Plenty to raise the spirits despite weekend's traditional sober start

IT MAY be Good Friday but it’s a less than great day for those hoping to enjoy a quiet drink in a friendly bar.

Under the Intoxicating Liquor Act 1927, restrictions on the sale of alcohol mean that pubs and off licences will largely stay closed. However, as with last year, a small number of bars have said they will open today but only to serve food and soft drinks.

Charlie Chawke, who owns eight pubs in Dublin and Limerick, including the Dropping Well in Milltown, the Bank on College Green and the Oval Bar on Middle Abbey Street, is among those opening his doors to customers.

Michelle McLaughlin, who works at the Dropping Well, said the bar was expecting a large number of customers. “Last year was our first time to open on Good Friday and we were very busy all day and so we’re expecting to be as busy this year,” she said.

Meanwhile, the Vintners Federation of Ireland, which represents some 4,500 members, has said it is in favour of giving publicans a choice on whether to open on Good Friday.

“The pub trade is a huge part of the tourist attraction of Ireland and Easter, as we all know, is a very busy period for tourism,” said federation chief executive Pádraig Cribben.

“Whether it’s Irish people holidaying at home or people coming into the country from abroad, they enjoy going out to the pub to have a bite to eat and a drink and it’s a huge opportunity missed.”

With Met Éireann predicting a warm and mostly dry weekend, sitting by the barbecue will be the highlight for many – but for those seeking more adventure there is sport, music and fun to be had.

Easter-themed events over the coming days include an egg hunt at Belvedere House and Gardens in Mullingar, an Easter trail in the Castlecomer Discovery Park in Kilkenny, a parade in Naas and a number of free family events at Farmleigh in Dublin.

The Easter Rising commemoration takes place on Sunday outside the GPO in Dublin. O’Connell Street will be closed between Parnell Street and the quays from 5am to 3pm.

The Dublin Gospel Choir with special guests Cathy Davey, Neil Hannon and Paddy Casey will appear at the Olympia Theatre in Dublin tonight. Jedward play the same venue tomorrow and on Sunday.

Waterford band O Emperor will perform at the Pavilion in Cork tomorrow.

On the racing front the Fairyhouse Easter Festival features the Powers Gold Cup on Sunday and the Irish Grand National on Easter Monday. Three days of racing begins tomorrow at Cork racecourse in Mallow.

In the National Football League finals at Croke Park on Sunday, Donegal take on Laois in Division 2 at 2pm, with Dublin facing Cork at 4pm in the Division 1 decider.

A number of Christy Ring Cup matches take place tomorrow.