Everyone loves to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, even if you don’t hail from the emerald isle. We’ve rounded up a handful of great places for you to get together with some good friends to enjoy the craic and celebrate with an Irish brew here in the capital.
Cooper’s Bar & Restaurant
Head to Cooper’s at the Park Rotana and indulge in the special beverages on offer. The mood will be upbeat and entertaining with a live performance by Natural Gas, a four-piece Irish band actually from Ireland who will be playing traditional music and songs with a wide range of different instruments. The band will have you feeling the Irish spirit well into the evening.
Park Rotana (02 657 3333).
Stills
For those with Irish blood running through their veins, celebrate St Patrick’s Day at Stills, Crowne Plaza Yas Island to enjoy live music from DJ Geoff Davis and promotions on the old Irish brew and pots of mussels all night. The best thing about St Patrick’s Day at Stills? Celebrations last all weekend from March 15-17, 7pm until late.
Crowne Plaza Yas Island (02 656 3053).
The Tavern Pub
On March 17 The Tavern Pub will turn into a home for all Irish residents and visitors alike when all folks celebrate St. Paddy’s. Wear green clothes and try Irish specialties paired, of course, with popular brews. Stuff yourself silly with traditional food, such as Irish stew, grilled lobster tail and Irish carrot soup, that will be at the heart of this special day. Whoever turns up in all-green attire will be rewarded with a free Irish brew. This one is not to be missed!
Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort (02 677 3333)
Captain’s Arms
Perennial Abu Dhabi favourite, the Captain’s Arms, will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day from 6pm with special Irish drinks and blends as well as one of the Captain’s Arms famous Irish stews. In the centre of the garden, the DJ will take to the stage to perform the crowd’s favourite beats. There will be quizzes and activities with many prizes to be won.
Le Méridien (02 644 6666).
Stars ‘n’ Bars
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day all weekend at Stars ‘n’ Bars with lots of different offers. Kick off the Friday night with a selection of yummy green drinks and keep on grooving to the tunes of the live band until 1am. From 8-9pm there will be buy-one-get-one-free on a special selection of drinks. Then, if you can drag yourself up in time the following day, indulge in a special St. Patrick’s day brunch. Bring your family and friends to the Saturday family day with lots of activities for kids from 1pm-5pm. There will be a live band until 1am and frozen Mexican blends are half price from 9-10pm.
Stars ‘n’ Bars, Yas Marina & Yacht Club, Yas Island (02 565 0101).
Crowne Plaza
You don’t have to be Irish-born to enjoy this party – anyone who likes a good time should make like a Leprechaun and jig on over to one of Abu Dhabi’s must-attend events: the St Patrick’s Day Ball. This year it is taking 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 a performance by the Abu Dhabi children’s dance troupe.
From 7pm, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Tickets Dhs425 for members, Dhs500 non-members (02 621 0000).
PJ O’Reilly’s
For Abu Dhabi’s closest Irish pub experience, St Patrick’s Day celebrations on March 17 at PJs is the place to head to. From hearty beef stew to special Irish brew 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, and you’ll look dashing we’re sure.
Le Royal Méridien (02 674 2020).
