Did someone say they are in need of craic for St. Patrick’s Day in Abu Dhabi? The UAE capital may be more than 6,000 kilometres away from the Emerald Isle, but the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day knows no bounds.
Abu Dhabi St. Patrick’s Day events are always lucky, and this year the capital is coming down with green fever, with plenty of deals and brunches then you can shake a shillelagh at. From pints of Irish hops to a good auld plate of spuds and gravy, there are tonnes spots to have a fun time this Paddy’s Day.
So if you’re looking for some bia blasta agus deochana (tasty food and drinks) and stacks o’ craic this Thursday March 17, check out Time Out’s guide to St. Patrick’s Day in Abu Dhabi in 2022.
Black Tap
Looking for something a little extra this St. Patrick’s Day? Black Tap is a master of over the top burgers and shakes, and it’s no different this Paddy’s Day. Head there for the Reuben burger with angus beef, corned beef, sauerkraut sliced pickles, swiss cheese and special sauce for Dhs70. The St. Paddy’s emerald vanilla shake comes with a frosted rim, mini marshmallows and green icing “shamrocks” topped with a rice crispy bar, rainbow sour belt rope, gold chocolate coins, whipped cream and cereals for Dhs62. The special menu is available from Saturday March 12 to Saturday March 19 across all UAE outlets, including Black Tap at Mamsha.
Dhs70 (burger) Dhs62 (shake). Mar 12-19. Mamsha Al Saadiyat (02 446 5128).
Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant
How can you improve St. Patrick’s Day in Abu Dhabi? By having four of them in a row, of course. At Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant at Park Rotana Abu Dhabi, punters can reap epic deals for four days straight. Get a pint of hops for Dhs17 on Thursday March 17. Dig into the pub’s famous steak and hops pie plus a pint for Dhs110 or three pints for Dhs99 from Friday March 18 to Sunday March 20. There is also a St. Patrick’s Day brunch happening on Saturday March 19 with traditional Paddy’s Day dishes and free-flowing hops and Irish drinks from Dhs229 from noon to 4pm.
Prices vary. Thu March 17-20. Park Rotana, Khalifa Park Road Eastern Ring Rd, (02 657 3325).
Extraordinary Dusit Brunch
Looking to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with an extraordinary brunch? The Dusit St. Patrick’s Day brunch is happening on Saturday March 19 from 1pm to 4pm with a brunch buffet of global selections. Choose between seafood, sushi, artisan cheese and moreish dishes from signature restaurants Benjarong and Namak. The welcome reception at Orchid Lounge starts at 12.30pm.
Click here for the full Time Out review of the Extraordinary Dusit Brunch.
Dhs270 (soft), Dhs400 (house), Dhs90 (kids). Sat Mar 19, 1pm-4pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road (02 698 8888).
Hamilton’s Gastropub
For one week, Hamilton’s Gastropub is hosting an Irish festival from Thursday March 17 to Thursday March 24 with a special menu of Irish favourites. Dishes include Irish steamed cabbage rolls, Irish beef stew, bangers and mash and more. You can also get deals on Irish drinks including an unlimited package for three hours. Come dressed in traditional Irish clothes and you have the chance to win daily prizes. There will also be live music from Thursday March 17 to Saturday March 19.
Thu Mar 17-Thu Mar 24. Saadiyat Rotana Resort and Villas, Saadiyat Island fb.saadiyat@rotana.com (02 697 0000).
Ireland Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai
There’s really no better place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day than at the Ireland Pavilion at Expo 2020? This is the perfect excuse to make (yet another) trip to Expo. Sharing the best of Irish culture and heritage on an international stage, the Irish pavilion will host a series of events showcasing all that Ireland has to offer – from music and fitness, to food and drinks.
Al Wasl Plaza, the Ireland Pavilion and Expo Sports arena will all be lit in green at Expo. Irish-woman-abroad Maeve Madden is hosting a one-off outdoor, free fitness class. The Irish Business will host a St. Patrick’s Day breakfast; supporting all things business in Ireland and Irish business abroad. There’ll also be a live performance from the much-loved Irish band Kíla. You’ll even be able to watch a St. Patrick’s Day parade around Expo 2020 led by the Irish Defence Force Pipers. Phew.
Free entry. Montgomerie Gold Academy, Emirates Hills Golf Course. eat@foggs.xyz (04 572 4477).
McGettigan’s
The Paddy’s Day table brunch at McGettigan’s Dusit Thani is painting the town an Irish spring green. Gather the gang and head to this much-loved Irish pub for a three-day celebration that goes from Thursday March 17 to Saturday March 19 from noon to 4pm. There are sharing starters, soup and favourite Irish mains to choose from, plus desserts with a shamrock twist. Specially themed mixed drinks include the Matcha Irish Coffee and “nutty” Irishman.
Dhs280 (house). Thu Mar 17-Sat Mar 19, noon-4pm. Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi, Al Muroor Road (02 698 8888).
PJ O’Reilly’s
Sure we’re all a bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. Celebrate the Emerald Isle’s biggest day at one of the capital’s oldest Irish establishments, PJ O’Reilly’s. The celebration will be hosted by DJ Sonya Macm and you’ll get to watch the Six Nations live on the day. Prices start at Dhs295 per person and the event goes from 1pm to 5pm. That’s a day out that will do the green, white and orange proud.
From Dhs295. Thu Mar 17, 1pm-5pm. Le Royal Méridien Abu Dhabi (800 101 101).
Ronan Keating
Head to Dubai’s Coca-Cola Arena this St. Patrick’s Day weekend to see Irish star Ronan Keating perform. The concert is happening on Friday March 18, and it’s set to make all your ’90s dreams come true with the Boyzone star performing all his greatest hits. Is there anything better than a little ’90s Irish music throwback?
From Dhs145. Fri Mar 18. 7pm (gates). 9pm (performance). coca-cola-arena.com (050 734 2004).
Stars N Bars Abu Dhabi
If it’s craic you’re after, Stars N Bars Abu Dhabi always has some up its sleeve. The St. Patrick’s Day weekend is no different with this special deal. Get an Irish stout pie and green hops for Dhs79. The bar will be screening all six nations games throughout the weekend too.
Dhs79. Mar 17-19. Yas Marina (02 565 0101).
