1. Dogs Bollix Irish Bar
2 Newton Rd, ph (09) 376 4600.
The "Bollix" has built its reputation on featuring the best in homegrown and international rock, pop, celtic, folk and blues talent. The pizza fare may not be traditional, but the music and party atmosphere are pure Irish.
2. Claddagh Irish Pub
372 Broadway, Newmarket, ph (09) 522 4410
A traditional Irish breakfast starts at 6am on Thursday, St Patrick's Day, involving Guinness and black and white pudding, with live Celtic music from 11am. The hard partying in the marquee starts at 5pm, with an all-day barbecue and plenty of dancing.
3. O'Hagan's Irish Pub & Grill
Viaduct Basin, cnr Market Pl & Customs St West, ph (09) 363 2106.
O'Hagan's is starting the party early with a "St Practice Day" weekend, in preparation for Thursday. Start St Paddy's with a seriously big Irish breakfast for $20 (yip, soda bread and black pudding). Thursday starts at 7am, ends with craic agus ceol.
4. Clare Inn Irish Pub
274-278 Dominion Rd, Mt Eden, ph (09) 623 8233.
The Clare Inn has a solid Irish community brimming with real craic. Start with Monday's Guinness & Oyster Festival from 6pm, St Paddy's quiz on Tuesday and the big day kicks off with breakfast at 11, music from noon. Niall Martin and The Banned do U2 tributes from 8.30pm.
