Count yourself lucky if you will be spending the next days in Budapest as there are a number Irish Pubs and restaurants celebrating Ireland’s patron saint, St. Patrick during the long weekend in the middle of March. Barrels of Guinness and bottles of Jameson whiskey will definitely be uncorked – we advise you where! An ever-growing group of Irish expats and Ireland enthusiasts celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Budapest with a parade. For the fifth year in a row, the event is expanded into an official festival where you can make friends with other “Irish souls” wearing the famous Guinness Shamrock hats. Head to Szabadság Square on Sunday, 17th March where the official St Patrick’s Day Parade will kick off at 1 pm. For more info, visit the event’s Facebook site HERE Liberty Square - Szabadság tér 1054 Budapest, Szabadság tér Go to profile St. Patrick’s Day can’t be complete without listening to authentic Irish music. You can enjoy live music performances by authentic Irish and Hungarian musicians in some pubs during the long weekend. But the best party atmosphere, of course, is to be expected in one of the Irish pubs and restaurants. Budapest is lucky enough to have some welcoming pubs that are owned, decorated, and operated by Irish natives. They are presenting genuine atmospheres for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, along with full menus of Ireland’s potato-packed cuisine. Jack Doyle’s Irish Pub takes pride in advertising itself as “the most Irish pub for Hungarians – and the most Hungarian pub for Irish.” Experience the family atmosphere and a full course of Irish lunch and/or dinner in Pilvax Lane, close to Ferenciek Square. If you prefer a wider variety of Irish beers and whiskey, head to Becketts Pub on Liszt Ferenc Square. Another cosy place, the Publin Irish Pub is just across the street on Andrássy Avenue. Hungary’s best Irish rock bands, Paddy and the Rats and Firkin are – sadly – away touring in Europe, but you can still get into the Shamrock mood with their music: