Cheltenham Races 2023 - the best places to go in Bristol during race week

Cheltenham Races starts today (March 14) and the four-day event will draw around 250,000 people to the event.

As well as many people in Bristol travelling to Cheltenham to see the action, a lot of racegoers attending the biggest event of the National Hunt calendar will be staying overnight in Bristol.

As always, Cheltenham Races coincides with St Patrick’s Day on March 17, so whether you’re spending your winnings or drowning your sorrows after the racing, Bristol is the perfect place to carry on the party, preferably with a pint of Guinness in hand.

Here are six places in Bristol with an Irish theme during the next few days as all eyes turn to one of the most important dates in the sporting calendar.

Seamus O’Donnell’s

Renowned for its old-fashioned theme and friendly atmosphere, this pub in St Nicholas Market is a testament to the Irish and, as expected, Guinness is their top seller. On St Patrick’s Day, the live music kicks off at 1pm with The Bogtrotters, followed by The Lilting Banshees, Woody Woodchuck at 5pm and Thank Drag it’s FriGay from 8pm. 13 St Nicholas Street, Bristol, BS1 1UE.

The Birkett Tap

From Tuesday, March 14 to Friday, March 17, this Irish bar on Baldwin Street is showing all the live racing action from Cheltenham on two massive screens and a plethora of televisions dotted around the venue. There will be 2-4-1 cocktails, various food offers and, of course, plenty of Guinness on tap. 16 Baldwin Street, Bristol, BS1 1SE.

O’Neill’s

O’Neill’s will be partying all week until Sunday (March 19) with what they promise will be an authentic ‘Irish craic’ as well as exclusive drinks offers. Download the O’Neill’s app for special offers on Guinness and if your name is Patricia or Patrick – there’s will be a complimentary pint of the black stuff waiting for you. 7-9 Baldwin Street, Bristol, BS1 1RU.

St Patrick’s Day party at Bristol Clock Factory

Broadmead venue Bristol Clock Factory is holding a free St Patrick’s Day party on Friday, from 5pm-10pm. Expect live Irish folk music and the Boogielands DJs playing disco, funk and soul. 63 Union Gate, Bristol BS1 2AG.

Bingo Lingo at Motion

Bingo Lingo takes over Motion this Friday from 6pm-10pm, with an Irish theme to the evening. Organiser say there will be prizes ‘that will change your life forever!’ and bingo tickets are included in the entry ticket. Doors 6pm and the first game is 7pm. 74-78 Avon Street, Bristol, BS2 0PX.

St Paddy’s Day Slay at The Old Market Assembly

Irish drag, live Celtic folk punk and a load of craic’ is what’s on offer at The Old Market Assembly this Friday. The line-up includes Glastonbury festival veterans Ninotchka, a trio playing their finest Irish folk and promoting the launch of their new EP, Shipshape & Bristol Fashion. Also on the bill are Dee Ryder and Macha-Zu, channelling their Celtic roots performing lip-syncs and Irish step dance. Expect a night of drinking, jigs, reels and stunning drag numbers. Doors 10pm, show starts at 11pm. 25 West Street, Bristol, BS2 0DF.