St Patrick’s Day ; Irish Pubs, Recipes and Traditions

Ireland’s emblematic celebration, St Patrick’s Day can also be enjoyed in Switzerland thanks to pubs, recipes and a must-see documentary.

St Patrick’s Day

Every 17 March, Ireland dresses in green to honour its patron saint. Behind the popular celebration lies a history rich in legends.

Its History

St Patrick’s Day pays tribute to Patrick, the patron saint of Ireland. Born in the 5th century in Britain, he was captured and enslaved in Ireland. After several years, he escaped and returned to his native land. He then came back to Ireland to convert its inhabitants to Christianity. The three-leaf shamrock helped him explain the Trinity. According to legend, he drove all the snakes from the island. Over the centuries, the celebration spread far beyond Ireland’s borders. Music, food and festive gatherings bring it to life all over the world.

Five Bars for an Irish Atmosphere

Celebrating 17 March with music does not require crossing the Irish Sea. Several pubs in French-speaking Switzerland keep the Irish spirit alive all year round.

Celebrating St Patrick’s Day in French-Speaking Switzerland

From Lausanne to Geneva, five addresses bring together beers, whiskeys and a warm atmosphere.

McCarthy’s Irish Pub in Lausanne

A friendly Irish pub, McCarthy’s (in French) blends tradition and a modern atmosphere in the heart of Lausanne. Beers, wines, ciders and cocktails make up a wide selection for all tastes. Made to order, the typical Irish dishes delight food lovers. Matches and sporting events are shown live on a big screen. Fully wood-panelled and with a terrace, the pub welcomes friends and families for convivial evenings. The careful service and the atmosphere make you want to come back. To extend the pleasure, the pub also has a little sibling in Bern.

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Barrel Oak in Montreux

In the heart of Montreux, facing the lake, the Barrel Oak cultivates the spirit of authentic Irish pubs. A good meal, a whisky or a beer are happily shared with friends. Matches on the big screen also attract sports fans. The warm atmosphere and attentive service make every visit convivial. Irish specialities, seafood and burgers make up a generous menu. Everyone quickly feels at home here.

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Café du Cerf in Neuchâtel

A Neuchâtel institution, the Café du Cerf attracts visitors from all over the world every evening. Warmth, conviviality and good humour are always on the menu.

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Mr Pickwick Pub in Geneva

Opened in 1969, Mr Pickwick presents itself as the oldest and largest English pub in Switzerland. The place spreads over two floors and more than 1,000 m². Giant screens and televisions show the big sporting events. The kitchen offers dishes of the day on weekdays and a full English breakfast at weekends. Beer lovers enjoy a wide choice of draughts. Concerts, karaoke, quizzes and themed nights regularly liven up the Office Bar.

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Jameson’s Pub in Morges

In the heart of Morges, Jameson’s Pub invites you to relax with friends. Craft beers, quality whiskeys and lively evenings always hold lovely discoveries. The warm atmosphere and smiling team create a welcoming feel. Regulars and visitors alike quickly feel at home.

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Find the Irish pubs of French-speaking Switzerland on this map

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Beyond St Patrick’s Day

The longing for Ireland often lasts well beyond 17 March. A trip there lets you discover the island in all its facets.

A Ten-Day Road Trip in Ireland

This journey across the island holds many surprises.

Discovering the Emerald Isle

A ten-day journey leads to the discovery of Ireland and its spectacular landscapes. This road trip on the Emerald Isle reveals dizzying cliffs, historic castles and picturesque villages. Lively towns offer immersion in local culture, between warm pubs and culinary specialities. Encounters with locals and traditional music enrich the experience. These ten days of road-tripping in Ireland (in French) remain a real favourite.

Irish Cuisine

Often reduced to a few clichés, Irish gastronomy is nonetheless worth the detour. Books and blogs reveal its diversity and generosity.

Two Books and a Blog

Three sources of inspiration let you cook Ireland at home.

Irlande ; Les Meilleures Recettes d’un Pays Chaleureux et Authentique

Irish cuisine embodies simple generosity and deeply rooted flavours. It maintains a strong bond with those who grow, raise and cook. Between lush lands, crystal-clear waters and passionate producers, the country reveals an authentic and warm gastronomy. Written by Joseph Doverman and published by Mango, this book offers a true culinary journey. Recipes, products and encounters set the pace of its pages. The book is available notably on Amazon.

Irish Cuisine ; Modern and Traditional Recipes

Violaine runs the blog Vio Vadrouille. Passionate about gastronomy, she loves discovering recipes from other cultures. Irish cuisine often suffers from many clichés. Yet it surprises with its diversity and flavours. A little attention is enough to reveal all its richness.

Mon Irlande ; Une Balade Culinaire en Passant par Belfast, Cork et Galway

In Mon Irlande, Trish Deseine shares about a hundred recipes inspired by her childhood. The author revisits traditional dishes and also creates original ones. The book invites you to move beyond clichés, well beyond the famous Irish stew. Throughout its pages, it highlights a generation of passionate producers and restaurateurs. Immersive photos accompany this gourmet stroll through the heart of the Emerald Isle. Out of print, the book would well deserve a reissue.

Photo credits ; Vio Vadrouille for the central photo

Irish Coffee

No Irish evening is complete without its famous spiked coffee. Its simple recipe hides a surprising story.

The Signature Cocktail of St Patrick’s Day

Irish Coffee is one of the essentials of Irish tradition. It was born in 1943 in Foynes, a seaplane base in the west of Ireland. Chef Joe Sheridan created it to warm up passengers chilled on a winter night. The recipe combines strong black coffee, Irish whiskey, brown sugar and whipped cream floating on top. With each sip, the bitterness of the coffee blends with the warmth of the whiskey. The cream adds a touch of velvety sweetness. Ideal for a cosy moment or to impress guests, this classic is enjoyed at home as at the pub.

Ireland, St Patrick’s Day and Whiskey

Between traditions, landscapes and distilleries, Ireland also tells its story to the ear. Several audio episodes invite you to travel from home.

Podcasts to Go Green

This series of podcasts invites escape by exploring the many facets of Ireland. Landscapes, culture and traditions feed each episode. These interviews are taken from the programme “Les Bons Plans”.

Échappées Belles

Television also offers a lovely gateway to the Emerald Isle. A documentary reveals its landscapes and its people.

Spectacular Ireland

Broadcast on France 5, the programme Échappées belles has become a reference for travel lovers. In each episode, a presenter explores a destination and meets its inhabitants. Local traditions and iconic landscapes take centre stage. Immersive images and a human approach invite you to travel differently. The programme takes the time to understand the culture and soul of places, as here in Ireland.

Spectaculaire Irlande - Échappées belles

The St Patrick’s Day Playlist

Spotify is full of playlists dedicated to the Irish celebration. A simple search for the keyword “St Patrick’s Day” is enough to find a festive selection. In one click, the music plunges you into the Irish spirit.

St Patrick’s Day