Photo Credit: Jason Banks
St. Patrick’s Day commemorates, none other than, you guessed it — Saint Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. For some Irish folks, the holiday has more of a religious component than it does for others, but for the most part, everyone can agree that wearing green, eating good food, and spending time with family are core tenets of this holiday! How can we celebrate St. Paddy’s Day in our own Chiang Mai backyard?
1. Kick-start your day with an Irish coffee at U.N. Irish Pub & Restaurant
We’re surrounded by trendy cafes in Chiang Mai, but have you ever tried an Irish coffee? This coffee involves a small twist (or ingredient I should say) — Irish whisky. Most folks also add sugar and top off the coffee with some whipped cream. Irish coffees aren’t intended to get you drunk, but the balance of caffeine and alcohol is enough to help you get your day started in a relaxed state.
2. Remember to wear green…
or a leprechaun will pinch you!
3. Pinch someone if they’re not wearing green…
to remind them before a leprechaun gets to pinching!
4. Stop by Wishbeer Chiang Mai for live music and green beer
Green beer? Nuff said. There will also be a “special price” on selected beer on tap and wine. Live music from 7pm – 10pm.
5. If live music isn’t your thing…
Stop by Tha Phae Gate or the Science and Technology Park at Chiang Mai University — both landmarks will be lit up in green from 7pm – 10pm.
6. Finish your day with a Guinness at O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Sports Bar
Anytime you see a last name with an O in front of it, you know the person or establishment is about as Irish as they come. Be sure to say the Irish word for “health,” sláinte (pronounced slawn-che) as you toast.
O’Malley’s will be open from 1:30pm – 11pm and will have a corned beef special on the menu.
7. And of course, tell any and everyone, “Erin go Bragh!”
As the author of this article whose first name literally means Ireland (Erin is from the old Gaelic word Eireann, meaning peace), I would be remiss to not mention this popular Irish saying. “Erin go Bragh” is now most commonly translated to mean “Ireland Forever” and is recited on St. Paddy’s Day as a means of celebrating Ireland and all things Irish.
Happy St. Patrick’s Day!
Recommended Locations:
U.N. Irish Bar and Restaurant
24-24/1 Ratchawithi Road, Sriphum, A.Muang Chiang Mai 50200
Hours: 9am – 9pm
Phone: +66 53 214 554
O’Malley’s Irish Pub and Sports Bar
149 Anusarn Market, 14-15 Changklan Rd, A.Muang, Chiang Mai 50100
Hours: 2pm – 12am
Phone: +66 53 271 921
Wishbeer Chiang Mai
41 Nimmana Haeminda Rd Lane 5, Tambon Su Thep, Chiang Mai 50200
Hours: 11am – 2pm / 5pm – 11pm
Phone: 052 005 708
LineID: @wishbeerchiangmai
Citylife intern, Erin Hanley is a half-Irish farang living in Thailand. Since she can’t celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with family, she thought it’d be fun to find ways to celebrate abroad and share how others can join her.
