HE IS the main patron saint of Ireland and the anniversary of his death on March 17 commemorates the arrival of Christianity in Ireland more than 550 years ago.

Proserpine is the only place between Brisbane and Cairns to still boast an Irish-owned and operated pub - it is O'Duinns on Main St and the celebration is St Patrick's Day.

Meghan Dunne, the daughter of O'Duinns' owners, has fond memories of St Patrick's Day.

Growing up in Sydney as a child, she still remembers the carnival atmosphere and street parade.

"We would watch the parade and then go to the park because there was live entertainment," she said.

O'Duinns is celebrating its 10th St Patrick's Day in Proserpine this year and it has major festivities planned for the weekend.

Ms Dunne said the pub's tradition of celebrating Ireland's patron saint had educated many locals on what St Patrick's Day was all about.

"Now everybody wants to be Irish on St Patrick's Day," she said.

"I feel like every year everyone gets so excited and comes to the pub."

The council may not be closing the street for St Patrick's Day this Thursday, but O'Duinns will be pulling out all the stops to make sure this St Paddy's Day is the best one yet for Proserpine.

The Claddagh School of Irish Dance will travel from Mackay and the band Mecha Mecha will be coming all the way from Byron Bay to perform.

Ms Dunne said punters could expect an "awesome day" and a bunch of giveaways too.

"The atmosphere is great, everyone is just so happy. I don't even know how to describe it."

On Sunday, the littlies can expect a bunch of fun also, with face painting and children's activities all afternoon.

So get dressed in green, get tipsy on black and get down to O'Duinns Irish Pub for a weekend of traditional St Patrick's Day celebrations.

IRISH FOR A DAY

What: St Patrick's Day celebrations

Where: O'Duinns Irish Pub

When: Thursday through Sunday

Cost: Free