Never is this truer than on St Patrick's Day, a day devoted to making and renewing friendships, indulging in loud music, good drink and even better craic.
Of course, it always helps to do so in good surroundings, with this in mind we've created a list of some of the best Irish themed bars in Scotland for you to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy a pint of Guiness or two.
Malones
14 Forrest Road, EH1 2QN Edinburgh
(http://www.malonesedinburgh.com/)
With an atmosphere to match any of Ireland's best pubs, Malone's is an Edinburgh institution and will probably be the first recommendation locals give when asked for the best Irish bar in town. Irish owned and Irish run, you're sure to enjoy the brilliant St Patrick's Day festivities here with a great line up of top music acts and the GAA Club Finals being shown live on the big screen.
Biddy Mulligans, Edinburgh
94-96 Grassmarket, Edinburgh
(http://www.biddymulligansbar.com/)
Biddy's is perfectly situated in Edinburgh's Grassmarket and will no doubt be fit to bursting with great atmosphere any time you visit. Boasting a great drinks list (including a huge selection of Irish whiskies) and a friendly atmosphere in great surroundings, it's the perfect little bar to kick back and enjoy the celebrations. You can even enjoy a pint or two in 'the Paddock' - Biddy's beer garden - a great place to sit and watch the world go by.
Best of all their full Irish fry up and a pint of Guinness is just £6.99 this St Patrick’s Day.
Biddy Mulligans. Picture: Greg Macvean
Dropkick Murphys, Edinburgh
7 Merchant Street, Old Town
(www.facebook.com/dropkickmurphys.edinburgh.1)
Few places do atmosphere like Dropkick Murphys and like the band with the same name, they are always sure to be rocking. This is the place to go if you want to party into the wee small hours and enjoy every last drop of Irish fun and frivolity. Dropkick Murphys describe themselves as Edinburgh's best keep secret and we are sure you'll agree.
The Three Sisters, Edinburgh
139 Cowgate, Edinburgh
(www.facebook.com/the3sisters)
The Three Sisters don't just have a single day to celebrate St Patrick's, they have a week long festival. With a programme of craic and Irish themed goodness, you're sure to find something fun to do no matter when you get there. With former Westlife member Brian McFadden booked into headline their St Patrick's Day celebrations, you know the place will be packed. Best of all, if you get on the guest list you'll 30% off the bar menu, drinks from £1.99 and free breakfast on the 17th.
The Three Sisters.
Molly Malones, Glasgow
4 Hope Street, Glasgow, G2 2UG
(http://www.mollymalones-glasgow.co.uk/)
Molly Malones is another of those great Irish bars that feels like it's always been there, waiting for you to come in relax and just enjoy a nice cold pint of Guiness (supposedly the best in Glasgow if you believe the management). With great food on offer and live music too, Malones offers everything a great Irish pub should and best of all it's just a stones throw away from the all of Glasgow's major stations and shopping hubs.
Waxy O'Connors, Glasgow
44 West George Street, Glasgow. G2 1DH
(http://www.waxyoconnors.co.uk/index.php/welcome-to-waxys-glasgow)
With three floors, six bars and nine different areas, Waxy's is one of Glasgow's most unique bars.
Live music is available most nights so you're always sure to find the atmosphere electric, though should you decide you want to to take a break there's plenty of little nooks and crannies to enjoy a peaceful pint.
Dining is available in all six bars and there is always a fantastic selection of meals and snacks on offer.
Be warned though you may get lost as you wander around admiring the beautiful wood work and stained-glass windows that permeates this wonderful bar.
Waxy O'Connors, Glasgow. Picture: Contributed
Jinty McGinty's, Glasgow
23 Ashton Lane, Glasgow
(www.facebook.com/JintyMcguintysIrishBar)
Situated in the effortlessly cool Ashton Lane (apparently changed to Leprechaun Lane for the St Patrick's Day festivities), Jinty McGinty's is a must visit for those looking for some great Irish atmosphere in a wonderful setting. Independent, original and always offering some of the best music around you can be guaranteed the craic will be free flowing this St Patrick's Day.
Jinty McGintys, Glasgow. Picture: CC
Johnny Foxes, Inverness
26 Bank Street, Inverness
(http://www.johnnyfoxes.co.uk)
The place to go if you want to enjoy some great Irish craic in Inverness, has to be Johnny Foxes. A traditional pub and restaurant situated on the banks of the River Ness, Johnny Foxes offers great food, a cracking selection of drinks and best of all live music every night.
Malones, Aberdeen
62-64 Shiprow, City Centre,
(http://www.malonesaberdeen.com/)
An Irish owned and run bar in the heart of Aberdeen, Malones sports furniture and antiques all 'shipped over from the Emerald Isle'. Offering true Irish hospitality, the staff are always welcoming and friendly. The bar has already won several awards and has some one of the best atmospheres in any bar in Aberdeen. This St Patrick's Day they are hosting some great live bands and will even have loads of Guinness goodies to give away.
Malones, Aberdeen. Picture: Contributed
