Here's How Many Pints Of Guinness Are Consumed On St. Patrick's Day

🎙️ Voice is AI-generated. Inconsistencies may occur.

St. Patrick's Day doesn't have an official beer sponsor around the globe, but if it did, the beer would likely be Guinness. The Irish stout is undeniably a March 17 classic, not only for its iconic taste but for its Irish roots.

Each St. Patrick's Day it's estimated a whopping 13 million pints of Guinness will be consumed globally on the holiday, according to Fortune in 2017, which is celebrated everywhere with Irish descent.

It's possible that number may lower in 2020 due to local regulations from the global outbreak of COVID-19, or coronavirus. In America, it's unlikely bars will be pouring drinks after all. President Donald Trump banned gatherings of over 10 people on Monday evening after a weekend full of St. Patrick's Day bar crawlers, who ignored the government's pleas for social distancing.

Guinness
A pint of Guinness Draught is poured to celebrate the countdown to St. Patrick's Day with special guest Nick Offerman on February 28, 2020, in New York City. Noam Galai/Getty Images for Guinness/Getty

The brand already issued a note on the trying times, and how their beer may be able to see fans through it."We know that St. Patrick's Day feels different this year," the brand said in a Twitter post. "But we've been around for 260 years and learned over time that we're pretty tough when we stick together."

The international brand also pledged a hefty amount of money to those in need, though they did not specify which causes they'd contribute to. "However you choose to celebrate St. Patrick's Day this year, stay safe and be good to one another. Guinness today is committing $500,000 through our Guinness Gives Back Fund to help communities where we live, work and celebrate."

Along with the note, Guinness shared a video. It held the same message. "So, what do you really need for some St. Paddy's Day cheer? A pint? Sure! We'll take one."

We know that St. Patrick’s Day feels different this year, so however you choose to celebrate, stay safe and be good to one another. Guinness is committing $500,000 through our Guinness Gives Back Fund to help communities where we live, work & celebrate. #Guinness pic.twitter.com/XTGV5opLDo

— Guinness US (@GuinnessUS) March 16, 2020

It also noted that parades may not happen, but we'll "march again."

Guinness was first shipped to America from its birthplace in Dublin in 1817, according to Trib Live. There's only one Guinness brewery in America, located in Boston. It opened in 2018. Around the world, there are four other locations—Dublin, Malaysia and three in Africa, according to CNN.

Guinness is also available to buy in retail stores like Target, Walmart and local grocery stores, meaning fans of the classic stout may be able to find a pack in time to celebrate the St. Patrick's Day festivities, even from the comfort of their homes, on Tuesday.

Fans of the brand already shared their celebratory moments with the beer, even though they didn't look exactly as they usually do.

Been one of those days. #Guinness pic.twitter.com/SOdZD9Wz5q

— Dave Singer 🦍 (@DaveSinger_) March 16, 2020

Welp, I have tomorrow off for the first time in actual years and corona’s closed all the bars, SO I snagged myself some Guinness and St. Paddy’s is starting early. Sláinte, bitches ☺️?? https://t.co/m5RHzdYbSK

— coupon code “SHEEV” (@kaijaschae) March 16, 2020

This is a Guinness. In a “to go cup.” This is also the saddest fucking day in the history of New York City. pic.twitter.com/gOV7qDVXyb

— Michael Weiss (@michaeldweiss) March 16, 2020

About the writer

Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently lives in Chicago. In her free time, Kelly can be found writing (duh), exploring her city, and frequenting a handful of coffee shops. She's an avid reader, music listener, and dog lover. Kelly's writing talents have landed her in a variety of positions, including her current job as a Culture Writer at Newsweek, as well as formerly interning at Rolling Stone Magazine and writing about music at Atwood Magazine. She also runs the blog Just Cut The Bullshit which is known for its mental health advocacy. 


Kelly started a career in journalism after completing her education at The New School in New York City. She currently ... Read more