Darwin gets into the St Patrick’s Day spirit

BE Merry! That is the simple order from local Irishman Ryan Wells for everyone celebrating St Patricks Day.

Ryan Wells and Leanne Kristiansen get into the spirit of Saint Patrick's Day at Shenannigans Irish Pub in Darwin.

BE Merry! That’s the simple order from local Irishman Ryan Wells for everyone celebrating St Patricks Day today.

“It’s a good day for everyone to get together and have fun and be merry,” he said.

The promotions manager at Shenannigans, affectionately known as Shags, said they prepared as best they could for their busiest day of the year, stocking up with extra orders of Guinness, Taytos crisps and Magners Irish cider.

“I think there’s a bigger celebration (in Darwin) because we’re a long way from home so a lot of people gather together,” Mr Wells said.

“It’s a lovely place back home, a bit colder though.”

Hailing from Armagh, a town between Belfast and Dublin, Mr Wells said it was a patriotic day for him and his only tradition was to throw on some Irish music and head to the pub.

English bartender Leanne Kristiansen said despite her lack of Irish blood she’ll be in full spirit for the festivities.

“You’ve got to be Irish for the day,” she said.

“You’ve got to love the Irish, they’re good drinkers!”