Vegas Does St. Paddy’s in Style With These Lucky Events

Known for its historic Irish population, New York City definitely throws some wild St. Paddy’s celebrations. Not surprisingly, the resort based on the city is also no slouch on the holiday, with a weekend-long party, Vegas style.

New York-New York ushers in the holiday with their Celtic Feis Festival, starting March 16. The legendary party opens with a Friday parade that winds by “Bliss Dance” at the Park and culminates in a flash mob on the Brooklyn Bridge.

Saturday’s revelry begins early, with a morning march led by the Las Vegas Pipe Band and the president and COO of New York-New York, Cynthia Kiser Murphey. “[It’s] the party you never want to miss and never ends,” Kiser Murphey said. “People fly from Ireland to visit us ... let’s put it that way.”

Culinary and drink options at New York-New York include Irish libations served at the virtual Guinness pub on the Brooklyn Bridge, and traditional Irish cuisine at the Nine Fine Irishmen pub and restaurant.

The casino hotel has again paired up with the St. Baldrick’s Foundation by organizing a head-shaving event the weekend before to benefit cancer research. “It’s important in order to bring excitement to our event and create a desirable atmosphere,” said Kiser Murphey. www.newyorknewyork.com

Eat till you’re green

Hardcore fans can kick off the craic at 6:45 a.m. Saturday by cheering on Ireland in the Six Nations rugby match against England, all while enjoying some of Rí Rá Las Vegas’ delicious breakfast entrees. A little too early? The authentic pub at Mandalay Bay will offer a specialty menu of traditional Irish fare later in the day, including fish and chips, whiskey glazed salmon, beef and Guinness stew, and chicken boxty.

(Rí) Rah, rah!

Partygoers can continue to indulge in the Irish experience at Rí Rá Las Vegas, a comfortable environment where conversation flows as smoothly as the Guinness. The pub will feature Irish dancers, bagpipers and more for St. Patrick’s Day. Don’t miss Irish music acts The Crooked Jacks, The Black Donnellys and Craic Haus, who are all booked to take the stage during the celebration. www.rira.com

-Genevieve Wong, Custom Publishing Writer