When?
St Patrick’s Day, Wednesday March 17
For those with Irish blood running through their veins (or, indeed, anyone up for a party), one of Abu Dhabi’s must-attend events is the St Patrick’s Day Ball, which this year takes place on March 18 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. Party goers can feast on a five-course meal, with unlimited drinks and entertainment including a leading Irish dancer and the Abu Dhabi children’s dance troupe.
From 7pm, Emirates Ballroom, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hamdan Street (050 671 8499 / 050 314 1922). Tickets Dhs425 for members, Dhs500 non-members.
Perennial Abu Dhabi favourite, The Captain’s Arms, is celebrating St Patrick’s Day on Friday and Saturday March 19-20, with discounted drinks (special cocktails and classic Irish beverages), traditional Irish grub and ‘shamrock hunting’ – no doubt a few pints of the black stuff (and prizes) will provide enough of an incentive to take part.
Captain’s Arms, Le Méridien, 5pm-midnight (02 644 6666).
Touting itself as an ‘English pub’, The Tavern may be a lot slicker than the average bevvy-stained British boozer but, away from the comfy armchairs and natural light, its heavy wooden bar holds plenty of Paddy’s day potential. Line your stomach with Limerick steak, potato soup and traditional Irish stew before claiming your free pint of Guinness – strictly for those who make the effort by dressing top-to-toe in green!
Tavern Pub, Sheraton Abu Dhabi (02 697 0260).
For Abu Dhabi’s only true (or should that be faux?) Irish pub, St Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 17 well and truly take over. From hearty beef stew to special Guinness cocktails (not for the faint hearted), party goers are encouraged to don their best Irish gear (something Leprechaun-like, perhaps) for a chance to win prizes. Well worth the effort we reckon.
PJ O’Reilly’s, Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020).
Best of the rest…
Popular South-of-the-border style bar Hemingway’s is hosting a special barbecue on March 17 (Hilton Abu Dhabi, 02 681 1900); Sports bar Heroes is hoping there’ll be plenty of willing participants for their St Paddy’s Marathon featuring The Marvels ‘high-energy entertainment band’ on March 19, plus Irish-themed food and drinks from March 16-19 (Crowne Plaza, 02 621 0000); and a Shamrock Hopfest takes over The Village Club March 17-19, Dhs50 entry including two free drinks (One to One – The Village, 02 495 2000).
Did you know…?
St Patrick’s Day is the one national holiday celebrated in more countries across the world than any other: it’s the day when more people claim to be Irish than, perhaps, is possible.
St Patrick himself was born in 373CE in Roman Britain (or somewhere north of Hadrian’s Wall). Kidnapped by pirates at the age of 16, he was sold into slavery in Ireland. After six years, he escaped to France and became a priest. At the age of 60, he returned to Ireland, converted the resident Celts to Christianity (using a shamrock to explain the Holy Trinity) and drove all the snakes into the sea. Thirsty work, no doubt, which is why many mark the day by piling into Irish pubs around the world and drinking until they see leprechauns.
