St. Patrick's day

Guinness, gold and green shamrocks

Hide your pot of gold; it’s St. Patrick’s Day on March, 17. Named after Saint Patrick, patron saint of Ireland, it started as a Catholic holiday, but over the centuries it has progressively become a celebration of all things Irish. For the 2012 celebrations we’ve selected the best Irish bars for you to enjoy your Guinness at (English bars and pubs too).

When we drink, we get drunk.
When we get drunk, we fall asleep.
When we fall asleep, we commit no sin.
When we commit no sin, we go to heaven.
So, let's all get drunk, and go to heaven!
--Old Irish toast

1 - The Dubliner
The windows are already painted with bright green four leaf clovers. This popular Long Street haunt will host Irish bands, dancing, bagpipe players and face paints. Staff will serve green beer, shots and slushy drinks.
251 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 1212

2 - O'Driscoll's Irish Pub
St Paddy’s Day turns into quite the all day event with live bands playing throughout the afternoon and evening. You'll be in with a chance of winning a trip to Ireland, where you can drink Guinness poured by lookalike leprechauns.
38 Hout Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 7453

3 - The Brazen Head
The Brazen Head will offer a special and hearty Irish menu for the entire week, as well as specials on Guinness. There will be giveaways galore and the charismatic staff will be dressed in an Irish shade of green.
Stellenbosch | +27 (0)21 882 9672

4 - Perseverance Tavern
Yorkshireman Ian Sutcliffe has restored much of the Percy’s (as it's affectionately known) history and old world charm. The traditional Irish bar will celebrate St. Paddy's with velvet Guinness hats, Irish music and Guinness draught specials.
83 Buitenkant Street | City Centre | Gardens | +27 (0)21 461 2440

5 - The Royal Oak
At this home-away-from-home, staff will don Irish colours and will offer spot prizes and promotions, while an Irish dancer (who has danced with Dolly Parton) will whip revellers into a jig. Guinness is R23 a pint and is served with a shamrock.
Harvan Centre | Marine Circle | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 557 0354

6 - The Toad in the Village
Visit Dougie Boyes and Bob Skinstad's local haunt, where U2 and The Dubliners will blare from the roof tops. Read about our visit to the Toad in the Village.
Noordhoek Farm Village | +27 (0)21 789 2973

7 - Mitchell's Brewery
This rustic, old English pub will serve a party crowd with traditional Irish beers and Irish fare. The staff will be dressed in green, the pub will be covered in green and they'll even be serving green beer.
Corner of East Pier and Dock Road | V&A Waterfront| +27 (0)21 419 5074

8 - Quay Four
Home to legendary fish and chips, the Quay Four terrace is always bustling with locals and visitors. They'll be running a variety of specials on St Paddy's Day and will feature live Irish Bands.
Victoria Wharf | V&A Waterfront | +27 (0)21 419 2008

9 - Twankey
Twankey Bar is hosting a St Patrick’s Day to remember with Guinness at only R25 a pint, fresh oysters from South Africa and Namibia, and classic Irish tunes throughout the day. Read more about our date with the Twankey.
Wale Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 819 2000

10 - Slug and Lettuce
This pub chain promises a draught beer dispensing process to guarantee the perfect beer and a range of Irish whiskies. The pub will be festively decorated and staff will wear Irish colours.
218-214 Long Street | City Centre | Cape Town | +27 (0)21 424 7328

Staying in? Make a traditional Irish coffee to celebrate. Join our Facebook group, follow us on Twitter or simply come back for the full list of events, activities and beer specials happening on St. Paddy's Day.

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