The spirit of Saint Patrick will stagger into the capital once again as Beijingers' celebrate the patron saint of Ireland. It's the one day each year when everyone finds a little Irish in them, even if it's in the form of embracing Irish stereotypes. METRO picks the best craic for the greenest day of the year.

Paddy O'Sheas

For the genuinely Irish, one day of jubilation is simply not enough. Fortunately y'man down at Paddy O'Sheas has taken the liberty of extending the holiday to an entire week.

With a special quiz night on Wednesday, a massive celebration on Thursday, and a performance from an Irish band flown in straight from the Emerald Isle on Friday, it's likely to be the most raucous revelry in town.

Expect the Guinness to flow like the River Liffey.

Address: 28 Dongzhimen Waidajie, Chaoyang district

Telephone: 6415-6389

Irish Volunteer

For a St. Paddy's Day that doesn't require a pot of gold, the Irish Volunteer in Lido, one of the newer additions to the green scene, is embracing the giving spirit of the holiday.

Offering free helpings of thick Irish stew until supplies run out and 10-yuan pints of Tsingtao during their all day happy hour, it's a way to enjoy the holiday without having to take a vow of poverty.

Address: 311 Jiangtai Lu, Lido, Chaoyang district

Telephone: 6438-5581

The Stumble Inn

This Irish-owned bar is bound to have its patrons stumbling with 50-yuan Guinness discounts all week long.

 

On the big day, Stumble will have crowds getting their jig on with performances from local favorite Irish folk singer Robbie Hennebry. To round off the night, DJ Tipsy will be shamrocking the joint ubtil the wee hours of the morning.

Address: S3-31, 3/F, Sanlitun Village South, 19 Sanlitun Lu, Chaoyang district

Telephone: 6417-7794

Molly Malone's

For those looking to celebrate like a Dublin gentleman, or gentlewoman, Molly Malone's is offering up some of Beijing's best fare from the land of the saints and scholars.

Three set menus, ranging from shepherd's pie to Irish sausages wrapped in bacon, guarantee your green clothing you're wearing will be stretched to the stitching.

Of course, that doesn't mean Malone's doesn't serve up a pint of the good stuff. For every six pints bought at Malone's they're handing out free Guinness T-shirts, for eight pints it's a free Guinness backpack. It's the perfect way to gear up and get drunk at the same time.

Address: 90 Jinbao Lu, Dongcheng district

Telephone: 6522-7258

2011 St. Patrick's Day Irish Ball

Though not the cheapest affair, the 2011 St. Patrick's Day Irish Ball is one of the most anticipated annual events for the capital's Irish community. Held on Sunday, March 19, it's guaranteed to be a good way to mix and mash with people from the isle on their favorite day of the year. Prepare to banish the shakes.

Tickets can bought at Paddy O'Sheas, Pomm O'Sheas or online by e-mailing 2011irishball@gmail.com