With so many Irish ex-pats and tonnes of Irish bars, it’s safe to say there are plenty of places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Abu Dhabi.
Be it Halloween or, Diwali, not to mention Christmas, or Chinese New Year, Abu Dhabi marks so many international celebrations!
Officially the day is supposed to commemorate Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland, as well as Irish heritage and culture.
As the years have passed, St. Patrick’s Day has gradually evolved into a worldwide festival, complete with parades, céilithes and celebrants dressing up in green outfits.
Don’t forget Mother’s Day is just a few days after!
St Patrick’s Day Abu Dhabi
While Abu Dhabi may be miles away from Ireland, there is no shortage of Irish people in the Emirate with so many working as teachers and nurses. St Patrick’s Day is celebrated worldwide.
The Irish in Abu Dhabi are sure to celebrate their national day at one of the venues on March 17th especially since it falls on a Friday. The celebration falls on the same day every year.
Irrespective of whether you are Irish or not, get involved with festive brunches and celebrations themed around the four-leaf clover in Abu Dhabi and of course, be sure to wear something green!
With several Irish pubs and restaurants offering traditional Irish food and drinks, read along as we highlight the top venues to keep an eye out for the best craic in the capital.
1. St Patrick’s Day at Ma Buckleys
With so many Irish expats in Abu Dhabi, it’s no wonder there are tens of Irish hangout spots in the city. Head to Ma Buckleys, the newest addition to the Irish scene, for some of the best St. Patrick’s weekend fun.
On Friday, 15th March, kick off the festivities with the St. Patrick’s Weekend Warm-Up Drunch from 8 pm to 11 pm. Enjoy live entertainment by “The Gulf Tones” band from 9 pm to midnight.
Continue the celebrations with the Saturday Brunch, from 2 pm to 5 pm. Immerse yourself in the atmosphere with live music, Irish dancers, and a fiddle player.
The St. Patrick’s Weekend Saturday After Brunch Party from 6 pm to 9 pm. Enjoy the sounds of “The Gulf Tones” from 5 pm to 8 pm, extending the lively ambiance into the evening.
For sports enthusiasts, catch the Six Nations Rugby Ireland vs Scotland match on Saturday 16th March, kicking off at 8:45 pm. Finally, on Sunday, 17th March, commemorate St. Patrick’s Day with 17 AED beverages from 9 am to 3 pm.
2. St Patrick’s Day Brunch At PJ O’Reilly’s
There’s no better place to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Abu Dhabi than PJ O’Reilly’s, the oldest standing Irish pub in the capital.
With a prime location in Downtown Abu Dhabi, the quaint Irish pub has walls decorated with Gaelic text and impressive decorations linked to good old Jameson, a fine Irish whiskey.
Gather the crew, dress up in green and head to the top Irish BBQ Brunch in town. Featuring a 4-hour brunch, an enormous drink selection and all-day entertainment, it would be hard to spend St Patrick’s Day in Abu Dhabi anywhere else!
Dine and drink away at one of the biggest showdowns before the holy season of Ramadan commences.
For bookings and more information, call 0800 101 101
Prices: AED 295 per person
Timings: 1 pm to 5 pm Saturday 16th March 2024
Location: Le Royal Méridien, Sheikh Khalifa Street – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
3. Go Green at Mc Gettigan’s Abu Dhabi – 2024 TBC
Mc Gettigan’s, Dusit Thani Abu Dhabi is well known in the city for its daily weekday offers, delicious bar bites, burgers and upbeat party atmosphere.
The Irish-American pub prepares to celebrate St Patrick’s Day Abu Dhabi all weekend long with the St Paddy’s Day Table brunch.
Enjoy a selection of Irish-inspired dishes and drinks, live entertainment, Irish-themed competitions, and the chance to win some fantastic prizes.
All the while, the ambiance will be lit with the iconic colour of the Emerald Isle, with walls, furniture and decorations draped in shades of green.
The unique Irish-inspired dishes will offer a variety of flavours, from traditional favourites to creative new dishes.
The dessert trolley will showcase a selection of sweet treats with a special touch of Irish charm, making it a traditional experience.
For more information and to book a table, call +971 2 698 8137.
Prices: Starting from AED 280 per person, all-inclusive
Timings: 12 pm to 4 pm (March 17 to 19)
Location: Al – 925 Sultan Bin Zayed The First Street – Muroor Rd – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
4. St Patrick”s Day At The Irish Vickers
Hailed as an Irish super pub and the most significant Irish bar in Abu Dhabi, The Irish Vickers is gearing up to make sure patrons have an unforgettable St Patricks Day in Abu Dhabi.
