National: Guinness to give away hundreds of free pints this weekend but there's a catch

Drinks giant Guinness has announced it will be giving away free pints in hundreds of pubs across the country over the Paddy's Day bank holiday weekend.

Guinness has painted it's iconic gates at the Guinness Storehouse blue in preparation for their new campaign 'paint the town blue' which is aiming to put moderation at the forefront of the St. Patrick's Day celebrations.

People are invited to 'embrace the blue' with Guinness 0.0 to make it a weekend to remember.

Free pints of Guinness 0.0 will be free in over 800 pubs in different locations around Ireland until Monday, March 18.

Fans of the black stuff just need to download the FANZO App, register and redeem your free pint by showing the voucher in any participating pub.

Those looking to quench their thirst at the Aviva this Saturday can also redeem a free pint at any bar serving Guinness.

Tesco are also running a buy one get one free promotion on Guinness 0.0 for all Clubcard members.

The firm has paired up with Derry Girls actress Saoirse-Monica Jackson who has echoed calls on her social media pages for people to have a St. Patrick's weekend to remember.

Saoirse-Monica said:

"I am delighted to partner with Guinness 0.0 this St. Patrick's Day to address some of the biggest misconceptions around Irish culture.

"Since the early days of my career, I've encountered countless people having trouble pronouncing my name. So, from mispronunciation of our names, to misunderstanding how we should be celebrating, I'm delighted to team up with Guinness 0.0 to encourage people to give moderation a seat at the table this St. Patrick's Day through this playful collaboration."

Marketing Director of Guinness Ireland said:

"We are delighted to be championing Guinness 0.0 and a message of moderation for St. Patrick's Day, a time to come together to celebrate our heritage and culture.

"It's great to work with Saoirse-Monica, one of our most exciting actresses, to right some wrongs associated with St. Patrick's Day and encourage everyone to make it a day to remember."