Auckland pub has Irish luck

It may have them crying into their pints of Guinness in Dublin, but an Irish-themed pub in an upmarket Auckland hotel has been named one of the top 10 places in the world to celebrate St Patrick's Day.

The Muddy Farmer, part of the Heritage Hotel on Hobson St, is the only place in the Southern Hemisphere to make the list, compiled by online booking service Hotels Combined.

Visiting Irishwoman Aine Clabby said the pub had earned its high ranking.

"It has a genuine Irish look and Irish hospitality."

Cambridge resident Brian Thornburn said he'd need to experience the place with live music before he could judge its worthiness as top spot on this side of the world: "What makes an Irish pub is a band - it makes the atmosphere."

But Kaikohe resident Jim Bartle doubted the list's credibility because only one venue was in Ireland.

And he's not alone.

Paddy Spring, owner of popular Auckland Irish bar The Dog's Bollix, said he thought The Muddy Farmer was a great bar but was surprised by its high ranking.

"Is it the best? No, I wouldn't have thought so."

St Patrick's Day is on Wednesday, but celebrations started in Auckland yesterday with an annual parade down Queen St.

Irish Minister Mary Harney was among those taking part. Reports from Ireland said she had come under criticism for taking a 15-day overseas trip for St Patrick's Day during a health controversy in her homeland.