Every March 17, Australia becomes a little greener. Pubs fill early, and even the most sunburnt beer gardens lean into a bit of Irish charm. St Patrick's Day might be Ireland's national day, but Australia likes to get in on the action, too. In the lead-up to St Patrick's Day, and with Irish whiskey brand Tullamore D.E.W. toasting the occasion with drink deals across Sydney, we asked a handful of Irish expats a simple question: what actually culturally connects these two nations year-round? Here's what they told us. Sport As A Cultural Pastime If there was one similarity among the expats, it was sport. Alex has only been living in Australia for three months, but can already see the cultural similarities between Ireland and Australia's beloved pastimes. "Sport is a huge identity in both places, with Ireland having Gaelic football and hurling, and Australia having AFL. Both take pride in our national sports and even combine for an International Rules game once in a blue moon, where the rules of Gaelic and Australian football are combined for a test match," says Alex. Ellie and Alannah, who've both been in Australia for three years, agree that sports, as well as drinking, and outdoor events like festivals, are equally popular in both countries on either side of the globe. Whether you're watching from the nosebleed seats at the MCG or catching a match in the pub, there's a good chance you'll rub shoulders with an Irish expat while enjoying your favourite game. Heading To The Pub [caption id="attachment_817241" align="alignnone" width="1920"] The Mercantile Hotel[/caption] This insight probably won't come as a surprise. Another common similarity between the Irish and the Aussies is our love for the local pub. "Australian and Irish pub culture are very similar in a lot of ways, mainly because of Irish immigrants' influence on early Australian pubs," says Alex. But he adds the biggest difference is that Ireland's are smaller and cosier. "[They're] often referred to as 'old man pubs' and have more intimate atmospheres that focus on conversation." While both nationalities enjoy pub culture and a tipple with mates, the Irish expats made it known in our survey that the feel of pubs in Australia is definitely not the same as back home. "Irish pubs are local and traditional," says Alannah. "They stay open later and are probably more inviting because of the wet weather. It's a place to gather and meet people." Ellie agrees, saying, "Australian pubs are way bigger compared to a homely, cosy Irish pub." Despite the lack of "cosiness", Tara, who's been in Australia for seven years, says that Australia's beer gardens make up for it. "Aussie pubs close earlier, but there are lots of beer gardens here, which I love, and Ireland doesn't have." As Alex (succinctly) puts it, "In both countries, the pub is far more than a bar. It's a social hub where people come together to meet friends after work, watch sports, and listen to live music. This is especially strong in 'local pubs' where your local is more of a community, rather than a place to just drink." Slàinte to that. We Both Love Our Comfort Food [caption id="attachment_1010367" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Cut Bar and Grill[/caption] When it comes to food, nostalgia turns up in the form of pastry. "I'd say Australia's wide range of meat pies gives a similar vibe to Irish comfort food," says Alex. "Grabbing an Aussie staple such as steak or cottage pie can weirdly feel like a cold winter's day back in Cork." Ellie and Alannah also agree that pie of any type reminds them of home, especially chicken and leek pies. Yum. Sunday roasts also loom large. When Tara was asked which Irish traditions she still holds onto, she didn't hesitate: "A Sunday roast weekly! And going to the Irish bars." The throughline is comfort food that's hearty, familiar, and best shared around a table. What's The Craic? According to the Irish expats, humour is a strong bonding mechanism between the two nations. "The Irish and Aussie sense of humour is our biggest similarity," says Alex. "The same sarcasm, self-deprecation, teasing as a sign of affection, and not taking oneself too seriously that you see in your local Aussie pubs is widespread across Ireland." Ellie agrees that our humour is quite similar, with a lot of sarcasm forming its foundation, though she adds, "Irish people, I would say, are more jokey and take themselves less seriously." Alannah sees both humours as "similar, with underlying sarcasm". "The Irish are more sarcastic and take things less seriously," says Alannah. Of course, nationalities are not monolithic, and Leah, who's spent over three years in Australia, believes Irish people are funnier. "Australians have dry humour," says Leah. Where opinions diverge, the importance of banter doesn't. As Alex says, "The banter and storytelling from both is why we historically get along so well." [caption id="attachment_1081442" align="alignnone" width="1920"] Whether you're newly arrived from Cork or born and bred in Carlton, Tullamore D.E.W. is inviting everyone to lean into that shared spirit this St Patrick's Day. With a lineup of Tullamore D.E.W. cocktails and drinks specials pouring across Sydney's CBD, it's less about where you're from and more about how you show up. So gather your mates, pull on something green, and settle in at your local. If the expats are right, the formula is simple: good company, a bit of banter (or craic), and a glass raised to wherever you call home.[/caption] 18+. Drink responsibly.