Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening marks St Patrick’s Day

Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative is taking off in our key tourism markets around the world, with iconic landmarks and sites lighting up green to mark St Patrick’s Day.

Since 2010, Global Greenings have been a great way to invite everyone around the world to celebrate St Patrick’s Day. Tourism Ireland took a pause at the outbreak of war in Ukraine and during the ensuing energy crisis. However, communities still choose to light up landmarks in green. Tourism Ireland is supporting Global Greenings for St Patrick’s Day once again in 2025 – working with selected iconic landmarks in key tourism markets.

Sites lighting up in green include Niagara Falls, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Empire State Building in New York, the CN Tower in Canada, the Sacré-Cœur in Paris, Cochem Castle in Germany, the Cibeles Fountain in Madrid, the Wiener Riesenrad in Vienna, the Grand Place in Brussels and the Sky Tower in Auckland.

These ‘old favourites’ are joined by two quirky additions this year – a polar bear sculpture in Longyearbyen in Norway, which is the most northerly Greening, and The Kelpies in Scotland, the largest equine sculptures in the world. 

Alice Mansergh, Chief Executive of Tourism Ireland, said: “St Patrick’s Day is a moment when the world turns its attention to Ireland and our Global Greening initiative is a powerful symbol of the deep connections we share across the globe. This year, we are delighted to see iconic landmarks once again lighting up in green, bringing a sense of celebration to communities worldwide and reminding people of the warmth and welcome that awaits them on the island of Ireland.

“St Patrick’s Day is one of the biggest drivers of interest in travel to Ireland, sparking inspiration for spring and summer trips, and our 2025 promotional programme showcases the best of what our island has to offer. Our message is that, while the world goes green for one day, Ireland’s beauty is evergreen, and we look forward to inspiring even more people to visit our island and experience its magic for themselves.”

The Kelpies in Scotland join Tourism Ireland’s Global Greening initiative to mark St Patrick’s Day.