We love a good Irish phrase, although we love a pint of Irish dancing juice more and with St Paddy’s Day looming, the world will once again be raising a glass or three to toast the Emerald Isle. Rivers will be turned green (seriously, check it out…), awful orange ‘Irish’ wigs will be worn and sooner or later everybody with a pint of the black stuff in their hands will have a go at talking in an Irish accent. On the plus side the music will be great, the atmosphere will be superb and pints of the black stuff will be plentiful.
But outside of the Emerald Isle where will you find the best Irish knees up and a healthy dose of shenanigans this March 17th? Here at StagWeb we can confess to enjoying the odd stout beverage or two so here’s our guide to the best craic this St Patrick’s Day.
UK’s Best St Patrick Pubs
Edinburgh | Malones
Even the furniture in Malones has been shipped over from the Emerald Isle (if you sniff it, it actually smells of blarney). The pub is well known for it’s outstanding music credentials and this year will be rocking through St Patrick’s party with guest artists ‘Alan David Ross Show’ an excellent local 4 piece band. The food is also well worthy of a mention if you’re looking for a big night out. This great boozer is located on Forrest Road in the shadow of Edinburgh University.
Cardiff | Dempseys
While St David’s daffodils are still in bloom, Demspeys will be thinking of a different green, green grass of home. Fizzie Events will be rocking it out with another fantastic live band upstairs in “Four Bars” at this fantastic venue that serves it’s pints with a smile. If you’re in that neck of the woods you’ll find this really friendly and always lively pub directly opposite the entrance to Cardiff Castle.
Manchester | Mulligans
Homemade Irish stew, traditional Irish breakfasts and the best pint of Guinness in the whole of Manchester. These are just some of the reasons this is the only bar we’d recommend visiting in Manchester for a St Paddy’s Pint. This fantastic and classy pub couldn’t be further from those plastic Irish pubs you’ll find in the Med, this is the real deal where the only thing nicer than the staff is the taste of that first pint. To find them, just head to Deansgate and listen out for the most fun. That’s them there.
London | Waxy O Connors
As mad as any good Irish pub should be, Waxy’s has a dead tree ‘growing’ in the middle of it. This isn’t any old tree though, like much of the flavours and atmosphere of this great little pub, the tree was originally planted and grew in Ireland before being brought over for a new lease of life in London. This year, as well as celebrating the 6 Nations, Waxy’s will be extending their St Patrick’s day to last from the 14th to the 21st in their four bars spread over 6 different levels on Rupert St in the West End.
Bournemouth | O’Neills
Part of a chain of cracking Irish pubs, unlike other large chains, O’Neills pubs have all managed to retain and individual charm of their own, if we had to pick a favourite (kind of like asking which of your kids you prefer) we’d have to say their Bournemouth venue. O’Neills do St Patrick’s Day very well and this year will be no exception, you can expect live music and cold beer. What more does a man need? Head to Old Christchurch Road.
Liverpool | The Flanagan’s Apple
Complete with its own resident ghost this is without doubt Liverpool’s most welcoming and lively Irish pub. Both the craic and Liffey water flow easily, the food is also spot on with deals every day of the week, however you’ll be hard pressed to get a table this March 17th so our advice would be to get in early and enjoy an extra pint or two. Situated on St Matthew Street, close to the Cavern Club.
Brighton | Fiddler’s Elbow
The Fiddler’s Elbow is well known around Brighton and will be THE centre of all things Celtic on the 17th. In a city that loves to party and ‘The Fiddler’s’ is renowned for throwing a decent shindig. This year they’re kicking off their Irish celebrations on the 13th of March with 5 days of live music, big screen 6 nations, indoor and outdoor bars, freebies, raffles and face-painting a typically Fiddler’s street party. You’ll find them tucked round the corner from Churchill Square on Boyce’s Street.
Newquay | Bertie O’Flannigans
That fact that Berties just happens to be attached to its own nightclub, which also happens to be Cornwall’s largest club. However we’re fairly sure that if you’re heading down to Newquay for St Patrick’s party you’ll find a lot of the action out on the sun terrace. Bertie’s is well known for the ability for hosting epic nights and the 17th will be no different. Located on East Street in the town centre.
Birmingham | One Trick Pony
It’s not actually physically possible to go to Birmingham’s One Trick Pony and not have a good time. Seriously, if you leave ad you’re not smiling check your pulse. This St Patrick’s Day they will once again be adding extra jiggery pokery to their party atmosphere. If you can get in early we recommend their pulled pork. Not very Irish we admit but it’s worth making an exception for. Alcester Road, Mosely.
Portsmouth | Shenanigans
Go for the Guinness but stay for the breakfast. No, we don’t mean sleep on the bar, but their all day breakfast is a thing of beauty. Much like some of the bar staff, this great bar will most definitely be living up to its name on the 17th and will be the focal point of the city’s Irish celebrations. Located in the heart of Southsea, just ask a passing bobby where the shenanigans is.
York | O’Neills
Those kind chaps at O’Neills have kindly placed another of the excellent watering holes in another of our favourite cities. While York might not have the strong Irish connection of cities like Liverpool, it does have a great party vibe and really cool crowd. Those in the know will undoubtedly be heading to sample O’neills perfectly poured pints and warm welcome. Don’t miss out on what will be a fantastic night.
You’ll find them at 10 Low Ousegate, close to the river.
