St. Patrick's Day parties and events

Few saints' days get quite the same treatment as that of good ol' Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Despite March 17's marking the anniversary of his death, the focus on St. Patrick's Day both in Ireland and abroad is more a celebration of good fun - or craic, as they say on the island - and good drink. There's long been a shared affinity between Ireland and the Czech Republic for those very two things, so it's natural that a number of pubs and clubs in Prague (and not just Irish bars) are making the most of an excuse for a good time with drinks specials, concerts and themed menus. Here are our picks for events taking place over the weekend.

The grandest is the St. Patrick's Charity Gala Ball, organized by the Czech Irish Business and Cultural Association, on Saturday, March 16. The black-tie event, held in the ballrooms of the Municipal House, starts at 7:30 and includes a dinner and wine menu, live music and dancing. Tickets cost 2,500 Kč; write to info@cibca.cz for more info.

The James Joyce Irish pub in Old Town, which has imported Guinness on tap, has a St. Patrick's Day festival March 14-17, with live music (Thursday, the Irish band Leonard's Lament at 8 p.m.; Friday, the Czech outfit The Beer Berries at 8 p.m.; Saturday, the British performer Jamie Marshall at 8 p.m.; Sunday, the Czech band IBY at 1 p.m., the local American import Kate Powers at 5 p.m. and Leonard's Lament at 8 p.m.). There will also be a special menu featuring new and classic dishes such as Irish bacon, cabbage, parsley sauce and mashed potato; freshly imported Irish cod for traditional fish and chips; beef and vegetable Guinness stew; and wild Irish salmon steaks with spinach Hollandaise. To reserve a table, call 224 818 851.

At Pub O'Brien in Holešovice, the local band Irish Dew plays March 16 and 17, along with general merriment and Guinness on tap. For more info, call 224 818 851. O'Che's pub is celebrating Pádraig from March 15 to 17, by promoting its Guinness on tap and its lively atmosphere.

The Irish-run Cafe Pointa in Hradčany has a sophisticated celebration March 15, with dinner and live Irish music by Cupla Focal. Starting at 7 p.m., the dinner includes oysters opened by the resident chef and Czech oyster-opening champion, Eliška Marková; salmon tartare on Guinness bread, Irish flank steak with whiskey sauce or salmon en croute; and a trio of Irish-inspired desserts. The cost is 750 Kč per person, or 700 Kč if wearing green. To book, call 233 321 289.

Baráčnická rychta in Malá Strana offers a taste of some traditional Irish musical instruments, courtesy of the Bernard School in Prague, as well as discounts on whiskey and beers. The event starts March 17 at 8 p.m., and entry is 150 Kč. Book online at Baracnickarychta.cz.

One of the most raucous parties will be the Jameson Zone on Dlouhá March 16, with celebrations taking place at Roxy, NoD, Klub 2 Patro, Prague Beer Museum and others - as well as taking over the entire street. Sponsored by the iconic Irish whiskey distillery, the main event is Jameson St. Patrick's Live at Roxy, held from 6 p.m., with a lineup featuring Tata bojs, The Riptide Movement and DJs Bidlo, Fatty M and Lumiere. Tickets cost 180 Kč and are available through Ticketpro.cz.

Another show will be at Hard Rock Café March 17 at 8:30 p.m., with a free concert by Claymore to celebrate St. Paddy. To book, call 224 229 529.

Over at The Globe, there'll be a two-day affair March 16 and 17, with a karaoke party Saturday and a special food and drinks menu Sunday, featuring green beer for the occasion. For more info, call 224 934 203.

There's double the reason to party at Jáma pub and restaurant in New Town, which is celebrating its 19th birthday March 15 with a St. Patrick's Day-themed event. Starting at 8 p.m., there'll be Tullamore Dew drink specials, a raffle and music provided by DJ Richie, and the entire restaurant (and staff) will be kitted out in costumes and decorations. No cover charge; call 222 967 081 to reserve.

The U veverky pub and restaurant in Dejvice has a menu of Irish-themed specialties March 16-17. Dishes include rumpsteak with potato pancakes and Brussels sprouts with bacon for 149 Kč; lamb with thyme coddle for 129 Kč; and Irish stew for 129 Kč. To book, call 223 000 223.

In Karlín, Můj šálek kávy has a special two-for-one deal March 16-17 for Irish coffees, made with the café's Doubleshot roast. For more info, check out Mujsalekkavy.cz.

Also in Prague 6, the Marpek whisky shop and bar hosts a concert March 15 of local rockers Vintage Wine, accompanied by access to Marpek's 92 available types of whisky and whiskey, starting at 5 p.m.

A bit farther afield, Hospůdka Zvířátka in the town of Roztoky u Prahy, about 15 minutes by bus from Dejvicka, is hosting its annual Irish Afternoon in conjunction with James School. Starting at 3 p.m., the pub will have lamb specials straight off the outdoor grill, including chops and sausages, as well as three types of whiskey to choose from and Primátor Stout on tap, as well as Černá Hora and Únětický beers. From 6 p.m., the band Five Leaf Clover will be giving a concert. To book, call 731 840 916.

Fiona Gaze can be reached at
fgaze@praguepost.com