What a weekend it has been for Ireland. On Saturday they win the Six Nations, for the second year running, and then on Sunday they get to have a good old knees up for St Patrick’s Day.

As part of our Sunday adventures, it was always our intention to go to an Irish pub to partake in a pint of the black stuff. We didn’t plan for or anticipate ending up in a very lively Irish pub, complete with live music, where north London’s Irish were certainly making the most of the day. It may have been standing room only (these days I like to be able to sit down while I enjoy my pint) but we managed to get a good spot to enjoy the band, easily get to the bar and be able to have a bit of a boogie.

It was a fun way to celebrate our Irish heritage, whilst enjoy some people watching. I donned as much green as I could, but suddenly wished I still had the hat I bought in Dublin many years ago.

17 March is also a friend’s birthday and a few (!) years ago, a group of us went to Dublin to celebrate her 21st birthday and St Patrick’s Day. It was on that trip I bought an oversized Leprechaun hat which I kept for many years. Sadly it got culled in one of the many clear outs I’ve had over recent years.

I remember that trip fondly, despite the mishap with a drive post and the fall out due to one person being upset about not being invited. We had t-shirts printed especially for it, made a playlist for the journey (not necessarily Irish themed but songs that at the time we collectively loved) and generally let our hair down.

I’ll always do something to celebrate St Patrick’s Day, but it’s been a number of years since I’ve done more than have a pint (or two) of Guinness. This afternoon we not only discovered a great Irish pub, that I’m sure we’ll revisit on a quieter day, but felt part of the local community celebrating Ireland and elements of its culture.

We’re ending the day at home listening to a St Patrick’s Day playlist on Spotify. Sadly I was feeling too weary to get up and jig to C’est La Vie by B*Witched when it came on. I’ll just sit here and have another drink while I singalong instead.

Sláinte!