From unlimited Guinness to Irish jigs, there’s plenty happening on March 17
EVERY year on March 17, millions of people don their green clothes and celebrate Irish culture for St Patrick’s Day.
What began as a religious feast day has become an international festival full of parades, dancing and drinking.
With more than 1,800 people in Cardiff holding an Irish passport, it is no shock that the capital city will celebrate the annual occasion with a host of Irish-themed events which will extend a warm welcome to both Irish and non-Irish guests.
So, if you’re planning on wearing your shamrock hat and are looking for the best pint of Guinness in the city, here are some ideas:
O’Neill’s
Discover the Irish craic in Cardiff’s original Irish pub, who have been celebrating the run-up to the big day all week, with Irish atmosphere, exclusive drink offers and live music.
Throughout this week, enjoy a Guinness at just £2 a pint, or if that’s not to your fancy, you can get a 2 for 1 offer on Baby Guinness, if you download their free app.
The luck of the Irish will be with you if you’re called Patricia or Patrick, as you’ll be greeted with a free pint of your liking, from Monday to Thursday this week.
Their St Mary Street location will be open from 8am on the big day, there will be live music from 12 noon to midnight. On the bill is:
- 2pm-4pm – Colum Regan
Irish traditional songs, ballads and sing-a-long favourites
- 4:30pm-5:30pm – Napa Duo
Upbeat classic covers with Kerry Sanson
- 6pm-8pm – Napa Trad Party
Fiddle player Bethan Frieze and bassist Dan Nelson join Napa
- 8pm-9pm – DJ Bliss
- 9pm-11pm – Goose Irish Explosion
Bethan Frieze hops on with popular covers band Goose, fronted by Colum Regan.
- 11pm-close – DJ Bliss
Or alternatively, visit their second venue on Trinity Street for a traditional Irish breakfast.
The Philharmonic
Set aside the unlimited prosecco, Philharmonic are swapping the traditional bottomless brunch for the Irish champagne.
From £30, you could celebrate the day by enjoying unlimited cocktails, Guinness Espresso Martinis and, of course, a traditional Irish pint of Guinness. They’re also offering 2 for 1 cocktails, beers and wine for those who don’t fancy the black stuff.
Temple Bar
You may want to pop down to Cardiff’s latest Irish addition.
Temple Bar, which takes inspiration from Dublin’s most iconic bar, opened its doors last month and promises to “bring true Irish tradition to the streets of Cardiff”.
Hosting live music all day, you can choose from plenty of the black stuff, over 70 different whiskeys and “proper good craic”. There’s even a Guinness bird mural on the wall.
Depot
Why not try something different this St Paddy’s Day and head down to the famous Bingo Lingo.
Their St Paddy’s Day Special will be a night filled with bingo, stage battles, dance-offs and prizes all with an Irish twist. Tickets can be found here.
The Black Griffin
If you don’t fancy Cardiff city centre’s party scene, and are looking for a more traditional setting, The Black Griffin pub in Lisvane is holding a St Patrick’s Day Comhaltas Irish Session.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the primary Irish organisation dedicated to the promotion of the music, song, dance and the language of Ireland.
Back by popular demand, the Irish band’s set will start at 8pm.
Here’s a clip of the fun last year…
St Canna’s Ale House
If you prefer craft beer over a pint of plain, St Canna’s Ale House is holding a Paddy’s Day party and have some special Irish craft beer brought in especially for the big day.
The pub will be painted green as local singer songwriter Barney Vernon performs singalong Irish tunes.
