The Best Places To Celebrate St Patrick’s Day In Melbourne
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| Annabelle English, Darren McKnight and Jess Noonan at PJ O'Briens in Southbank. Picture: Andrew Tauber |
MELBOURNE is set to turn green today as more than 20 of the city’s Irish pubs celebrate St Patrick’s Day.
And it’s not just the Irish pubs taking advantage of the celebrations, with many others also getting on board to paint the town green.
It’s no surprise Melbourne takes their St Patrick’s Day festivities seriously — the Irish were among the first Europeans to settle in Australia.
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| Stephen Paxino and Tom Featherstone celebrate St Patrick's Day. Picture: David Crosling |
Sure some of them were convicts but more than 300,000 other Irish settlers made the trip to Australia in the 1800s and 1900s.
Saint Patrick is one of Ireland’s patron saints. He died on March 17 and is believed to have banished snakes from the country.
But why do people wear green on St Patrick’s Day? You’d be forgiven for thinking it’s because green, along with orange and white, appear on the Flag of Ireland or even taking advantage of the term “Emerald Isle”.
But according to legend, wearing green makes people invisible to leprechauns.
Whatever the reason, be sure to wear green or a shamrock brooch while out on the town celebrating in Irish style.
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| Amee Lynch, Stuart Glen and Dolores Bannon celebrate at The Celtic Club in Melbourne CBD |
Celtic Club — Melbourne
Not only is it going to be a big day with lots of “craic ages cool” (fun and music), but it’s the club’s last St Patrick’s Day in it’s current home. There will be live traditional Music from 12pm in the ‘Cu Chulainn’ bar and if you’re into Irish stew and Guinness pies, head into the Shamrock Restaurant.
PJ O’Brien’s — Southbank
Doors open at 8am on Friday for fun and frivolity including face painting, Irish dancers and live entertainment. Followed by a big breakfast on Saturday to cure your hangover.
Platform 28 — Docklands
Open all day but live music and Irish delights will be available from 5.30pm
Turf Bar — Melbourne
There will be live music, Irish-inspired food specials and plenty of Guinness flowing.
The Common Man — South Wharf
There will be live music, Guinness lamb ribs and all things green in the Clover Beer Garden.
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| Harry Harrison has a guineas with Peta Gillin during celebrations on St Patrick's Day at PJ O'Briens in Melbourne. Picture: David Crosling |
Meat Market — Melbourne
4 Course Whiskey Degustation menu led by Jameson’s Whiskey ambassador Max Hart.
The Posty — Richmond
What says St Patricks Day other than green things and potatoes? Irish drinking songs will play all night and you can buy potato pizzas or picklebacks — shots of Jameson whisky and pickle juice.
Young and Jacksons — Melbourne
Raise a glass to the Emerald Isle and jig your little heart out to some traditional Irish music while enjoying Irish fare.
Dan O’Connel Hotel — Carlton
Breakfast will be served from 7am and or jig along to tunes played by a U2 tribute band at night.
The Melbourne Central Lion — Melbourne
With jugs of green beer and a three-hour happy hour this place is sure to be overflowing with green.
Elephant and Wheelbarrow — St Kilda
The day kicks off with a full Irish breakfast and continues throughout the day with live music and one hell of a party.
Bridie O’Reilly’s — South Yarra
This place will be one of the hottest parties once breakfast kicks off at 10am
Moonee Valley Racing
Moonee Valley Racing
Irish dancers and a folk band will sing and dance between races.
Loch and Key — Melbourne
Irish inspired drinks and menu available and a special performance from the Ramshackle Army. Prizes for best dressed.
