some pubs take reservations for St. Patrick's Day, particularly Irish pubs and popular spots. Regular locals are usually first-come, first-served. If you can't book: arrive very early, have a backup pub, or consider a less obvious venue.
The Home Alternative
If crowds aren't your thing, a perfectly poured Guinness at home with friends beats a rushed pint in an overcrowded pub. Canned Guinness or NitroSurge cans, proper tulip glasses, and something to eat. There's no shame in it.
What to Order
Stick to Guinness. It's what the pub has prepared for, it's the freshest thing on the bar because of the turnover, and it's the point of the day. Green beer is never the answer.
Planning Checklist
One week before
- Pick target pubs from the ratings
- Book if you can
- Plan transport home
The day before
- Stock a home backup
- Confirm any booking
On the day
- Arrive early
- Pace yourself
- Rate your pints on Foam Finders so the next person knows
Make It Count
Whether you're in a packed pub or your living room with a can, make the Guinness count. Quality over quantity, appreciation over excess.
Sláinte!
Learn more about St. Patrick's Day traditions in our complete guide.
