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`Ri-ra agus ruaile buaile!'

"Go out and enjoy yourself," as the Irish say. Taipei's popular expat hangouts will be pulling both the crowds and copious pints of Guinness this coming Wednesday, when the capital's Irish community and those simply out for the craic raise a glass, or half a dozen to Maewyn Succat -- or Saint Patrick as he's known today.

Credited with driving the snakes from Ireland using nothing but a three-leaf clover, or shamrock, and converting the Celtic Pagans to Christianity, Saint Patrick died aged 76 on March 17, 461 AD. While there is some disagreement as to where Patrick was born and is buried, Irish communities the world over all agree on one thing -- March 17 is a day to raise the Tricolor and indulge in heavy drinking.

Brass Monkey: This is the place to be for those seeking to impress with their Lord of the Dance impressions. The best Michael Flatley impersonator, be it a he or a she will receive an as-yet unspecified cash prize. Those dressed in the green, white and orange of the Tricolor will get a free shot of Jameson's Irish Whiskey and -- if they're still standing -- another at midnight. Members of the Taiwan Celtic Sports Club will be showing off their artistic side and painting the faces of anyone who purchases three or more pints of Guinness or Murphy's.

The Tavern: While Taipei's popular sports bar will not be giving away free drinks to customers dressed up as leprechauns or in the Tricolor, it is the place to go if you fancy dinning out on some memorable Irish fare. For NT$590 patrons can eat their fill at the Tavern's Irish buffet, which will include Irish Lamb stew, Irish rarebit and Limerick ham as well as a couple of complementary cans of Guinness or Murphy's.

The Shannon: Taipei's supposed only "genuine" Irish pub will be laying on a special spread of Irish grub for NT$317 and offering half-price beers all night for patrons willing to prove that they're wearing green underwear. For those not wishing to flash their skivvies and who are simply dressed up in Irish attire, then there's a chance for the best dressed to win a grand prize. All patrons who come in fancy dress, however, will have the opportunity to win hats, T-shirts and get free shots of Jameson's throughout the evening. The evening's two live bands will be cutting it up with plenty of U2 cover tunes.

Carnegie's: A huge Irish Tricolor will greet patrons and will be the place to go if you're after a few free pints, as Carnegie's will be giving away 500 cans of Murphy's between 7pm and 9pm, or as long as they last. Ladies will receive free Bailey's and anyone turning up wearing green will receive a coupon which can cashed in for a free shot of Jameson's.

Wherever you go and whatever you do, the Taipei Times wishes you all a happy Saint Patrick's Day, or "beannachtam na femle padraig," as the Irish say.

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