Pints! Niall Horan celebrates first Paddy’s Day at home in five years

Most of us would take the idea of a few pints down the local for granted, but if you're a global superstar things are a little different.

Niall Horan's been making the most of his extended break from the limelight by fitting in a few well-earned holidays, both at home and further afield.

And after returning to Mullingar over Christmas, Mr. Horan made another trip to his hometown today for a cheeky Paddy's Day pint – his first March 17 on Irish soil in five years, according to The Sun.

"Happy St. Patrick's day everyone.  Always proud of our little nation," he wrote on Instagram alongside a snap of himself slugging a pint of Guinness in what looked to be a relatively quiet Irish pub.

Niall was taking no chances though, and attempted to stave off attention from fans by pulling his cap down over his face.

With some spare time on his hands, Niall's been using the opportunity to get back to his first love – golfing. Just yesterday he was out in the "freezing cold" for a putt around:

We don't feel too sorry for poor freezing Niall though, as he's only just back from a sun-drenched trip to Thailand with 2FM host Eoghan McDermott and three friends.

Eoghan called the holiday a "week in paradise," and judging by the snaps posted by the pair on social media, it certainly was.

Happy March 17 Niall!