Paint the Town Green

The Nevada desert may feel like a world away from Ireland’s lush green pastures, but around St. Patrick’s Day many Las Vegas bars, restaurants and streets can seem like slices of the Emerald Isle. With St. Paddy’s falling on a Monday this year, some in Sin City are making a green-themed weekend of it.

Located inside the Shoppes at Mandalay Place, Rí Rá Irish Pub is hosting a three-day St. Patrick’s festival March 15 to 17, featuring live music (including Dave Barlow and Ruaille Buaille, direct from Ireland); Irish dancers; and authentic over-the-water fare such as Guinness stew and fish and chips.

In downtown Henderson, the annual Southern Nevada Sons of Erin St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival has been a family-oriented fixture (originally held in Vegas itself) since 1966. This year’s celebration happens March 14 to 16, with the parade kicking off at 10 a.m. on Saturday, March 15. There will also be a carnival, car show, and Irish music and dance.

Nine Fine Irishmen, inside New York-New York Hotel & Casino, goes through literally a truckload of Guinness every St. Patrick’s Day. The pub’s annual three-day Celtic Feis (March 15 to 17) includes traditional Irish dishes and live entertainment throughout St. Paddy’s weekend.

At JW Marriott Las Vegas Resort & Spa in Summerlin, J.C. Wooloughan’s Irish Pub is promising four action-packed days of St. Patrick’s festivities, including fine Irish food and free live entertainment nightly (March 14, 16 and 17). The main all-day event on Saturday, March 15, boasts inside and patio stages for a $10 cover (including a free Jameson shot or Irish pint).

At McMullan’s Irish Pub, a family-run off-Strip staple on Tropicana Avenue, their famously comprehensive St. Patrick’s Day program features indoor and outdoor performances from the likes of Darby O’Gill, the Celtic Crown Dancers, and Bogtrotter’s Union, plus seemingly endless Guinness, corned beef and cabbage, and shepherd’s pie. The fun officially starts at 2 p.m., but the always-open McMullan’s usually stays busy from mid St. Paddy’s morning till the wee hours.

Even innovative Pan-Asian eatery Social House at the Shops at Crystals is having a Shamrock Social Hour from 5 to 8 p.m., March 14 through 17, including imaginative creations such as Japanese shamrock fish and chips, and corned beef sliders. An international holiday with an even more international twist!

— Paul Rogers, Brand Publishing Writer