Landmarks across the globe are lighting up in emerald hues as part of Tourism Ireland’s annual Global Greening initiative, marking St Patrick’s Day with a splash of Irish colour from Europe to North America and beyond.
The campaign has become one of Ireland’s most recognisable global tourism moments, inviting audiences worldwide to celebrate Irish culture while putting the island firmly in the spotlight as a year-round travel destination.
In 2026, famous landmarks taking part include the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Empire State Building, Niagara Falls, the CN Tower and the Sky Tower.
Other participating sites include the National Wallace Monument, Heidecksburg Castle, the Cibeles Fountain, La Croisette and the Grand Place.
Two unusual additions have joined the line-up this year: the Viking-era Jelling Stones and the Bergisel Ski Jump.
According to Tourism Ireland, the initiative has become a powerful symbol of Ireland’s global connections.
“Every year, St Patrick’s Day puts Ireland in the global spotlight and our Global Greening initiative is a wonderful symbol of the deep connections we share around the world,” said Tourism Ireland Chief Executive Alice Mansergh.
“Seeing well-known landmarks illuminated in green creates a shared moment of celebration and connection and reminds people of the warmth and welcome that awaits them in Ireland.
“St Patrick’s Day offers a unique opportunity for tourism to the island of Ireland – both attracting visitors from around the world and teeing up interest and bookings for the season ahead through the heightened profile created.”
Tourism Ireland notes that around 10% of jobs on the island are supported by tourism and hospitality, with six out of 10 of those roles dependent on overseas visitors.
Global spotlight for Irish tourism
The Global Greening initiative forms part of a broader international St Patrick’s programme designed to drive travel interest and bookings for the year ahead.
Tourism Ireland expects its activity to reach an audience of around 350 million people worldwide through approximately 2,500 pieces of media coverage.
Broadcast exposure is already underway, with This Morning airing segments from Cork, Limerick and Kerry in the lead-up to St Patrick’s Day, hosted by Irish chef and presenter Donal Skehan.
Tourism Ireland is also supporting St Patrick’s Day festivals and parades around the world. Celebrations in Madrid are expected to reach around 200,000 people, while the New York parade will be broadcast to approximately eight million viewers.
The live NBC broadcast will include segments filmed in Ireland by producer Mike Mathis, highlighting Irish culture, heritage and scenery as well as upcoming events such as the Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann festival taking place in Belfast this August.
Global campaign amplifies the message
Alongside the St Patrick’s activity, Tourism Ireland’s new international advertising campaign, “Ireland Goes Beyond”, is currently running across television, cinema, video streaming platforms and digital channels in more than 15 markets.
The campaign aims to showcase experiences that go beyond visitors’ expectations of a holiday in Ireland, highlighting the connections travellers make with local people, landscapes and culture.
Tourism Ireland has also released a new St Patrick’s Day video featuring a cover of Breathless by The Corrs performed by Irish duo Lemoncello.
The video is expected to reach around 30 million viewers worldwide.
Across social media alone, Tourism Ireland’s St Patrick’s promotional activity is set to reach approximately 7.5 million followers around the globe.
