Booze, food, jigs, silly hats… it’s safe to say that St Patty’s Day (sham)rocks. Because of our love for the Gaelic gala, we’ve been searching for the perfect spot to celebrate on March 17. If the boozehound in you is awake and roaring to be fed, local Irish pubs such as Mick O’Malley’s, Irish Murphy’s and Gilhooley’s can always set you up with enough Guinness to placate it, but for other ways to celebrate the luck o’ the Irish (sans the crushing parade crowds), we’ve got you covered. Pull on your green stockings and check out these pots of gold!
Finn McCools | Fortitude Valley
Ok, so it isn’t actually open yet, but this new Irish bar hitting town at the end of April is giving you the chance to really get your Irish on – with a trip to Ireland. Head to their website to enter, and stay tuned for all the details on the opening.
Shady Palms | Greenslopes
This chilled-out joint has taken the name of this holiday literally. Shady Palms is serving up free burgers (with the purchase of any lip-smacking cocktail) to anyone named Patrick! If you’re looking for a tasty way to thank your holiday namesake, this artsy American spot serves up great food, live music, and enough beer to make anyone Irish. Cheers Pat!
The Glen Hotel | Eight Mile Plains
The Glen Hotel has got their green on (no pinches for them) and is celebrating in true Irish style. For a spectacular way to spend the day, The Glen is sporting whiskey promos, Guinness giveaways, and classic Irish nosh. Don’t forget the green beer! We’re pretty sure it’s the only way to make sure you’ve thoroughly celebrated.
The Brunswick Hotel | New Farm
Get ready to riverdance! The Brunswick Hotel is hosting a party to keep you jigging ‘til the sun’s up. A traditional Irish folk band will be playing in the beer garden from 6pm, so enjoy the ‘tunes while you chow down on some customary Irish food. Finally, Guinness on tap will guarantee the fun never stops flowing!
Pig ‘N’ Whistle | Various
British pub franchise Pig ‘N’ Whistle is honoring its UK neighbours this March. The Riverside, CBD, Indooroopilly and West End venues will be hosting Irish live music events, traditional dancers, and authentic menu items. The Brisbane-wide venues are also running a Guinness promo from Saturday the 12th until the day in question. Grab a steak and Guinness pie, a pint of Guinness and a special t-shirt for $40!
Room with Roses | CBD
Had enough March-time drinking to last you a lifetime? Swap drunken football songs for a tasty meal this St Patty’s Day at Room with Roses. The perfect venue for watching the festivities without being crushed by the crowds, for $39pp, you’ll receive an Irish-inspired main course and dessert. Just watch: your friends at the parade will be green with envy!
Bitter Suite | New Farm
With a name that aptly describes most St Patty day memories, Bitter Suite is partaking in the booze-and-food-filled fun (and the staff will be dressed for the occasion!). The New Farm bar and bistro will be holding a special on homemade black pudding (for the truly Irish at heart!), and sweetening the deal with a keg of Guinness on tap.
Delfina’s Bistro | Fortitude Valley
This is a festive meal you won’t want to miss (to be sure, to be sure)! Delfina’s Bistro will be plating up a special to celebrate the emerald-tinted occasion, with a lucky meal consisting of green eggs and ham and an Emerald Isle cocktail for just $25!
Alfred & Constance | Fortitude Valley
If you don’t want to give up Tiki Time for Irish Hour, Alfred & Constance posits a brilliant question: why not do both? The Valley-based party hub is serving up St Patty’s Day-inspired Kon-tiki voyage cocktails that looks as Irish as a pot of beer (we can pretty much guarantee a bright green tongue for the rest of the night!). With house made Guinness pies and Reuben manwiches to chase those bevs down, it sure sounds Irish enough for us!
Story Bridge Hotel | Kangaroo Point
If one day (and one restaurant) isn’t enough to sate your appetite for Guinness pies and bubbly lagers, Story Bridge Hotel is dedicating five days to this hops-based holiday. Celebrate under the bridge with Main St Bar, Deery’s Restaurant and the Shelter Bar each plating up scrumptious Irish fare. Grab some Irish potato cakes and slow-cooked lamb stew (for the first course!), and enjoy the barrelful of entertainment on offer.
Brewsvegas | Various
Looking to turn St Patty’s into a week-long event? One word: Brewsvegas! The Brissie festival runs from the 11th through to the 20th, so thank us now and don’t blame us for the liver damage later. With parties and events being hosted across 50 venues throughout town, you’ll be spoilt for choices. One thing we do know: you’ll have enough beer at your fingertips to observe the traditions of the day!
We hope ye lads and lasses have an O’Reilly great time wherever you end up celebrating!
Words by Samantha Chariton
