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I might not have a drop of Irish blood in me, but that doesn’t mean I can’t get into the St. Patrick’s Day spirit!
This holiday is all about fun, magic, and good vibes – making it the perfect time to check out some super cute and bookish activities.
Whether you’re spending the day on your own or enjoying it with someone special, these 20 ideas will help you celebrate in a way that’s cozy, creative, and totally fun.
So, why not take advantage of the day and do something a little extra magical?
Trust me, you’ll want to try all of these fun, festive activities that celebrate both books and the luck of the Irish.
What’s In This Post?
St. Patrick’s Day Bookish Activities You Can Do Alone
1. Green-Themed Book Marathon
You should absolutely start the day with a little color inspiration.
Gather books with green covers or that are set in Ireland.
You can then read some stories that feature Irish landscapes or folklore.
All you need is a cozy nook, a blanket, and a stack of green-covered gems.
Quick book recs:
- The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo by Taylor Jenkins Reid
- The Cheat Sheet by Sarah Adams
- The Naughty, The Nice and The Nanny by Willa Nash
- Heartstopper by Alice Oseman
In this post, I wrote about some of my personal favorite St. Patrick’s Day romance novels everyone needs to read.
2. DIY Shamrock Bookmarks
If you’re feeling crafty, make your own shamrock-shaped bookmarks to mark your reading spot.
You just need some green cardstock, scissors, and markers.
You can even write a fun St. Patrick’s Day quote on them, like, May the luck of the Irish be with you!
Not only will this add a personal touch to your reading, but it’s also a cute keepsake to remember the day.
3. Read an Irish Fairy Tale or Myth
St. Patrick’s Day is all about Irish culture, and what better way to honor that than by reading an Irish myth or fairy tale?
Here are some fantastic Irish fairytales and mythical characters you can read about:
- The Tuatha Dé Danann
- Lugh, the Sun God
- Táin Bó Cúailnge
- Cú Chulainn, the Hound of Ulster
- Fionn Mac Cumhaill and the Giant’s Causeway
4. Create a St. Patrick’s Day Bookish Playlist
You can also get into the spirit with a playlist that complements your reading.
Choose Irish folk music, maybe even a little Celtic Thunder, to play in the background.
The atmosphere will make your reading even more immersive.
You don’t need anything other than a phone or speaker to bring this little touch of magic to your day.
This YouTube Playlist is just the right type of fun – Check it out right now.
5. Green Tea & Reading Combo
Nothing says chill day like sipping on a warm cup of green tea while reading your latest book.
It’s a perfect match for a solo St. Patrick’s Day spent reading your favorite fiction or nonfiction books.
Make it extra cozy with a comfy blanket, your favorite reading chair, and a quiet spot to escape into your book.
6. Irish-Inspired Short Story Writing
St. Patrick’s Day is about stories, so why not write your own?
Try creating a short story that includes elements of Irish folklore, magic, or mythical creatures.
You can even write about a leprechaun adventure or a lucky charm quest.
All you need is a notebook and your imagination to craft a fun little piece to celebrate the day.
The Order of Things by Claire-Louise Bennett is a personal favorite short story by an Irish author and there are tons and tons of other picks you can use as inspiration.
7. St. Patrick’s Day Bookish Quiz
Something else you could do to pass the hours is challenge yourself with a St. Patrick’s Day-themed bookish quiz.
You could quiz yourself on Irish authors like James Joyce or Oscar Wilde, or even literary works set in Ireland.
You don’t need anything other than your phone or laptop to find some fun quizzes online.
Parade has some fantastic trivia questions you can try your hand at and here’s another amazing resource for quiz-takers.
8. Build a St. Patrick’s Day Book Fort
To build your book fort, stack some of your favorite novels and cover them with a blanket to make a little space just for you.
Maybe add a little string of green fairy lights to set the mood.
9. Bake While You Read
If you’re in the mood to bake, why not make some Irish soda bread or lucky green cupcakes while you enjoy a book?
