St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner, and even though it’s a cultural and religious holiday that originated in Ireland, it’s now celebrated around the world on March 17th. St. Patty’s Day honors the patron saint of Ireland. Festivities in the area celebrate Irish heritage and culture with food, drinking, and all things green. Here are some fun ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s day around the north coast.
Festivals
Pouring At the Coast 2020 is a St. Patty’s day celebration that celebrates with beer and lots of it! If you’re a beer lover, then head to the Seaside Convention Center on March 21st. With more than 30 breweries, over 70 beers, and an expanded variety of food and live entertainment, this year will the biggest PATC yet! The best deal is to buy a 12 oz pilsner souvenir glass and seven tasting tickets for only $25. Live music goes from 8 pm to 10 pm on the main floor, where you can enjoy dinner with a show for $15.
Pubs
It doesn’t matter if you’re Irish or not, you’re invited to join in the St. Patty’s day Across the Land at McMenamin’s Gearhart Hotel and Sandtrap Pub. Highlights include serving their lucky Irish Stout, Irish coffee, Irish Reubens, and MacSleyne Irish Stew. Relax in the Livingstone’s room for a night of live music by Spud & The Snake Skinners from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm.
The Irish Pub at McKeown’s is located in Seaside and is known for providing live Irish music and authentic Irish Whiskey. The music starts at 5:30 pm on St. Patrick’s Day and will continue until around 10:00 pm.
Go Green
There are many ways to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day without drinking, and one of those ways is to “Go green.” Traditionally that means you should wear something green or you might get pinched. Remember, you can go as subtle or be as wild as you want. You could wear an all green t-shirt that says, “Kiss Me, I’m Irish!” or be utterly outrageous with a leprechaun costume, complete with white stockings, a green top hat, and red beard!
You can also “Go Green” by choosing to help the environment on St. Patrick’s Day. Let’s face it; we need it! Get the kids together and pick up some garbage off the beach or plant some trees before going out to enjoy an Irish meal.
Learn Some Favorite Irish Phrases
Have fun and teach the kids or your coworkers some favorite Irish phrases. The Irish have their own unique dialect of the English language, so if you want to sound like an authentic Paddy on St. Patrick’s day, try using some of these Irish gems in your conversation:
- Eejit: Eejit is the Irish word for an idiot, and it’s not meant to be offensive. Instead, it’s used to make fun of someone in a playful way. The Irish love to tease the ones they love. For example, if someone does something silly, you can comment, “Ah ya big eejit!”
- What’s the craic?: This phrase means either “How’s it going?” or “What’s up?” and is used in casual settings. Craic is a popular word in Ireland. Use “craic” correctly, and your friends and family might be impressed. At the very least, you’ll earn major points with the Irish.
- Grand: Grand is another multi-purpose word in Ireland. It doesn’t mean big or impressive, but rather “fine” or “great” depending on the context. “I’m grand” is the Irish way of replying to the question “How are you?” and means you’re doing just fine.
Irish Dancing
Last, but certainly not least, you can try Irish dancing. Irish dancing is lively and challenging. If you can’t find a local class, search for a YouTube video and give it a try. You’ll get some good exercise and feel like an Eejit!
Now that you have some new ideas for fun way to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day around the north coast, get out there and have a little fun this St. Patty’s Day! Shake off those long winter blues and get ready for Spring, which arrives on March 19th! Woohoo, it’s almost here!
