But how did a religious holiday celebrating the man who brought Catholicism to the pagan Celts turn into such a green Guinness-fuelled booze-fest? No one really knows, but trust the Irish to make it messy.

You may have missed the family-friendly parade held yesterday throughout London, but there is still fun to be had in this fair city. For some Irish action, head down to the West End this evening.

Sure to be filled with marauding ruddy-cheeked gobshite eager to be taken advantage of, it's the best place to celebrate the neighbour's national holiday.

But, ah, watch out for those green puddles.

Find your nearest Irish pubs for your St Paddy's Day celebrations on Irish Abroad

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