You can take breaks between your reading to bake something festive.
Grab your baking ingredients, a fun recipe, and have some delicious snacks to enjoy as you get lost in your book.
The smell of fresh baking will add to the cozy vibe of your day.
Here are some pretty awesome snacks you could try making and if you have children, this list of the best snacks for kids will keep you busy all through.
10. Virtual Book Club on Irish Lit
If you’re craving some social interaction, why not start a one-person book club?
Choose a book by an Irish author, and set a time to virtually chat with friends or fellow readers about it.
You can share your thoughts online or with a friend who’s also reading it.
It’s a great way to engage with a book while still keeping the holiday vibes alive.
You can use this helpful guide to select a book club book and here are some discussion questions to keep you and your pals talking.
11. Create a St. Patrick’s Day Bookish Drink
I have negative zero drink-making skills, so this isn’t something I’d try, but if you have even a little talent, you’re about to have the time of your life.
You could make maybe a green smoothie, a shamrock milkshake, cocktail, or a green-tinted coffee.
Find a drink that ties into the vibe of the day and pair it with your favorite book.
You’ll be sipping something festive while diving into your reading – what could be better?
You’ll need a blender or your favorite coffee setup for this one.
12. Take a Stroll
If the weather’s nice, take a walk and listen to an audiobook set in Ireland or by an Irish author.
Enjoy the fresh air while letting the words of the book guide your steps and you’ll feel warm all over.
You can try one of these fantastic full-cast audiobooks for a super, super immersive experience or take a pick from any of these short but amazing audiobooks.
Must-Try St. Paddy’s Day Activities for Couples
1. Read Irish Love Poems to Each Other
You can get into the romantic spirit by reading Irish love poems aloud to each other.
Think W.B. Yeats, or go for something a little more modern – either way, you’ll feel the magic in the air.
It’s sweet, it’s intimate, and you’ll get to enjoy the beauty of the words together.
What you need: A cozy space, a book of poems (or find them online!), and a nice warm drink to sip while you read.
2. Pack a St. Patrick’s Day Book Picnic
Why not take your books outdoors?
Pack a cute picnic with green treats (mint chocolate, green fruit, Irish soda bread), and bring along a couple of books to read together.
Bonus points if you pick a novel with an Irish setting or magical vibes.
It’s a perfect way to enjoy the day and all you need are picnic blanket, some yummy snacks, your books, and maybe a little thermos of hot cocoa or tea.
3. Read a Classic Book Set in Ireland Together
Pick a lovely classic book set in Ireland and I promise you’ll have fun sinking into the Irish spirit.
You could go for something classic like Brooklyn by Colm Tóibín or something a bit more adventurous, like The Secret Garden (because who doesn’t love a little green in their reading?).
Take turns reading out loud and snuggle up for the full Irish experience.
4. Create a Cozy St. Patrick’s Day Reading Nook
If you’re up for it, transform a little corner of your home into the ultimate St. Patrick’s Day reading nook.
Think soft green pillows, blankets, and twinkling fairy lights.
Add in your favorite Irish reads and settle in for a cozy day of reading together.
5. Write Irish-Inspired Love Letters
Take a moment to write each other sweet, Irish-themed love letters.
You could draw inspiration from Celtic folklore, Irish landscapes, or even the stories you’re reading.
It’s such a cute way to show your love while making the day extra special.
6. Do a St. Patrick’s Day-Themed Bookish Photo Shoot
If you love capturing memories, why not create a little St. Patrick’s Day-themed photo shoot with your books?
You can get creative with props – think shamrock-shaped bookmarks, green tea, or a cozy blanket.
Share your photos with each other, or post them on social media to share the bookish love!
All you need are your favorite books, St. Patrick’s Day props, a camera (or phone), and some cute outfits.
Don’t forget to check out the related posts for more fun ideas.
And, I’d love to hear all about your favorite St. Patrick’s Day activity in the comments below.
Have an amazing holiday and keep the bookish magic alive!