There are two days on the calendar that polarise the drinking classes in this country – St. Patrick’s Day and Good Friday. On both days people adopt an all or nothing approach, choosing to abstain or hit the sauce full throttle. There is a crucial difference between these days however – one cannot legally procure alcohol on Good Friday. Strategic planning and a trip to the offy on Holy Thursday are essential for those looking achieve a desired level of inebriation. So why do people choose to avoid a sup on the most Oirish of days, where drinking is celebrated on a global scale? There are numerous reasons: excessive trad, paddywhackery, rain, vomit coated streets and marauding seventeen year-olds dressed in green and white hoops . At Totally Dublin we have compiled some suggestions for those who wish to bathe as opposed drown the shamrock.
1. Forza Italo makes a Berlusconi bash seem banal. Celebrating an Irish saint in a club named after a Ukrainian city through the medium of Italo disco is an exciting prospect. Rick van Breugel (Electrick Dragon) headlines on the Terazza with Forza Italstars Stefano Crosserini and Sebastian Simonetti providing support. Swill a negroni as Dublin duo Slowburn take control of the middle floor with some deep house. Bringing an interactive dimension to the night, audience members can vote on their choice of calcio – Ireland v Italy in the ‘94 World Cup or midland’s giant Athlone Town vs A.C Milan in the ’75 UEFA cup. Genius.
What: Forza Italo
Location: Odessa Club, 6pm
Price: €10
2. The Twisted Pepper provides plenty of bang for your buck with over fourteen hours of music in 4 rooms alongside liberal drink deals for an ambitious all-dayer. The sounds here will provide a welcome alternative to the cacophony of trumpet-wielding, bodhrán-beating men in green up on O’Connell Street. Surgeon and Erol Alkan headline for those who last the distance. Expect plenty from the irrepressible Danny Wang who brings his love of all things disco and a party-time personality to town. Check out his insightful and entertaining lecture at the Redbull Music Academy.
What: Body Tonic and Subject St Patricks Day
Location: The Twisted Pepper, 12pm
Price: €22
3. Encountering the term campanology for the first time images of Graham Norton and Dame Edna Everage passed through my mind. This highlights both a restricted vocabulary and a total ignorance to the art of bell ringing. Join bellmaster extraordinaire Leslie Taylor and his 19 bells as he gives an account of the “addictive” nature of this practice and its place in the cultural history of Dublin. If that isn’t enough the Céilí in the Crypt is a more energetic way to close the evening. It tolls for you.
What: Belfry Tour
Location: Christchurch Cathedral 12.30pm, 1.30pm, 2.30pm
Price: €4
4. Craft Brewing in Ireland is going through a renaissance period; a pint of plain doesn’t have to be your only man . The Irish Craft Beer Village is the perfect and timely platform to raise awareness of these brews that deliver massively on the flavour front. Booze is not the only item on the menu with a range of vendors selling delicious artisanal produce from burgers to fish and chips. Entertainment is curated by Boyles of Slane, the live music mammoth from the royal county. With over 50 beers on offer, keep an eye out for Eight Degrees Brewing, The Porterhouse and some tasty wares from O’Haras to wet your whistle.
What: Irish Craft Beer Village
Location: George’s Dock, 12pm
Price: €5
5. Most experiences of oscillation on Paddy’s Day occur when the decision to pull a Houdini at 6pm has been made and you head in a swaying fashion to the chipper; full to the neck. The Science Gallery, the hub of innovation that it is, offers a different take on the world of oscillations with a range of exhibits and experiments that explore electricity, economics, musical harmonies, pendulums and heartbeats. Stimulate as opposed obliterate those brain cells.
What: Oscillator
Location: The Science Gallery, 12pm
Price: Free
6. Sterling performances at Forbidden Fruit and Electric Picnic, sold-out gigs at The Workmans and endorsement from Nialler9 have all contributed to Le Galaxie’s growing reputation. They bring a high octane live show with accompanying cyber-synths, techno rhythms and sonic guitars to the Button Factory playing their Fade 2 Forever and Laser Disc Nights 2 EPs. Support provided by Ships, White Collar Boy, Sleep Thieves and Acid Future.
What: Le Galaxie
Location: The Button Factory, 9pm
Price: 15
Words: Aaron Purcell
