Can it really be that time again? St. Patrick’s Day is upon us yet again m’darlin’s, and before you can say “Leapin’ Leprechauns” you’ll be finding yourself guzzling the Guinness and singing those old familiar songs come Thursday, March 17th.
There is definitely an Irish contingent resident on the island, but when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day, everyone wants to be an honorary member of the Emerald Isle. Don’t worry about trying to catch a glimpse of the mystical green flash – all you’ll see is a sea of green as revellers dress up in their finest St. Paddy’s garb.
Various bars and clubs along the Seven Mile strip are no slouches on this annual day of celebration – expect live music, giveaways and general merriment as the night carries on.
So what can one do on St. Patrick’s Day? Well before you hit the Guinness and other pints of brew, you might want to consider beginning on a healthy note with the annual 5K Irish Jog. Participants from hardened athletes to social walkers and even those pushing children in strollers can be found at the starting line, with some even going so far as to sport a jaunty hat or fake red beard. The runners are up front followed by the joggers and then the saunterers. I entered for the first time last year, and I’m here to tell you that it’s amazing how slight inclines at the beginning can feel like mountains near the end. Set in the pristine grounds of the golf course, the view was (almost) enough to keep your mind off how much further you had to go. Like childbirth
I’ve forgotten the pain, and will no doubt be signing up again this year. My advice is to keep your eye on those pushing strollers. You think you’ll outrun them then suddenly they are sprinting past you. Devastating stuff…
Once the Jog is over and your face is back to its normal shade from the relevant green colour you were sporting at the Finish line, it’s time to hit the social scene. It is inevitable that you’ll stop at Triple Crown and Fidel Murphy’s, the Island’s two pubs on West Bay Road. Expect to find your favourite lagers, bitters and of course Guinness on tap where those with the biggest elbows get served first. Both venues have employed live bands in the past and expand their venues into the outdoors to accommodate the extra swell of patrons.
Decorations festoon the premises and festive dancing is encouraged. If you want to get a seat at either of these venues, I strongly suggest you get there early.
Coconut Joe’s is always known for its yearly Blarney Stone event, where competitors win a coveted spot placing their hand on a large green boulder for an insanely long period of time. It’s the survival of the fittest, and by all accounts, the ones with the largest bladders. It is not a test for the faint-of-heart, but every St. Patrick’s people are fighting for spaces because the prizes are usually pretty good and in the end, the ensuing respect earned is priceless. Will Coconut Joe’s be rolling out the Blarney Stone again in 2011? Stop by and ask any member of staff, and then get training.
Although the three places I have mentioned above are known for their March 17th celebrations, you cannot contain the Irish, so chances are good you’ll be bumping into Leprechauns and the like where’ere you go.
Should you still be up for a bit of a jig when the bars close, you can move on to one of several clubs. I doubt the DJs will be spinning any Val Doonican, but I’m sure they’ll find something to keep your toes tapping until the wee hours.
Just remember when you head out on St. Paddy’s that you’ll not wanting to be drinking and driving. Make sure you have a designated driver (that would be someone who is not indulging in alcohol, has a valid driver’s license and insurance) or take taxis. Search safely for your Pot O’Gold.
Slainte!