A TIDAL wave of Guinness is due to engulf Oxford today, St Patrick’s Day, as throughout the city, pubs and clubs celebrate Ireland’s patron saint.

The over-50s section of the Oxford Irish Society will be getting together at the Lord Nuffield Club, in Cowley, to celebrate the things they love best about their home country.

Secretary Bernie Downes said: “We will be having a lunch with a musician to play Irish songs, and we’re all going to eat bacon and cabbage, followed by apple pie and have a few jigs.”

About 50 people are expected to attend the event, with Tony Caspar providing the music.

They will also be entertained with some traditional Irish dancing.

Mrs Downes, who is from Oxford but whose family originates from County Limerick, said: “It’s bright and breezy and joyful, very good humoured.

“To me, St Patrick’s Day means a celebration of Irishness.”

Rosie O’Grady’s, in Park End Street, will be celebrating St Patrick’s Day as an Irish pub — for the last time before it reverts to being a traditional English pub – with three Irish bands playing from 2pm, and an Irish chef on hand to cook up Irish favourites such as Irish stew and Ulster fry.

And the Wychwood Brewery, in Witney, has produced a special beer for the occasion, Paddy’s Tout, which will be on sale from today at Marston’s and freehouse pubs, including Far from the Madding Crowd in Friars Entry.

Picture: Ed |Nix