St. Patricks’ Day on March 17 is a day of celebration for all of Ireland and for Irish people around the world. The annual holiday is all about remembering and venerating their patron saint. While it is a cultural and religious day, the activities involve boisterous family celebrations with a lot of music, food and beverages.
In the UAE, this is no different and Guides lists the best places to join the Irish in their celebrations this weekend.
1. Irish Village, Dubai
This year St. Patrick’s day falls on Friday which means the celebrations will brim over the entire weekend. Irish Village is your place to be with free entry, traditional Irish music and dancers, and amazing food. Saturday is family day, and kids will love the face painting, petting zoo and other activities at the venue.
Location The Irish Village, Al Garhoud Entry Free (includes live music, food stations and kids' activities) Dates March 16 to 18 (Family day on Saturday with kids' activities) Website The Irish Village
2. The Ultimate Paddy's Day Party with McGettigan's
For a home-away-from-home experience for all Irish in Dubai, head over to the Dubai Media City Amphitheatre for a dose of music and partying in true Irish style presented by McGettigan's. Live performances by renowned Irish artists such as Gavin James, The Coronas and Walking on Cars will see you musically transported home. Ticket packages include beverages.
Location Dubai Media City Amphitheatre Cost Dh75 onwards Date March 17 Timing 1pm onwards Get your tickets here
3. PJ O’Reilly’s, Abu Dhabi
The best way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is with free-flowing food and beverages, and that is exactly what you'll get at the special brunch at PJ O'Reilly's. Also featured is a live performance by the European Champions of Ceilidh Dance and live music.
Location Le Royal Meridien, Shaikh Khalifa Street, Abu Dhabi Cost Friday brunch Dh200 per person Contact +971 800 101 101 Website PJ O'Reilly's
4. St Patrick’s Day at Geales
Head to Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa to revel in fun as Geales throws an Irish-inspired village garden party, packed full of entertainment such as bungee runs and wet stocks, with DJ Danny C on hand to spin the tunes. Sample an array of delicious dishes from the food stalls such as the classic steak and guinness pie, fish and chips, Irish oysters and much more.
Location Geales, Le Royal Meridien Beach Resort and Spa, Dubai Cost Dh220 per person (includes food and hops) Date March 17 Timings 12.30pm onwards Contact +971 4 316 5550
5. Cooper’s Bar and Restaurant, Abu Dhabi
Unlimited food and unlimited beverages for four hours straight is what you'll get here this Friday. If you decide to stay post-brunch, we can vouch for the fact that this gastro-pub offers everything you need for a distinctly Irish night out in Dubai.
Location Park Rotana, Khalifa Park Road Eastern Ring Rd - Abu Dhabi Cost Regular includes soft beverages and juices Dh125; Classic includes house beverages Dh160; Premium includes sparkling grape and bubbly Dh190; (does not includes taxes and service charges) Date March 17 Timings 12pm to 4pm Contact +971 2 657 3333 Website Cooper's Bar
6. Porter's Pub, Abu Dhabi
This celebration is unlike others you might find in the city. With a special glow-in-the-dark green glam party, guests are encouraged to dress in green or show up in shamrock print. Just thank your lucky stars if you have Saturday off after this one.
Location Porter's Pub, Al Wahda, Abu Dhabi Dates March 17 Timings 4pm to 3am Contact for details +971 2 495 3936
7. Sportsman's Arms, Abu Dhabi
Celebrate your Irish roots with Ireland-inspired dishes and specially priced beverages on Friday and Saturday at the family-friendly pub in Abu Dhabi. Taking advantage of the fact that the holiday falls on Friday, there are celebrations happening all-day on both days, such as food and beverage offers, kids' activities, an arts and crafts station and more.
Location First floor, International Tennis Centre, Abu Dhabi Cost A la carte Dates March 17 and 18 Timings 12pm onwards Contact +971 2 403 4235 Website Sportsman's Arms
8. Dubliner's, Dubai
Hosting their Emerald City brunch on Friday, guests will also be joined by a live Irish band from 7pm, for those wanting to continue their celebrations into the late evening. Festivities include special beverage offers (applicable from 7pm to 11pm) and a warm-up post-party celebration for the late comers (includes a platter of live carving with cuts of roast beef and chicken shawarma).
Location Le Meridien Dubai Hotel and Conference Centre Cost Dh99 (all you can eat with two house beverages) Dh179 (all you can eat and five house beverages) Dates March 17 Timings Brunch 1pm to 4pm; Live band 7pm to 11pm Contact +971 4 702 2455
9. Jameson and Live Vibes
Head to the specially created venue at Dubai Media City for this party featuring live music and DJs, with free entrance for RSVPs.
Location Dusk Terrace, Radisson Blu, Dubai Media City Cost Free entry (if RSVP'd) Contact +971 55 477 4466
10. Bridgewater Tavern
Bridgewater Tavern at the JW Marriott Marquis Dubai will host a Patrick’s Day evening with special beverages, food and much more.
Location JW Marriott Marquis Dubai When Friday, 17 March from 4pm until 2am Call 04 4140000
