On the 17^th of March all around the world, friends and families come together for a St. Patrick’s day celebration, a tradition which started centuries ago as a religious feast day for the patron saint of Ireland and what has now become a celebration in which the Irish culture is appreciated in high spirits, from feasting on pub style foods, drinking traditional Irish whiskeys and beers to street festivals and musical gatherings.’

With this year’s St. Patrick’s day just a few weeks away, Cape Town and surrounding areas are no exception to the fun, and many bars and restaurants (most especially pubs that have an Irish touch) will host their own specials and celebratory gatherings, to make this a memorable local event. Even if you don’t usually take part in this fun tradition, it is a good excuse to explore Cape Town’s most exciting spots and maybe even find your inner leprechaun.

We have compiled a list of Cape Town’s most exciting bars to visit on St. Patrick’s Day (which falls on a Thursday this year) some of which are fantastically Irish in their ways and others of which offer some of the best beers and whiskeys locally:

The Dubliner

A well known and loved Irish inspired pub found on the lively Long Street of the Mother City, it is easy to see why the Dubliner would make for the perfect St. Patrick’s day destination. With specials on the popular Guinness Irish beer (on-tap) available on the day, as well as giveaways and live music, you will find it hard not to join in the celebration and possibly find the Dubliner is new on your list of favourites. The Dubliner will open at 11 am for early birds, and only close its doors close late so that you can party on and on.

For more information, call: 021 424 1212
Open from 11 am to 4 am

The Slug ‘n Lettuce

The friendly atmosphere at this warm, welcoming pub vibe is what sets the Slug and Lettuce apart from the rest. Although there is more than one Slug n Lettuce restaurant to be enjoyed around Cape Town, each setting is unique with its decorating themes and menu’s, appealing to the chosen neighbourhood. With a divine menu of comfort foods and ‘pub grubs’, a large range of beers (on tap, draught or craft beers), various wine’s by the glass and a selection of premium whiskeys, your St. Paddy’s day celebration spent at Slug n Lettuce will have all the makings of a fine evening.

For more information, visit: www.slugandlettuce.co.za
Open from: Times differ for each branch, visit the website (as above) for more info

BeerHouse

Famous for housing ’99 bottles’ of the best local and international beers and with a passion for craft beers and local flavours and talents, BeerHouse is located in the busy Long Street of Cape Town and has a fun and bustling vibe, constantly bring in a flurry of excited beer enthusiasts who can’t get enough. The decor is modern and offers indoor seating and also seating on the terrace which overlooks the activity of Cape Town’s street life.  Get in early on St Paddy’s day to make sure you get a seat and make amazing memories over some fantastic beer.

For more information, visit: www.beerhouse.co.za
Open from 11 am to 2 am

The Village Idiot

St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated in a haze of green, and The Village Idiot restaurant pays homage to this tradition by pulling out all the stops with their St. Patrick’s Day Green Burger Special, complete with a mouth-watering whiskey barbecue sauce and a pint of beer. There will also be Jameson shots at affordable prices, another Irish favourite. The Village Idiot is a wonderfully vintage bar/restaurant located on Loop Street in Cape Town, with live music and large projectors for watching sports. The food menu consists of local and loved comfort foods and there is even a braai on the large balcony, what more could you want?

For more information, call: 021 418 1548
Open from 3 pm to 2 am

O’Driscoll’s Irish Pub

This friendly and lively Irish inspired pub and restaurant is located in the heart of Cape Town City (on the corner of Burg and Hout Street), and serves traditional Irish food and beers, with Irish music adding to the ambiance, and live performances a regular treat for guests. Get caught up in the St. Patrick’s day celebrations at this popular destination, and enjoy Guinness on tap, affordable specials and a scrumptious menu offering local or Irish style foods to keep you going – the kitchens stay open till past midnight, perfect for a long night of fun and laughter.

For more information, call: 021 424 7453
Open from 11 am to 2 am

The Taproom (Devils Peak Brewery) 

Overlooking amazing views of Devils Peak and Table Mountain, the funky and modern Devils Peak is a unique and exciting restaurant serving their own home brewed craft beers (you will be able to explore the brewery), and a selection of popular craft beers too – they even aspire to add beer to some of their delicious foods, such as the popular ‘Cheesy Beer Nachos’.  If you are looking for a locally inspired, stylish and beer-crazy destination to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day, then the Taproom and Devils Peak Brewery is just the place.

For more information, visit:  www.devilspeakbrewing.co.za
Open from 12 pm to 11 pm

The Firemans Arms  

Established in 1864, this cosy and welcoming historic pub and restaurant is one for the books, and has everything on offer to make your St Patrick’s Day celebration memorable and amazing for the whole family. From on tap beers and a selection of fine wines and drinks, to some hearty pub style dishes and lovely desserts to satisfy any craving. The Fireman’s Arms pub can be found on the corner of Buitengracht and Mechau Street in Cape Town.

For more information, visit: www. firemansarms.co.za
Open from 11 am to 2 am

Be a part of an amazing tradition this year, dress up in green, paint your face with lucky Irish clovers, and head out to enjoy a fun-filled evening of celebrating St. Patrick’s day with your friends or family in the stunning Cape Town area. Remember that if you are planning to drink, take a taxi or keep your cellphone charged so that you can request an Uber to get you home safely.

You can also consider sleeping over in Cape Town over St. Patrick’s Day too enjoy a short holiday break. Choose your ideal accommodation from our wide selection of self catering apartments and modern holiday homes, located in and around the city center. Click here to view and book – www.holidayapartments.co.za 

When we drink, we get drunk.
When we get drunk, we fall asleep.
When we fall asleep, we commit no sin.
When we commit no sin, we go to heaven.
So, let’s all get drunk, and go to heaven!
–Old Irish toast