If you're looking for a quiet weekend with no funny business, best steer clear of these.
St Patrick’s Day is a fun, booze-filled day where the gear is green and the Guinness is flowing. The hustle and bustle of the day is pretty much what keep the festivities alive, with fully blown street parties taking place every single year.
Now, although a great number of locals celebrate this day with oversized green hats and other verdant apparel, there may be some of you who don’t quite fancy the beer guzzling activities - to each his own, I suppose! So, if you're not feeling the luck of the Irish this weekend, don't fret - here are the places to avoid if you’re not big on the crowds and silliness. (After all, you can always enjoy a pint of Guinness in a quieter spot!)
1. St Julian’s
The hub of evening entertainment, the mecca for good old fun and the absolute meeting point for anyone looking to have a good time, St Julian’s is not for those looking for a quiet night. Home to Paceville, and a few of the island’s best Irish pubs, St Julian’s should best be avoided if the blood of the Irish doesn’t flow too easily in you.
Top tip:
Keep clear of the promenade. Locals, slightly impaired of common sense due to alcoholic beverages, often frolic along the seaside, happier than Larry.
2. Bugibba
Bugibba is a great place to enjoy the sun and watch the waves but come 17th March, the masses flock to the centre for a good old pint. On that day, the pubs are packed with thirsty folk looking to have a good time with their mates, so if you’re not a lover of crowds you may want to skip the pub grub on St Paddy’s Day.
Top tip:
If you’re looking to enjoy a cold brew and your go-to spot is in the Bugibba area, it might be better for you to hit the backstreets where the numbers may be fewer.
3. Valletta
Although the capital is quite spacious and packed with pubs, bars and other entertainment outlets, the bodies do pile up on big drinking occasions such as St Patrick’s Day. There’s no need to give this glorious city a miss though, you can always hit the finer establishments where the crowds are a little bit more controlled.
Top tip:
Opt for public transport on this fair day, since parking in the busy metropolis may be a bit harder than usual what with the increasing number of boozers on the prowl. It’s also an excellent, safe, option if you plan on making it a long, boozy day.
Whether you choose to stay home, get to the bar regardless of the crowds or find a secluded spot in your favourite hang-out, remember to respect the rules of the road and know your limits. But, most importantly, let the luck of the Irish fill your day with cheer and stout!