There are many ways to celebrate the culture of the Emerald Isle in Budapest. If you would like to have a few pints at an Irish-themed pub, Beckett’s, Jack Doyle’s, Publin and Longford might be the best choices. The Hard Rock Café offers free entry between 8pm and 10pm on Saturday, when a band playing acoustic Irish music, the O’Neills, perform. On Saturday and Sunday, Budapest’s only authentic Scottish pub, the Caledonia, shows Celtic solidarity and celebrates the day with Guinness discounts. If you are after a more sophisticated event, from 7pm on Saturday, the Irish-Hungarian Business Circle holds an elegant gala dinner at the Marriott Hotel. Here, you can enjoy a feast accompanied by Guinness, traditional Irish music and performances, a raffle and a dance.
On the first Sunday after St.Patrick’s Day – so more people can join – a flock of face-painted fellows and people in green gather at central Szabadság Square at 1:30pm and later stroll the streets together. A bagpipe group leads the parade while Celtic face painters, arts and craft activities, Irish dancers and street entertainers provide fun for all ages. The spirit of Irish folklore fills the air as the procession continues to Instant, where the party begins. There, authentic Irish food, drinks and special guest performers await, and everyone can bring their own instrument and join the céili.
Later in the month on March 24th, you can enjoy professional dance performances from the Emerald Isle – and some amateurs who are brave (or tipsy) enough to show with their own Irish moves – at the WIDA Budapest Open Feis. This international Irish-dance competition takes place between 8am and 7pm at the Folyondár Sports Centerin north Buda. Independent schools, ensembles and individual dancers are all welcome on the stage to present their crazy choreographies in various categories.
