DUBAI It will be a green letter day this Thursday, March 17. At least for the thousands of Irish expats in the UAE who will be feasting away on what is arguably the biggest day of celebration of their cultural identity – St. Patrick’s Day.
Irish ‘Craic’
The day has been celebrated over the years with great gusto in Dubai, but the real action happens at The Irish Village in Al Garhoud where hundreds, if not thousands, flock every year in their greens and shamrocks to party through the evening. This year, the occasion dedicated to Ireland’s patron saint, will be spread over three days of pure Irish ‘Craic’ – a popular term in Ireland for news, gossip, fun, entertainment and enjoyable conversation in general.
“St. Patrick’s Day and The Irish Village have gone hand in hand over the last two decades. When it’s St. Patrick’s Day you automatically think of The Irish Village with its tradition of Irish service staff, great Irish music and idyllic setting just as in the Emerald Isles,” said Dave Cattanach, general manager of The Irish Village.
Across the road over at Biggles in the Millennium Airport Hotel, celebrations will begin at 6pm and go until late hours in an Irish-themed environment with a festive a la carte menu comprising Irish specialties, chef’s signature dishes and popular Irish drinks.
Feast and fun
“Holding to the belief that ‘Everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day,’ Biggles is going to bring a piece of Ireland to the UAE with authentic Irish palate-pleasing delectable specialties and entertainment,” said Simon Moore, general manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai.
“For most Irish people, St Patrick’s Day is a day to celebrate being Irish and the Irish culture, but for Irish expats here in the UAE, it is even more important as it brings the Irish community together and gives a sense of belonging,” says Irishman Dennis McGettigan, CEO of Bonnington Jumeirah Lakes Towers & McG Irish Bars.
One of his outlets - The Cavendish, the main restaurant of the Bonnington Hotel, is showcasing the best of Irish cuisine, all sourced directly from Ireland, for a special lunch buffet (Dh175 per person) and an evening brunch (Dh299 per person, food and beverages) on the day.