Australia's oldest Irish pub goes all out with a days-long event of St Patrick's-themed fun. Some of their events, including their St Patrick's Day Breakfast and their St Patrick's Parade Day celebrations get sold out, but their actual St Patrick's Day party on March 17 (which starts at 10am) is free and open to whoever rocks up on the day. They'll have performances – from Blackwater, Shindig, Shaylee Wilde and the Soniks – throughout the day.
Whether you're an Irish ex-pat, have Irish blood, or just love a good ol' Gaelic knees-up, St Paddy's Day, on March 17, is a chance to celebrate the rich heritage of the Emerald Isle. In Sydney, there are a bunch of ways to get involved. There's the official St Patrick's Day Parade and Festival on the weekend (Sunday, March 19), which transforms the Rocks into a St Patrick's Day-palooza of live music, Irish language sessions, Irish dancing, stilt-walking, face-painting, handicrafts, festival bars and food stalls.
But if you want to observe the saint's day itself, this year March 17 falls on the Friday, and since the time-honoured way to toast ol' St Pat is with a well-poured Guinness, you can expect great craic and pints aplenty in Sydney's pubs on the day and through the weekend also. Here's where to cheer "Sláinte!" on the big day in Sydney.