St. Patrick's Day in Malta: Pub Crawl Guide 2023
St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, and it's the perfect excuse to party! We're here to help you plan the ultimate celebration with Chitzo's Choice ultimate St. Patricks’ Day pub crawl. From the sunny streets of Sliema to the bustling nightclubs of St. Julian's, we've got you covered with a carefully curated selection of venues that are sure to get you in the festive spirit. So grab your friends, don your best green attire, and let's make this St. Paddy's Day in Malta one to remember!
Credits: Shaun Spiteri Photography
Top of the morning to you, fellow pub crawlers! It's that time of year again when everyone gets their green on and heads out for a pint or two (or ten) in celebration of St. Patrick's Day! But before we dive into another episode of Chitzo’s Choice with our own curated pub crawl, let's take a quick look at the origins of this famous day.
St. Patrick's Day is celebrated annually on March 17th, in honour of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. It has been observed as a religious holiday in Ireland for over 1,000 years and became a public holiday in 1903. Today, St. Patrick's Day is celebrated all over the world with parades, festivals, and of course, plenty of drinking!
In Malta, St. Patrick's Day has become a popular event in recent years, with pubs and bars all around the island hosting special events and parties. Spinola Bay is the place to be as all afternoon the streets connecting the old fishing village flock with people until it transforms into a massive street party long into the night. With plenty of Irish Bars and popular pubs on the way to St Julians, a growing tradition in Malta has a pub crawl from Sliema all the way up to Spinola and later to Paceville.
So without further ado, let's dive into our own recommended pub crawl this year for St. Patrick's Day in Malta!
1. City of London Bar
Our first stop on the crawl is the City of London Pub, located in the beautiful Balluta Bay. This cosy British-style pub offers a warm and inviting atmosphere, a wide selection of beers and spirits, and a charming outdoor terrace or parapet perfect to get down that first pint of Guinness. You'll love the laid-back vibe and friendly staff, making it the ideal spot to kick off the festivities with a sunny afternoon pint.
2. The Crafty Cat
Next up, we make our way along the seafront to The Crafty Cat, an award-winning Irish pub that knows how to throw a proper celebration. What's more, they are organising their own pop-up beer garden for the special day, and there will be live music and bands to keep you entertained all evening! This is the ultimate craic, and there's plenty of space to relax, socialise, and enjoy a pint or two of your favourite brew.
3. Tigullio
The next stop may be slightly more difficult to reach, as you may get distracted by the massive street party surrounding Spinola Bay. The place will be absolutely pumping and loads of bars in the vicinity will have stalls selling drinks so a good vibe is guaranteed. Spend a couple of hours here before it gets too messy... there is a lot more on this crawl. And hopefully you do not lose any members...
4. Salumeria Gardens
Next on our crawl, we head to Salumeria Gardens, a trendy and stylish bar located at the top of Spinola Bay. This venue is perfect for those looking to add a touch of sophistication to their St. Patrick's Day celebration, with a chic outdoor terrace and an array of premium cocktails and spirits to choose from. Oh and did we mention? Salumeria Gardens have organised their own St. Paddy’s event on the day with free entrance and live DJs including Jono, Slick Steve, Nicky Luna and Scibi.
5. Cork's
No St. Patrick's Day pub crawl in St. Julian's is complete without a visit to Cork's, a popular Irish pub located in the heart of Paceville. This buzzing venue has a lively atmosphere, friendly staff, and an extensive menu of beers and spirits that will make you feel right at home. You'll find a mix of locals and tourists here, creating a lively and energetic ambiance that will keep you partying well into the night.
6. Footloose
Last but not least, we end our crawl at Footloose, a popular nightclub in St. Julian's. This venue is perfect for those looking to dance the night away and celebrate St. Patrick's Day in style. With a variety of music genres and a lively atmosphere, Footloose is the perfect way to end a night of pub crawling. And if you’re eager to start the Footloose fun and manage to get there early, enjoy free entrance between 18:00 and 20:00!
And there you have it, Chitzo’s very own recommended pub crawl for St. Patrick's Day in St. Julian's, Malta! Whether you're a local or a tourist, these venues are sure to provide a fun and festive experience. So grab your friends, put on your best green attire, and let's paint Malta green! Cheers to an amazing St. Patrick's Day Pub Crawl!