Lá Fhéile Pádraig shona daoibh! Or Happy St. Patrick's Day for those of you who aren't as familiar with the Gaelic language - ye poor sods. Today is the day we celebrate the shamrock, the day we paint ourselves green and the day we permit ourselves to drink bucketfuls of Guinness (even though a lot of us out there don't even like the taste that much).
Personally I actually love a pint of the black stuff and plan to consume several over the weekend while I act the young thing with my best friends. We're headed south for our girl Louise's hen party and I'm a big ball of excitement/fear for the activities ahead of us. What I'm most looking forward to is being wedged in between the gals. roaring over our drinks while we listen to the same traditional music that's been listened to for generations.
It's a cliché I suppose but there is no greater place to be in Ireland than in a pub on St. Patrick's Day. When you pick the right one you find yourself not wanting to leave, soaking in the atmosphere that's thick around you while trying to say sober enough so you remember it all. It doesn't even have to be a session, it may only be for a wee sensible skiff of a drink but it's sure to be enough to fill your heart with as much patriotism as you need.
As well as being lucky enough to be born here, I've also been lucky enough to have had my fair share of pints across the island so I've decided to share some of my favourites from over the years. Obviously there are hundreds of establishments that are stupendously wonderful so please share if you have any tips of your own but for now, here are mine. Wishing you all of the luck this St. Patrick’s Day wherever you find yourself!
Fitzpatricks - Carlingford, Co. Louth
This is the best place to go for a pint with your Granny. It's coming down with old artefacts from across the years and it even has a pet farm out the back to keep the kids entertained! If you don't make it this Paddy's Day be sure to pay a visit over Hallowe'en. The owners go all out with decorations and spooky scenes across the whole site - definitely something to be seen!
Kelly's Cellars - Belfast, Co. Antrim
As a new local to Belfast I could list a load of pubs here that are good enough to pay a visit to but for now I'll choose my favourite. Kelly's Cellars is a great spot for a lit fire and when you walk through the doors it feels like you're in the middle of old Ireland. It's a great place to escape the city pace and slow down over a few cold ones.
Singing Pub - Downings, Co. Donegal
This is a gem to be found on the Wild Atlantic Coast and well worth the trek to. The place is family run and the manager, Tony, makes you feel like a local anytime you drop in. Whatever you do, please order the seafood chowder. It's without a doubt the best chowder I've ever tasted and the portion size will surely soak up whatever you've been drinking.
Matt Molly's - Westport, Co. Mayo
I remember walking in to this place after stopping off on a road trip. We walked to the very back of the pub to pick out a seat and found ourselves parked beside the local musicians who had dropped in for a session. More and more players joined and soon the entire place was filled with music so amazing my eyes filled with tears. It's a place I can't wait to go back to.
Peadar Kearney's - Dublin, Co. Dublin
This place has been hiving both times I've been in it but the live music was sensational. It's a good place to start a night out but I wouldn't blame you if you found yourself still there at closing time.
Tig Cóilí - Galway, Co. Galway
I was in this pub on St. Patrick's Day in 2013. The sun was splitting the trees that day as we sat by the windows that were open on to the famous Shopping Street of the city. The pub was jammed with people and we were delighted to have scored some seats when all of a sudden the crowd fell silent. An aul fella who was propped up at the end of the bar had started singing an old Irish song, the words of which I can't remember. What I do remember was the feeling in the room as every man, woman and child had been hushed by these gorgeous lyrics. Once he finished, the pub erupted and it was probably the best St. Paddy's moment I ever had.
Tynan's Bridge House Bar - Kilkenny, Co. Kilkenny
This pub is off the main street but I loved it for it's simple charm. The floors were uneven which did nothing to help the inebriated among us but it was quiet and had plenty of dark corners to hide in. Sometimes the best pubs are the quiet ones; where you're free to have a relaxed chat and the whole place is yours to fill with forgotten conversations.
Red Ned's - Armagh, Co. Armagh
Of course I had to include Ned's - a pub I've frequented since I was a child with a Club Orange upper lip and wee legs swinging from the benches. The pub has plenty of familiar faces for me but it also has some fantastic live music that would attract any from outside the town. Definitely a recommendation if you're about the Orchard County.
The Mutton Lane Inn - Cork City, Co. Cork
We were in Cork for the Jazz Festival in October and this was the pub that stuck out for me. It's one of the oldest establishments in the city which is just bursting with tradition. You're really spoiled for choice though around the Oliver Plunkett area so you can find yourself doing a pub crawl that could last for days.
McDermott's - Doolin, Co. Clare
A class wee pub that I stumbled upon once with friends while visiting the Cliffs of Moher. Doolin is a really sweet village and this place is perfect for resting the hooves and whiling away an hour two with some drinks in hand. It's also a great place for a feed if you find yourself staying on for dinner - which no doubt you will!
Where are your favourite pubs in Ireland?? Will you be celebrating this year??
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