Ireland’s 90 years old ban on the sale of alcohol on Good Friday is not without controversy. A valued tradition or an out of date regulation? Depends of who you ask.
It is expected to have this ban lifted by next year, so 2017 might be the last in which people in Ireland will have to get creative if they want to sip on grape or barely juice outside the comfort of their homes.
So, if you’re in a group that fancies a drink on the day, there are still several exceptions to the prohibition. Here are seven places where you can have a drink in Ireland on Good Friday.
Being a cruise, Dublin’s floating restaurant is allowed to serve alcohol to passengers. You can enjoy a glass of wine while sailing smoothly through the beautiful Grand Canal and not only that, they have a proper food menu with two or three course a la carte dining options as well as charcuterie and cheese boards ideal for sharing along a bottle of wine. In fact, they’re currently taking bookings for Good Friday so it might be a good idea to reserve soon.
Where: Mespil Road Jetty, Grand Canal, Dublin 4
More information: lapeniche.ie
This sleek bar is located at Dublin Airport, and you’ll find it if you have a flight as it’s located near the duty free shops of Terminal 1. Marqette is more than an airport hunger or thirst quencher, it is an innovative venue worth a “Highly Commended” mention at the Airport Food & Beverage Awards 2016. Their bar offers creative cocktails, craft beers and fine wines so, if you’re flying, this is the perfect spot to toast to a safe trip.
Where: Dublin Airport, Terminal 1
More information: marqette.com
Watch the greyhound races from the comfort of a bar or book a table at the stadium’s restaurant. With several locations in Ireland including Dublin, Galway and Limerick, Greyhound Stadiums are offering a Good Friday deal featuring full bar facilities. The offer has to be pre-booked, as it won’t be available to walk-ins on the day and starting at €25 it includes club deal, admission, finger food and restaurant packages.
Where: Several locations across Ireland. In Dublin: South Lotts Road. Dublin 4.
More information: igb.ie
If you are attending a play at a theater that happens to have a bar, you’ll be able to order as licensed theatres are an exception. For example, the National concert Hall, Abbey Theatre, the Gaiety Teatre and the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre all have bars. If you are more interested in the cocktail menu than in the program, just double check with the theatre to see if they serve alcohol.
More information: irishtheatre.ie/venues
Hotel guests are allowed to buy alcohol on the premises as long as they are ordering a meal. Once in their rooms, the mini bar is also another boozy jackpot and completely legit. If you fancy a quick luxury break, have a look at our overnight stays experiences on TheTaste.
More information: thetaste.ie/luxury-escapes
While you’d actually be leaving the country, we include this alternative on the list as it is so easy to get there! In Northern Ireland, alcohol can be served on Good Friday between 5:00 pm and 11:00 pm, which gives you plenty of time to get there and even give yourself a little tour before hitting to pub. Looking for some suggestions
More information: Check out our list of 10 Amazing Bars In Belfast that Show the City’s Eclectic Bar Scene
Some pubs in train stations will serve passengers who have bought an intercity ticket. For example The Galway Hooker in Heuston Station and Madigans in Connolly Station. Technically, you don’t really need to board the train, but having the day off, you might as well and go enjoy a landscape change!
More information: irishrail.ie
Gabriela’s passion for writing is only matched by her love for food and wine. Journalist, confectioner and sommelier, she fell in love with Ireland years ago and moved from Venezuela to Dublin in 2014.
Since then, she has written about and worked in the local food scene, and she’s determined to discover and share the different traditions, flavours and places that have led Irish food and drink to fascinate her.
Gabriela Guédez Gabriela Guédez