Irish bartender Jacob Onyekwelu prepares for St Patrick's Day on Monday at King O'Malley's in Civic. Photo: Melissa Adams
It's a brave barman who'll publicly talk down what's on tap at his bar and tell you it's a ''million times better'' somewhere else.
But when it's an Irishman pouring Guinness, that black drop that almost mystically tastes better the closer you are to the Liffey, he can be forgiven.
Canberrans, from those with deep ancestral connections to those who are just honorary Irish one day a year, will consume the inferior product by the thousands of litres on Monday at St Patrick's Day celebrations throughout the city.
King O'Malley's bartender Jacob Onyekwelu, who came to Australia from Ireland on a university exchange program, said he's looking forward to seeing how Canberra celebrates St Patrick's Day.
His pub has a full day of activities planned for Monday, including live music all day and face-painting.
''I think it'll be interesting, out here compared to back home,'' he said.
''Back home everyone just gets dressed up in green, goes out into the streets and it's a big party everywhere.''
Mr Onyekwelu said there was one thing he would miss about home this St Patrick's Day.
''The Guinness here doesn't compare, back home it's like a million times better,'' he said.
''You haven't really had a real Guinness unless you've had one back in Ireland.''
Old Parliament House will be joining in on the festivities, with the building to be lit green over St Patrick's Day.
The Canberra Irish Club will have Irish dancers performing from 8am. The club's Friends of Ireland society spokesperson, Conor Bradley, first came to the ACT 40 years ago from Ireland.
He said the similarities between Australia and Ireland outweighed the differences.
''There's a sense of humour, same institutions, it's a very easy environment for a person from Ireland to fit into,'' he said.
''Very easy and welcoming, particularly because the Irish are so well regarded in Australia.''
He said he has noticed a lot more young Irish people coming to Australia since the economic problems began in their home country.
''More recently you've had a lot of young professional people coming for jobs in financial services, accountancy, journalism, all because of the economic situation in Ireland,'' he said.
Mr Bradley said St Patrick's Day was a good time for Canberra's Irish community to come together and celebrate.
''It gives people of an Irish background in Canberra a chance to get together, meet up with old acquaintances,'' he said.
''And some of them will go to the Irish club afterwards and raise a drink, there's no doubt.''
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