Okay, so we don’t live in Ireland or even a city like Boston with a good Irish mob kind of culture…so how do we celebrate in Indy?  Well…

Today at 11:30 was the St. Patrick’s Day parade downtown (sorry, didn’t get my post written earlier, working with clients, then I had to watch IU beat Illinois…go Hoosiers!)  but truly, there is a lot going on this weekend in Indy!

Georgia Street: Music & green beer on the boardwalk

On Saturday, March 16, Indianapolis Downtown, Inc. will host Indy’s newest St. Patrick’s Day event: Blarney Bash presented by Killian’s on the Georgia Street Boardwalk in between Meridian Street and Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Beginning at noon and runs until midnight and features live music from  My Yellow Rickshaw (2 – 5 p.m.) and Flatbed Twitch (7 – 10 p.m.), with a DJ before, after and in-between bands. An outdoor stage will be in front of Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Green beer will be served inside beer tents along the Georgia Street Boardwalk and food will be available from surrounding bars and restaurants including The Pub Indianapolis, Kilroy’s Bar and Grill, Tilted Kilt Pub & Eatery and Howl at the Moon. All attendees must be 21 or older. More information is available at www.indydt.com/blarneybash.cfm.

**Beer tents will be open Friday by 3 p.m. Friday, March 15 for fans heading to Bankers Life Fieldhouse to see the Pacers play the Lakers, and on Sunday, March 17 from noon to 6 p.m.

Rather just go to an Irish Pub?  Take your pick!

Claddagh Irish Pub offers 3 Indy area locations and their menu is varied, featuring lots of Irish classics such as corned beef and cabbage, bangers and champ and shepherd’s pie.

Downtown – 234 S Meridian Street, Indianapolis

Northside – 3835 East 96th Street, Indianapolis

Plainfield – 2539 Futura Park Way, Suite 150, Plainfield

Mo’s Irish Pub is located at Hamilton Town Center in Noblesville, and offers traditional Irish pub offers great takes on old sandwiches such as a killer grilled cheese and tomato soup, the traditional fish and chips and the Big Cookie for dessert.

McGinley’s Golden Ace Inn has brought Ireland to Indianapolis. Established just four months after prohibition by Irish immigrants John and Ann McGinley, the Golden Ace Inn is still owned and operated by the McGinley family, making it the oldest Irish pub in Indianapolis. Their basic menu is very fairly priced and includes their most famous item – homemade cheeseburgers.

Mickey’s Irish Pub, located in Carmel, offers great pub food, pool, and dancing.  Mickey’s menu doesn’t offer a lot of traditional Irish food, but they do offer variety, enjoy everything from a burger, to pizza to a catfish dinner. Mickey’s also features lots of live events throughout the year.

O’Reilly’s Irish Bar and Restaurant is just north of Banker’s Life Fieldhouse and has an extensive menu of appetizers, burgers and many specialty entrees.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Vicki Reed