We're being encouraged to celebrate the tradition of St Patrick's Day tomorrow instead of making it all about alcohol.
The call comes from drink aware who is running a campaign for the bank holiday weekend called 'means so much more'
The organisation wants people to think about what Ireland means to them from a cultural point of view.
Speaking to Beat News, Communications Manager Jennifer Flynn, outlines more about their campaign:
"What we find with St Patrick's Day is that alcohol and particularly heavy drinking, are too often just seen as part of our culture. But this is actually an outdated narrative.
"So we want the public to remember what makes them proud of Ireland, while celebrating the rich and diverse culture and history on St Patrick's Day.
It's as outdoor drinking laws have been given leeway due to the number of people that will be outside. Many county councils have bye-laws that forbid drinking in public places, despite the practice not generally being forbidden in the country.
However, Gardaí can take your drink away if they believe you to be a safety hazard, either to yourself or others, while on-the-spot fines can also be handed out.
"We actually went out to the public through our social media channels and asked them what Ireland means to them" continued Flynn.
"And the responses ranged from 'Ireland is my homes' to the different types of food we like, smells of tuf fires, freshly cut grass, our accents. (The) really strong sense of community that exists in Ireland, as well as people embracing those from overseas.
It's as an alcohol charity is criticising dignitaries being shown pulling pints for St Patrick's Day.
Britain's Prince Charles was photographed pouring a pint of Guinness during a visit to London's Irish Cultural Centre yesterday.
He's the latest in a long line of well-known figures to be pictured with a pint of the black stuff.
"You really have to ask yourself what and why does this happen?" said Alcohol Action Ireland chief executive, Sheila Gilheany.
"And it doesn't happen by accident, it happens through an industry actively promoting their product, and we have to bear that in mind."
