Paddyfest: To be sure, one of the greatest spots to go full Irish this St. Patrick’s Day in Brisbane is at Paddyfest. The annual rager is set to sweep the Doomben Racecourse with a packed program of authentic Irish food and entertainment – think pipe bands, Guinness, corned beef, potato 100 ways and plenty of craic.
The City’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and markets: Every year, the CBD becomes awash in a sea of green for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade and markets. Boasting more than 700 participants and 40 floats making their way through the streets of The City, the parade finishes up at the City Botanic Gardens with a market overflowing with food, drinks and crafts – all Irish, of course.
Mick O’Malley’s: This is a bittersweet one – beloved Irish pub Mick O’Malley’s will be having its last hurrah over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend before it closes its doors forever. Be sure to swing by for one last drink and indulge in some hearty traditional fare before the pub’s final day of trade on Sunday March 17 – let’s send her off with a bang!
South Bank: Hold onto your green top hats – South Bank’s Paddy’s Day offering is truly epic. This family-friendly day will see Little Stanley Street and surrounds buzzing with all things green – think street performers, Irish-themed entertainment, activities and exclusive St Patrick’s Day dining offers from some of the precinct’s most delicious eateries.
Irish Murphy’s: If the venue has Irish in the name, you know it’s going to take its St. Pat’s Day celebrations seriously. One of The City’s most beloved pubs will be hosting free live Irish bands from Friday to Sunday into the wee hours of the morning, as well as pouring plenty of authentic drops (hello, Jameson) and serving up hearty pub grub.
Finn McCool’s: When we say the Irish will be taking over Brunswick Street Mall for the Finn McCool’s St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, we mean it literally – the rollicking venue has been granted an extended licence for the day. The event is a festival of all things Irish featuring food stalls, pop-up bars and even a vintage truck pouring the best tipples (Kilkenny, Magners and Guinness of course) – all soundtracked by live and loud entertainment across two stages.
Tara House/Elizabeth Picture Theatre: What better place to celebrate a major Irish holiday than the former site of the iconic Brisbane Irish Club? Now the Elizabeth Picture Theatre, the venue will be opening its Presidents Room and Function Rooms and filling them with good cheer – think flowing Guinness, Irish dancing and beef and mushroom pies.
Beirne Lane: Considering its namesake T.C. Beirne was a teetotaller, Beirne Lane knows a thing or two about how to throw a boozy soiree – which is exactly what it is doing for St. Patrick’s Day. With breakfast from 6:30 am, bars open from 10:00 am and a menu of traditional Irish food available, this roomy laneway haunt will have you jiggin’ until the wee hours of the morning.
