Toast to Irish fare and merriment in Vegas this St. Patrick’s Day

Next to Boston, there’s no better place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S. than Las Vegas. The city is home to several Irish-themed pubs that go all out for the special occasion.

Guests can celebrate at Rí Rá Las Vegas’ St. Patrick’s Day festival March 15 to 17. Home to an 8-foot-tall, 500-pound carved plaster statue of St. Patrick that dates back to 1850, the Irish pub inside the Shoppes a t Mandalay Place will not only feature live Irish music from bands such as the Black Donnelly s, the American Diddle Idols and Craic Haus during the three-day event, but will also have giveaways and performances by Irish dancers. A $5 cover charge will be in effect on M arch 17, though it will be waived for those eating as well as drinking. Visitors can expect plenty of craic at Nine Fine Irishmen inside New York-New York Hotel & Casino. In addition to serving its usual mouthwatering fare made from recipes imported from Ireland, from March 14 to 17 the popular Irish pub will serve traditional corned beef and cabbage ($16) for lunch and dinner. Guests can also enjoy a Smithwick’s Ale while listening to live Irish music nightly starting at 9 p.m.

Off-Strip Celebrations

Any Vegas holiday centered on imbibing can make for long lines and packed bars. Take a quick ride away from the Strip’s craziness to find good food and drink during St. Patrick’s Day.

McFadden’s The Town Square Las Vegas pub will feature specials on beer, Jameson and the combination of the two, Irish car bombs, on March 13, 14 and 17. Hungry? Try the fish and chips.

JC’s Irish Sports Pub The JW Marriott Resort and Spa bar will host its own St. Patrick’s Day festivities from 1 p.m. to 12:30 a.m. inside the bar and in its outdoor courtyard. Guests can expect food and drink specials as well as live entertainment. Admission is $10 and includes a pint of green beer or a Jameson shot.

Get Lucky at O’Sheas

It isn’t just bars and pubs that are in on the holiday action. O’Sheas, the Irish-themed casino at the Linq Hotel & Casino, will be throwing its largest St. Patrick’s Day celebration ever this year. O’Sheas’ mascot, Mr. Lucky, will parade through the Linq promenade and Guinness will even be giving away a trip to Ireland at the event, so don’t forget your four-leaf clover!

-Heather Turk, Brand Publishing Writer