Ireland’s national holiday is just around the corner. So, here are ten amazing Irish games to play on St Patrick’s Day.
If you’re looking to have some fun this Paddy’s Day, you’ve come to the right place. Today, we’re counting down the top ten best Irish games to play on St Patrick’s Day.
Hopefully, we’ll be able to celebrate St Patrick’s Day properly this time around after two years of COVID-19 restrictions.
But, as well as the evening revelry, there are plenty of other things that make the holiday special, such as playing games with family and friends – both traditional board games and video games.
If you’re a gamer, why not check out some Irish-themed games or those made by Irish developers this St Patrick’s Day? Here are some of the best Irish games to play on St Patrick’s Day, with a few board games thrown in for good measure.
10. Empire of Sin – one of the best Irish games to play on St Patrick’s Day 2022
We all know how much they love St Patrick’s Day in Chicago. The river is dyed green, and the parade is one of the biggest in the world.
The city also has a rich and interesting history with some darker elements – think notorious gangsters in the Prohibition era of the 1920s.
Empire of Sin is a real-time strategy game where a player has to gain control of Chicago by 1933 (when Prohibition ended).
Romero Games in Galway have developed this game which has been widely praised for its atmosphere and gameplay.
9. If Found… – set on the stunning Achill Island
A visually stunning and highly engrossing visual novel, If Found… is set on Achill Island, off the west coast of Ireland.
A mixture of minimalistic design and poignant story, the narrative is split between a science fiction plotline and the tale of Kasio, a transgender woman who has just completed her Master’s degree at a university in Dublin and is returning to her hometown.
The player advances through scenes by erasing journal entries or images using their cursor or finger as the eraser.
8. Slots – try your luck this St Patrick’s Day
Slot machines in online casinos are more popular than ever, and with themes, storylines, and levels, not to mention cutting edge graphics, it’s no surprise that you can find Irish-inspired games to play.
Titles, such as Finn’s Golden Tavern, Emerald Isle, and SkyCity casino are popular, as well as many others. Such casinos and games are a perfect pastime for St Patrick’s day, especially if you want to try your Irish luck!
7. Gaelic Football – a great way to get outdoors
For a fun way to get the whole family involved, get outside and enjoy a game of Gaelic football. One of the most popular sports in Ireland, there is no better way to get into the Irish spirit this St Paddy’s Day.
Players move the ball up the field with a combination of carrying, bouncing, kicking, hand-passing, and soloing towards the other team’s goal.
6. The Little Acre – set in 1950s Ireland
Another beautifully crafted point and click adventure, The Little Acre, developed by Pewter Games Studios in Dublin, is a fun and concise game for all ages.
Set in 1950s Ireland, it tells the story of a small family. The player controls Aidan, a job-hunting engineer, and his daughter Lily.
One morning Aidan goes missing, and Lily decides to go and find him. During her search, she discovers an entranceway to a mysterious world in the family’s garden shed.
5. Blarney: The Definitive Word Game – one of our favourite Irish games to play on St Patrick’s Day 2022
Consisting of decks of cards with five words and definitions on them, Blarney is a game to test whether you’ve got the gift of the gab.
The Blarney Master, who is chosen by the roll of the dice, selects a card and chooses one of the words. A countdown is then started and players have three minutes to come up with a definition of the chosen word.
The person who comes up with the ‘best definition’ scores points. Then, the overall winner is awarded the Blarney Stone.
4. Celtica – a historical fantasy game
When it comes to board games, Celtica is one of the best. It is a fantasy game set in 11th-century Ireland. Players seek out ancient amulets that have gone missing in the wake of the Viking invasion.
The adventurers then piece the amulets back together. Celtica is for ages ten plus and is suitable for two to five players, making it ideal for a quick pre-pub game with family or friends.
3. Destination Ireland – become an Irish taxi driver
Destination Ireland is a fun, fast-paced board game where you take on the role of an Irish taxi driver. The winner is the cabbie who has the most money at the end of the shift and avoids all the perils of driving a cab on the Emerald Isle.
As the driver, you will visit famous destinations, collect fares, and try to avoid the traffic lights.
2. An Irish puzzle – a great reminder of Ireland
Engage your brain and get the whole family involved with a 500 or 1000-piece Irish puzzle from Gosling Gifts and Games.
These fantastic puzzles feature beautiful designs of iconic places around Ireland. Choose from the Cliffs of Moher, the Giant’s Causeway, Skellig Michael, and more.
So, not only are these puzzles one of the best Irish games to play on St Patrick’s Day 2022, but once you’ve completed one, you can frame it and keep it in your house as a decoration.
1. Tara – steeped in Celtic heritage
Steeped in the ancient legends of Ireland’s Celtic heritage and royal past, these three unique games of pure strategy are appreciated by young and old alike.
This game is easy to learn but will take a lifetime to master. And with mesmerising patterns, you have a classic in the making.
So, there are ten great Irish games to play on St Patrick’s Day 2022. Perfect for a lazy afternoon preparing to go out on the town.
