St Patrick's Day: eating out and what to expect

St Patrick's Day is one of the busiest days of the year for pubs and restaurants in Ireland, so the best way to eat well is to plan. Book if you can, check opening hours, and decide whether you want the busy atmosphere or a quieter table. Either is possible, but both need a little forethought.

Expect it to be busy

Cities and towns are full on the day, and especially in the centre. Parades, visitors and families all mean more people looking for a seat. Walk-in tables go quickly. If you want to eat at a particular time, book.

Hours change

Some places open earlier, some close earlier and some do not open at all. Check the place's page or call. Hours on a listing that has not been claimed may be out of date, so treat them with caution.

What people eat

Many pubs and restaurants serve traditional plates around the day: stew, bacon and cabbage, soda bread, fish and chips, and seafood chowder. Not every place does, so check the menu. Our guide to Irish stew and bacon and cabbage explain what to look for.

If you prefer something else, many places serve their ordinary menu. You are not expected to eat green food.

Choosing your atmosphere

Do you want music and a crowd, or a calm lunch? Pubs and bars lean towards the first. Cafes, restaurants outside the busiest streets and places away from the parade route are quieter. Look at recent photographs and ratings for clues, and read what raters say about the noise.

Families and children

If you have children, an earlier lunch is easier than a late evening. Check that the place is comfortable for families, and that it has a children's menu or simple options.

Getting a table without a booking

If you cannot book, go early and be flexible about where you sit. A bar stool or a counter is often available when a table is not. Smaller groups find it easier.

Drinks and alcohol-free options

Pubs are busy, and the staff are working hard. Be patient. Alcohol-free options are widely available, and asking for them is normal.

Getting home

Public transport is often busy, and services may differ. Plan your journey ahead and keep a second option. If you are driving, do not drink.

A plan for a family

If you are going with children, treat the day as two parts. Go out early, perhaps for lunch, while the streets are calmer and the queues are shorter, and head home or somewhere quiet before the evening crowd builds. Choose a place with space for a buggy and simple food, and carry snacks and a drink in case the wait is longer than expected.

A plan for friends

A group of adults can enjoy the busiest part of the day if they plan for it. Choose a meeting point, agree what to do if you lose each other and book the meal if you can. Eat before you drink, keep a water bottle in your bag and decide in advance how you will get home. A day that begins with a good meal usually ends better.

After the day

If you had a great meal, rate the place on Mosey. A rating on a busy day shows how a kitchen copes under pressure, which is useful to everyone else.