The are many contenders for the world’s biggest party; Mardi Gras in New Orleans, the Full Moon Party in Thailand, the Holi Festival in India…but no other party is celebrated as far and as wide as St Patrick’s Day…FACT. Have you ever been anywhere in the world that doesn’t have an Irish pub?

Well, what’s St Patrick’s Day actually all about, you ask? Well Patrick was the patron saint of Ireland, who allegedly drove all the snakes out of the country, (*Note: Ireland never had any snakes) and the Irish have been celebrating ever since….classic. Celebrations take place around the world on March 17th every year and they include parades, festivals, Irish dancing and a general overload of the colour green (the Burj Al Arab, the Sydney Opera House, the Empire State Building and many more have all ‘gone green’ for Paddy’s Day). So we’ve gone and listed the best Paddy’s Day parties in town below.

Please note: The short form is Paddy’s Day, NOT Patty’s Day; and don’t let anyone tell you otherwise. 

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Shake your shamrock at McGettigans – Cluster J, JLT

Where better to celebrate Paddy’s Day than in one of Dubai’s top Irish pubs McGettigans. Of course, they’re going all out with an entire weekend of celebrations kicking off on Thursday at 12pm to 5 pm (yep, early doors) with all drinks for AED 17. Later, DJ Mike Ross, hot new Irish act Hometown and Irish favourite Hermitage Green will all take the stage. The usual Friday brunch (if you can handle it) kicks off at 12pm (AED 170) or the ‘Happy Hour’ drinks package starts at 5pm (AED199). Expect live music here throughout the whole day; this is a knees up you’re not going to want to miss. 

For more info: contact@mcgettigans.com or call 04 378 0800.

St Patrick’s Weekend at the Irish Village – Dubai Duty Free Tennis Stadium, Al Garhoud

‘A three-day celebration of pure Irish craic’…and we can’t wait. The Irish Village really comes alive on Paddy’s weekend and this one is sure to be no different. Expect free entry and live music all day Thursday and Friday with the Logues, the Maple Jacks and DJ Marky Mark all taking to the stage, and a family day on Saturday; with traditional Irish music and dancers, a petting zoo, face painting and a bouncy castle. 

For more info contact: +971 4 239 5000

Watch Dara O’Briain Live – Dubai World Trade Centre

One of Ireland’s top comedians is coming to Dubai this Paddys Day for a spot of comedy that’s bound to have you in stitches. Dara, the fast-talking funnyman of Mock The Week and The Apprentice: You’re Fired fame is famous for his quickfire quips and audience banter (so steer clear of the front row if you want to avoid his firing line). Head over to Fibber Magee’s Irish pub after for a few pints of black and some quality Irish craic.

How much? AED 300 for regular seats AED 500 for premium seats.

Check out the Virgin website for more tickets and more info. 

Go Green Claw Style at Claw – Souk Al Bahar Bridge

This American bar is proving you don’t need to be Irish to celebrate the big day. The party starts at 6pm, (this might be a straight-out-of-work type job) and lucky guests will get a real taste of the Emerald Isle; from green cocktails and dishes, (think lip-smacking Irish rarebit and soda bread or braised lamb shank and colcannon) Irish inspired decorations, and of course some classic Irish tunes mixed in with Claw’s great playlist. This one will no doubt go on until the wee hours. 

Oh and let’s not forget the best bit…They’re doing buy-one-get-one-free on Irish coffees. This place may not be Irish but they sure know the way to the hearts of the Irish!

For more info contact: 04 4322300 or email info@clawbbq.com    

Original Wings and Rings –  Level C, Liberty House, DIFC

Another American venue showing up trumps for Paddy’s Day is this cool sports bar in the DIFC. The venue will be decked out in green, and green cocktails and mocktails will be on offer for AED 25 throughout the day. Take your picture with some Irish props lurking around the venue and you might even win dinner for two.

When? Drinks offers from 12 pm-12 am

For more info contact: 04-3596900 

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