PICTURE GALLERY: Irish eyes were smiling in Port Douglas last night

Even the wet weather could not dampen the Irish party spirit as Saint Patrick’s Day was celebrated in fine style across Port Douglas venues yesterday.

The festivities started early at Fresq Cafe, with national flags, coloured balloons and decorations adorning the popular Grant Street meeting spot with strong Irish connections, as well as well-known songs playing out across the airwaves.

Customers and staff also got into the mood early, dressing up in green outfits and colourful hats and laughing out loud with the joy of the occasion.

Further along Macrossan Street, the staff at Paddy’s bar were starting to prepare for an expected onslaught of frivolity once the Irish bands started at 4pm.

Bar worker Jessica Sheldrick said she was expecting a long night, saying they would keep going until late if the crowd was as well behaved as last year.

With the rain persisting outside, the live music kicked off inside with Irish singer and guitarist Gregg Buchanan joined by special guest fiddle player Stacey Brown for some classic St Paddy’s Day standards.

Cute little children on the dancefloor and laughing families created the atmosphere in the packed bar.

The Irish eyes were definitely smiling as the day turned into evening, with a younger crowd taking over the pub to hear up-tempo Irish band The Kroovs fire up.

The Guinness was flowing and the dancefloor was packed as Port Douglas celebrated a wet and wonderful St Patrick’s Day 2025 late into a Monday night with hundreds of locals and tourists alike joining in the “craic”.