In keeping with the traditions, the venue has celebrations on for the whole month of March.
With weekly promotions on Irish bevvies and grub, the food menu offers everything from full Irish breakfasts to cottage pies and Irish chicken curry. Yes- Irish chicken curry is a thing!
The menu offers all the essentials for a traditional St Patricks Day in Abu Dhabi.
Catch the Six Nations GAA Cup or live entertainment from incredible Irish artists.
Make sure to have a green, white and orange outfit for a fun-filled day at Vickers.
For more information and bookings, call +971 2 886 9636.
Prices: AED 15 for house beverages on 15 March
AED 16 for house beverages 16 March
AED 17 for house beverages 17 March
17 March 2024
AED 222 Unlimited house beverages for three hours with selected Irish dish
AED 169 Drunch Package – three hours of house beverages
Timings: 12 pm to 4 am (March 1 to March 31)
Location: WTC Mall – The Hub – Level 6 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
5. St Patrick’s Day At Captain’s Arms
Captain’s Arm at Le Meridien is likely to draw in a large crowd of people looking to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Abu Dhabi.
The decorations, food and drink specials, live entertainment, and fun activities are bound to create an inviting and enjoyable atmosphere for patrons.
Offering indoor and outdoor seating areas, pick a spot and feast on the traditional Irish menu including delicacies, such as Guinness steak pies and bangers and mash.
Not to mention, sharing platters, drinks specials, a live DJ spinning tunes and a live band all night long!
For reservations and more information, call +971 056 688 5361
Prices: AED 65 admission
Timings: 17 March 2024 from 12 pm to 11 pm
Location: Le Meridien Abu Dhabi – Tourist Club Area – Al Zahiyah – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
6. St Paddy’s Day At Victor’s Abu Dhabi
Victor’s Pub Abu Dhabi is a sister pub to the Irish Vickers brand extending the Irish Pub scene to another catchment area within the city.
The lively atmosphere of the bar draws the Irish from Abu Dhabi, Dubai and other Emirates.
For all the sports enthusiasts, the venue has 21 screens spread across a relatively large space, so there’s no need to miss the Six Nations GAA Cup action during the St Patricks Day Abu Dhabi celebration.
On Sunday, opt for a full Irish breakfast or a Sunday roast. Settle in for the day, with selected drinks for only AED 17 you’ll be certain to have a great time.
For reservations and more information, call +971 50 393 5529.
Prices: AED 15 for house beverages on 15 March
AED 16 for house beverages 16 March
AED 17 for house beverages 17 March
17 March 2024
AED 222 Unlimited house beverages for three hours with a selected Irish platter
AED 169 For three hours of house beverages
Timings: 12 pm to 3 am
Location: Millenium Al Rawdah Hotel – Al Rawdah – W68 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
7. Murphy’s Sports Bar
A hidden gem located a 30-minute drive from Downtown Abu Dhabi and thousands of miles away from the lush green grasslands of the Emerald Isle is Murphys Sports Bar.
Being easily accessible from Abu Dhabi International Airport, it’s perfect for those on a stopover on St Patrick’s Day for a couple of drinks.
Known to serve up delicious pub grub and burger towers, enjoy a game of snooker, darts and a handful of arcade machines.
This St Patrick’s Day, Murphy’s will be offering buy 2 get one free on Wagners and Guinness, a perfect opportunity to rally the troops and get Irish!
Being an Irish Pub, Murphy’s Sports Bar has definitely got a few tricks up its sleeve for St Patrick’s Day.
Offering indoor and outdoor seating options overlooking the Al Ghazal Golf Course, it’s a lovely place to celebrate.
To make a booking or for more information, call +971 2 505 5023.
Prices: À la carte
Timings: 10 am to 2 am (Sunday to Thursday)
10 am to 3 am (Friday and Saturday)
Location: Al Ghazal Golf Club Airport Freezone Area – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
8. Culann Aries By The Irish Vickers
Culann Aries, the youngest of The Irish Vickers brand opened its doors in late 2022 on Yas Island, bringing a new dynamic to the Irish pub scene in Abu Dhabi.
The trendy café-styled restaurant offers an upmarket Irish dining experience with a variety of Irish delicacies on its menu as well as a wide range of beverages to suit all tastes.
With exciting offers and buy-one-get-one deals throughout the week, Culaan Aries is a must-add to the list of those planning to do a cheeky pub crawl for St Patricks Day in Abu Dhabi.
For more information and group bookings, call +971 2 632 9252.
