Ipswich Star pub of the week is Shamrock in Tacket Street

The Shamrock based in Tacket Street was once again a prime destination for all those wishing to celebrate St Paddy's Day.

I went along on Monday to experience the buzz, and it was fantastic.

Speaking to the co-owners, Gus Chrysomallis and Steven Wells, I found out that it was one of the busiest weekends they have had, with Gus stating that in two and a half years at the pub it was in the top five busiest weekends.

Steven Wells and Gus Chrysomalis (Image: Lucy Taylor) Ipswich residents enjoyed St Patrick's Day at the Shamrock (Image: Tom Cann)

While the pub is small, it has that homely feel to it, with plenty of comfortable sofas and chairs and lots of tables.

There are plenty of screens around the pub capable of showing different channels for those that wish to watch some sport.

For most, the pub is also considered to serve the best Guinness in town. If that doesn't take your fancy then they have a great selection of beers on tap to choose from as well as ciders, gins and wines.

Michael Thomas Harvey, who goes by the stage name DJ Delboy (Image: Tom Cann) Dom and Ian enjoying their pints of Guinness while dressed for the occasion (Image: Tom Cann)

I was told that on Saturday the pub had sold about 700 pints of Guinness, with the pub selling over a thousand on Monday.

They also did a little challenge with guests on Monday to see who could tell the difference between Guinness and the alcohol-free version.

I don't like Guinness, I never drink it and haven't drunk it in years, but I had a go at this challenge. Not to blow my own trumpet, but I nailed it.

The pub is dog friendly, with Bear enjoying the day at the pub with his owners John and Sophie Good (Image: Tom Cann) The Shamrock hosted a lively St Patrick's Day (Image: Tom Cann)

It was just a really friendly atmosphere in the pub. Everyone having a good time celebrating the holiday. People were dressed up, wearing Guinness hats, donning Irish flags and all just being in high spirits.

Steven described it as an "awesome buzz" throughout the day and it reminded him of how pubs used to be.

There was surely no other place to go on St Paddy's Day (Image: Lucy Taylor)

He said that not one single argument was had all evening, solidifying the fact that it was just such a friendly and happy atmosphere to be in.

The pub regularly has live music from various DJs and bands and shows live sports, and it is also dog friendly.

There are also a selection of board games at the pub for people to play if they wish.

Sonia McNulty and Jayme Mousa at the pub (Image: Tom Cann) Shamrock owners Gus and Steve (Image: Lucy Taylor)

There is a small but quaint beer garden at the back of the premises, which considering it's a town centre location is a nice addition.

The pub was taken over by Steven and Gus in September 2022 with the hopes of turning the pub into a second home for customers.

I can safely say it definitely has that feel to it. All the staff are very friendly and tentative to customers' needs.

There is a warm, comfy feeling in the pub which makes for an excellent place to have a beer or two with friends - especially if you like Guinness.

All in all, Shamrock is a great craic for a variety of things - chilling with friends, watching sport, playing a board game or two, listening to live music and generally just having a nice time.

George Mateo serving a Guinness (Image: Lucy Taylor)