Saint Patrick’s Day, the 17^th March, is a date etched upon all Irishmen’s hearts. Originally a Catholic festival celebrating Ireland’s patron saint, it’s now a bank holiday in both Ireland and Northern Ireland and is the one day a year where all things Irish are celebrated long into the night from fiddle playing and folk music to outlandish leprechaun costumes, four-leafed clovers and the Pogues greatest hits on repeat on the pub juke box.

Of course its also an excuse for a jolly good knees up, and no party Irish style would be complete without a pint or two of the Emerald Isle’s most famous beverage- Guinness.

With thousands of people expected to descend upon Dublin to celebrate Paddy’s Day at the home of St James’ Gate- the Guinness capital of the world- two Dublin hostels are offering guests a free pint for every night booked over the holiday period on selected accommodation.

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