Prices: Multiple offers throughout the week
Timings: 12 pm to 1 am (Monday to Friday)
Location: FJJ9+9M – Yas Island – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
9. Fado Irish Pub
Contrary to the venues previously mentioned, Fado Irish Pub Abu Dhabi is reminiscent of a quiet, cosy Irish pub in the countryside.
There is a simple layout to the pub providing all the essentials to make it a comfortable atmosphere.
As an Irish pub, it ticks all the boxes with live music, international sports events, daily specials, speciality food and happy hours. Celebrate all weekend long with festivities starting on Friday the 15th of March through to Sunday the 17th of March, the true day of St Patrick’s celebrations.
Raise your glasses, chant Sláinte, sing along to a few traditional Irish songs and let the good times roll!
For more information and to make a booking, call +971 2 692 2218.
Happy Hour: 12 pm to 8 pm (Daily)
Timings: 12 pm to 2 am (Sunday to Thursday)
12 pm to 3 am (Friday and Saturday)
Location: Oryx Hotel Corniche Road – Zayed The First St – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
10. Hemingway’s
Although Hemingway’s is an English sports bar, they do celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Abu Dhabi.
The bar’s reputation for discounted drinks and all-time favourite dishes makes it a popular choice with partygoers, who include this bar in the annual pub crawl, aka 12 pubs of Christmas.
As part of the St. Patrick’s Day in Abu Dhabi celebration, Hemingways goes Irish! To celebrate the holiday and create a festive atmosphere, the pub is hosting a St Patrick’s Day Garden Brunch, with a variety of delicious food, special drinks and lively music. Expect iconic shepherd’s pie, slow-cooked roast and kegs of hops.
Even better, Hemingways has a buy two, get one free on all of its St Patrick’s Day packages, ensuring all of your friends can experience the joy of live entertainment and activities. Enjoy Irish vibes right in the heart of Abu Dhabi.
For further details and to make a booking, call +971 2 692 4999.
Prices: AED 199 for the soft package
AED 299 for the house package
Timings: 17 March 2024 from 1 pm – 4 pm
Location: Radisson Blu Hotel – F87G+26 – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
11. Tavern Pub
A traditional and cosy pub, the Tavern Pub has long been a place for watching soccer tournaments and cricket in downtown Abu Dhabi.
You’ll be thinking you have the luck of the Irish this St Patrick’s Day in Abu Dhabi with Tavern Pubs extended all-day happy hour, from noon through to 8 PM! Be sure to stay until 5 PM, when you and your friends can indulge in complimentary bar bites.
There will be a wide selection of beverages available at special prices, so you won’t go thirsty.
For more information and to make a reservation, call +971 2 697 0260.
Prices: All-day Happy Hour from 12 pm – 8 pm
Complimentary Bar Bites from 5 pm to 7 pm
Timings: 12 pm to 3 am
Location: Sheraton Abu Dhabi Hotel & Resort، Corniche Road East – Abu Dhabi – United Arab Emirates
St Patrick’s Day Abu Dhabi FAQs
Why do we celebrate St. Patrick’s Day?
As the patron saint of Ireland and the apostle of Ireland, Patrick played an important role in bringing Roman Catholicism to Ireland.
It has become a worldwide tradition to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day on March 17.
What is the relevance of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day?
The traditional custom of wearing green on St. Patrick’s Day is to avoid being pinched by leprechauns!
In folklore, wearing green makes you invisible to leprechauns, who like to pinch people who see them.
What brings good luck on St Paddy’s Day?
The four-leaf clover is the most well-known lucky charm associated with St. Patrick’s Day. The leaves of the clover stand for faith, hope, luck and love.
Nevertheless, finding a four-leaf clover is like searching for a needle in a haystack.
St Patrickb’s Day – Fun Facts
- In Irish culture, St Patrick’s Day is a national holiday celebrated on March 17th every year on which banks, stores, and businesses close in Ireland.
- The most popular drink on St. Patrick’s Day is Guinness.
- The first St. Patrick’s parade took place in Boston, the United States.
- St. Patricks Day was initially associated with the colour blue. However, over time, the colour green became more relevant because of Ireland’s nickname, The Emerald Isle, and of course, the green in the shamrock (cloverleaf) and the green in the flag.
- In the earlier days, St. Patrick’s Day was a dry day as it falls during the lenten season (a period of fasting in the Catholic faith).
- County Cork in Ireland hosts the world’s shortest St. Patrick’s Day parade. It only lasts 25 yards from one pub to the other, the village’s two pubs.
There are plenty of places to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in Abu Dhabi, let us know what you get up to in the comments!
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