If it’s not already on your radar, then Celtic Fest certainly will be now. This annual celebration paves the way for one huge St. Patrick’s Day party, with more than a week’s worth of festivities taking place around town. It all culminates in one big finale on March 17th with the 9th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade (starts at 11am at Howe and Davie).
If you’re in it for the long haul come Sunday, you might consider purchasing a day ticket to participate in the official St. Patrick’s Day Pub Crawl (for those more committed, three-day passes are also available). Choose from one of several start locations and booze cruise your way around town with the best of them. Bonus: participants score a free t-shirt as a memento.
Back by popular demand, we suggest you reserve yourself a seat at the Irish Heather for their famous St. Patrick’s Day Long Table Series at their 40-foot communal table in the main dining room. Enjoy lively conversation as you nosh on house-made corned beef and cabbage, followed by traditional bread pudding stuffed with fresh Okanagan fruit and topped with Irish Whiskey cream. There will five seatings taking place from noon until late, with the two-course meal and an Irish lager available for $40 plus tax and tip.
If you miss the boat on scoring resos for the abovementioned, fear not. You can always head over to the newly opened Rainer Provisions (serving a special St. Patrick’s Day lunch and dinner). They’ll feature a similar menu – and happily dish out the fun. After you’ve garnered your fix, be sure to head over to the St. Paddy’s day classic for a night-cap at Shebeen (stumbling distance away) and nurse a Guinness (or two).
Looking to venture out of Gastown? Why not head over to Mahoney & Sons‘ waterfront convention centre location in Coal Harbour? Drink your brew with a view and catch some live music and ensuing chaos while you’re at it. Guaranteed it will be one St. Patrick’s Day party not to be missed.
Ceili’s Irish Pub (downtown location) will have a host of reasons for you to channel your inner Leprechaun (or just simply wear all green) as they host a bevy of live talent in celebration of St. Paddy’s Day. Be sure to catch the Halifax Wharf Rats post-parade as you sip an emerald-hued brew.
Finally, if you’re a true Irish at heart and ready to devote a full day to the festive spirit, be sure to get things started and head down to Doolin’s Irish Pub bright and early (we’re talking 9am early) for a full day of revelling with like-minded folks. They’ve got a line-up of live entertainment like no other, tastings, plenty of bevies on offer and more.
