Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick's Day

If you are in New York on St. Patrick's Day you simply must imbibe in the festivities. From 11am to 4pm, 5th Avenue is a sea of green as the shamrock festooned parade marches by. Filled with marching bands, drill teams and scores of proud Irish revelers the St. Paddy's Day parade is a joyous occasion for one and all.

Long after the parade ends however, the festivities continue on in the bars and pubs (especially the Irish bars and pubs) around the city. Many establishments offer green beer and specials on Irish brews and traditional Irish cuisine in honor of the day. Countless Irish kisses are given and a few Celtic songs may even be warbled out by the partiers.

One of my favorite Irish establishments is O'Reilly's Pub on 31st Street (Between 6th Ave & Broadway). A classic Irish American hangout O'Reilly's offers a delicious Sheppard's pie that I enjoy even when it's not St. Patrick's Day. Check out O'Reilly's on Menu Pages or call 212-684-4244

At Paddy Reilly's Music Bar it is St. Patrick's Day every day. Traditionally Irish through and through, Paddy Reilly's offers live Irish music 7 nights a week, the only beer on tap is Guinness and heated games of darts are always underway in the back. Located at 2nd Ave and 29th Street you should call (212) 686-1210 for a schedule of performances.

Near my digs is a great Irish restaurant and bar called Coogan's. A staple of Washington Heights, this establishment melds the Irish heritage of the owners with the Dominican and Puerto Rican heritage of the neighborhood resulting in the spiciest St. Patrick's Day celebrations in the city. Patrons observe the holiday with hot salsa music and a cold pint. Check out Coogan's website for details.

And if you want to sample a lot of Irish pubs, you might try the "Luck of the Irish Pub Crawl." Now in its 10th year it boasts "over 5 Miles, 2 Days and 30 bars." This is a great way to meet people, see the city and discover your favorite NYC pub. Check out the Pub Crawl website for a list of bars and activities.

Insider Tips:

• Bring a camera. St. Patrick's Day is crazy in NYC and there will always be something that you will want to capture on film. If only as proof to share with your friends back home.


• Get your green on. You don't want to get caught without a touch of the Irish and the crazier the better. There are vendors on many street corners selling green hats, sunglasses, necklaces, paint, anything that a serious St. Patrick's Day participant will need to make the day memorable.
  
• Of course you want to look sensational, but you might want to wear sensible shoes. Let's be honest - you will probably be walking a lot and you might be less than completely sober. Besides being uncomfortable high heels have never been all that Irish.