It shouldn’t have escaped your knowledge that it is St Patrick’s Day on March 17. But in true Irish style there is a weekend of parties all around town to give the Emerald Isle’s patron saint a proper celebration. We’ve listed the best ones below…

IRISH VILLAGE
March 14
Legendary rocker Bob Geldof returns to Irish Village at 9pm, having wowed thousands of fans here last year. “I’ve been going to Dubai for St Patrick’s Day for many years,” said Bob. “I’m always excited about performing at The Irish Village. It’s the perfect venue.”

March 15
Today is Family Day with live Irish band The Logues flown in from Dublin, as well as resident band The MapleJacks, plus traditional Irish music and dancers at 2pm.

March 16
Music from Irish band The Logues at 7pm.

March 17
Live music all day from The Logues, The MapleJacks and local Irish band Roisin Dubh.

Irish Village on St Patrick's Day

Al Garhoud, next to Dubai Tennis Stadium, 11am to 2am, free, Bob Geldof Dhs75 . Tel: (04) 2824750/(04) 2824752.  Metro: GGICO.
theirishvillage.com

McGETTIGANS
An Irish band is flying in from Galway to perform alongside house band Picture House at both Dubai venues. A troupe of Irish dancers will skip their hearts out, also at both venues. On March 15, rugby fans can watch Ireland meet France in the Six Nations (3pm UAE), and competitions could see you winning a VIP trip to Ireland.

March 13 to 17
McGettigan’s JLT, McGettigan’s DWTC, Dubai, Sat to Thur 12pm to 3pm, 7pm to 11pm; Fri 2pm to 5.30pm, 8pm to 11pm. Tel: (04) 3780808. mcgettigans.ie

FIBBER McGEE’S
The traditional Irish pub promises a weekend-long celebration with live music and drinks deals. On March 14, tuck into a slap-up brunch and see beIN Sports presenter Angus Scott chat live to former Ireland and Lions rugby star David Wallace. The Paddyman will play Irish songs and pop classics March 13 and 17, with other acts taking to the stage March 14, 15 and 16.

Saeed Tower One, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3322400. Metro: World Trade Centre. fibbersdubai.com

RIVINGTON BAR AND GRILL
Souk Madinat’s brilliant bar and restaurant have added a number of Irish-inspired additions to the Rivi blackboard such as Oxtail soup and Steak and Stout Pie. For dessert, tuck into banana and butter bread with Guinness Ice cream to truly celebrate in Emerald Isle style. Wash it all down with an Apple Martini, Irish slipper or Caliche Rum cocktail for a taste of Ireland from start to finish.

Souk Madinat Jumeirah, Dubai. Tel: (04) 3666464. Taxi: Madinat Jumeirah. rivingtongrill.ae

BARASTI 
Wild Irish entertainer The Paddyman performs at Barasti March 15 and 17. March 15 you can also catch Ireland take on France in the Six Nations at 3pm, with DJ sets from DJ Venus 2pm to 5pm, Marty Metcalfe 5pm to 8pm, Marky T 8pm to 11pm, and DJ Soto 11pm to closing time.

Barasti

Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort, Al Sufouh Road, Dubai, Sunday to Thursday 11am to 2am, Friday and Saturday 9am to 3am. Tel: (04) 3181313. Taxi: Le Méridien Mina Seyahi Beach Resort. barastibeach.com

THE HUB
The St Patrick’s Day promotion on March 17 is four brews and an Irish burger for Dhs195. They have a range of Irish tipples and do a good Irish stew.

Sofitel, Jumeirah Beach, JBR, Dubai, daily 4pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 4484848. Taxi: Sofitel JBR. sofitel-dubai-jumeirahbeach.com 

THE DUBLINER’S
Buy three rounds and get the fourth free here on March 17. The menu includes oysters, Irish stew and pies. Live music is provided by singer/guitarist Emmanuel (2pm to 5.30pm) and folk band After Hours (7pm to midnight).

Le Méridien Dubai Hotel & Conference Centre, Airport Road, Dubai, daily 12pm to 2am. Tel: (04) 2170000.  Taxi: Le Méridien. dubliners-dubai.com