Revellers gather for St Patrick's Day on both sides of Tasman

Mark Farrelly and Christine Lokhande having a breakfast Guinness at the Muddy Farmer in Auckland City. Photo / Glenn Jeffrey

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The Irish and the Irish-at-heart gathered at the Muddy Farmer pub in Auckland to celebrate St Patrick's Day in true Celtic fashion this morning.

Over a full Irish breakfast and a few pints of Guinness, Irish expats listened to some traditional tunes and spun some yarns about what St Paddy's Day means when you're so far from home.

"It's almost become a public holiday you know, so many people take a day off work to drink, that it should really be a public holiday," said Gerry O'Neil, a musician performing for the occasion.

"It's more fun as well, people tend to go all out more than they would back home and really let their hair down and have a really good time," commented Mark from County Meath.

For the green-costumed folk celebrating St Patrick and all things Irish, the day is still young and there is plenty of celebrating left to do.

Across the Tasman the Australian Hotels Association is urging revellers not to "go overboard" on St Patrick's Day.

Amid calls for authorities to do more to curb binge drinking and the Australian Senate's debate over the so-called alcopops tax, the industry body has called on drinkers to exercise moderation when honouring Ireland's patron saint.

"Get dressed up in green, head to your favourite pub and have a great time but don't drink too much," AHA national chief executive officer Bill Healey said.

"The AHA is saying to people by all means, go out and celebrate St Patrick's Day, but don't go overboard when consuming liquor."

Mr Healy said special days or events were no excuse for drinkers to "behave badly".

The industry was working to bring about cultural change surrounding the consumption of alcohol, he said.

"Our industry is continuing to preach the huge benefits of Australia having a drinking culture - as opposed to a drunken one," Mr Healy said.

- NZ HERALD STAFF, AP