(Sham)Rock Out!

The best places to get your green on this St. Patty’s Day weekend, plus Monday, the official holiday.

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As one of America’s most Irish cities, there’s no shortage of opportunities to flaunt your Irish heritage here. And even if you can’t trace your ancestry back to the Emerald Isle, as it says on the Guinness factory walls in Dublin, “Everyone is Irish on March 17th.”

 

March 15

 

Celtic Invasion: Irish Boxing Match
Mar. 15, 7-11 p.m., Orpheum Theatre

Boxers bleed green this coming Saturday at the Orpheum Theatre. Some of Ireland’s famed fighters, Gary “Spike” O’Sullivan, Jonathan “Thunderbolt” O’Brien, Mike “The Storm” Sweeney, and Paddy Hyland, will take on their American counterparts in a historic match. Come and cheer on some of Ireland’s toughest boxers, or root for your hometown boys.

 

March 16

The Black Rose
Mar. 16-17, 6 a.m., The Black Rose, 160 State St.

The Black Rose opens its doors bright and early at 6 a.m., serving a full Irish breakfast. WFNX hosts an exclusive private performance by Louis the XIV, as well as plenty of games and giveaways. As usual, this renowned Celtic establishment will provide live Irish music all day long, and patrons are invited to join in with singing with such regulars as Sean Cunningham and the Celtic Clan.

Murphy’s Law
Mar. 16, noon-2 a.m.; Mar. 17, 10 a.m.-2 a.m., Murphy’s law, 837 Summer St., South Boston

Don’t let this bar’s name deceive you. Murphy’s Law, named after the common belief that if anything can go wrong, it will, hosts a shindig that’s nothing short of the true Irish experience. Well known for its recent appearance in the film Gone Baby Gone, this Southie space is sure to be packed full of locals during the parade. Later, the bar will host live music by Chuck Whelan and Bob McDermott.

 

Southie’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2008
Mar. 16, 1 p.m., Broadway “T” Stop – Andrew Square

One of the city’s oldest holiday traditions. Watch traditional Irish marching bands and pipe bands take to the streets. The parade kicks off at Southie’s Broadway “T” stop and travels to Andrew Square, so there will be plenty of great spots to take in the action and live up your Irish heritage.

Ras na hEireann
Mar. 16, 11 a.m., Davis Square, Somerville

While hundreds of Bostonians are sharing in a pint, others will take to the streets in the Ras na hEireann U.S.A. 5 km road race. Known as the most genuine Irish race this side of the Atlantic, the Ras na hEireann is named after the original cross country run that has been held in Ireland for decades. All participants are welcome to dress in their finest Irish apparel.

 

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance
Mar. 16th, 7 p.m., Lowell Memorial Auditorium

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance has stepped its way into the hearts of millions. The show, based on an Irish folk tale of good versus evil, is an exciting and cultural way to celebrate the holiday.

 

Go on to the next page to see what’s happening on the official St. Patty’s Day…

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March 17

 

McFaddens
Mar. 17, 7 a.m.-2 a.m., McFaddens, 148 State St.

Celebrate with the one and only Lucky the Leprechaun! McFaddens and the Celtics mascot are throwing a party, including a complimentary Irish breakfast until 9 a.m. More authentic Irish food will be served throughout the day. For those who are thirsty, there will be plenty of green beer, Jell-O shots, and Guinness to go around. The bar opens its doors at 7 a.m., and last year it was packed by 9 a.m., so be sure to get there early.

 

The Burren
Mar. 17, 8 a.m., The Burren, 247 Elm St., Somerville

This Somerville pub, known for its traditional Irish music and spirit, kicks off the holiday by opening at 8 a.m. with a full Irish breakfast. WAAF will broadcast live all day as musicians the McGowen’s Rovers, Johnny Come Lately, and Spike Island perform live starting at noon. If the music’s not enough to satisfy your thirst for everything Celtic, the bar will also serve corned beef and cabbage.

 

St. Patrick’s Day at Grafton Street
Mar. 17, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m., Grafton Street, 1230 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge (Harvard Square)

Harvard Square’s neo-Irish pub, Grafton Street, hosts a deliciously traditional celebration, including Irish music all day, and a DJ spinning from 10 p.m.-2 a.m. Starting the Saturday prior to St. Patrick’s Day, the pub will offer a menu with corned beef, cabbage, and potatoes, beef stew, and Shepherd’s pie.

Beer Advocate St. Patrick’s Day Beer Crawl
Mar. 17, Noon-midnight, Various locations in Cambridge

Join Beer Advocate for their annual beer crawl through Beantown. The day-long drinking extravaganza starts at 11 a.m. at the Asgard in Cambridge, and will move a
round town every two hours through midnight.

The Kells
Mar. 17, 3 p.m., The Kells, 161 Brighton Ave., Allston

The Kells of Boston invites revelers to get their jig on. Entertainment is set to include traditional bag pipers and step dancers in the afternoon, and music through the late evening. In addition, they will serve a signature concoction called the Irish Derby, a blend of Bailey’s Irish Cream, Jameson Irish Whiskey, and milk topped with crème de menthe.

 

The Bell in Hand Tavern
Mar. 17, 3 p.m., Bell in Hand Tavern, 45–55 Union St.

Join the folks at the Bell in Hand Tavern for a shamrockin’ good time. WFNX and co-sponsor Jameson Irish Whiskey will host the pub’s “Roll the Dice” party, offering a number of opportunities to drink up and win big. As usual, the bar will also provide live music throughout the day.

Bee Irish St. Patrick’s Day Party
Mar. 17, 5 p.m.-2 a.m., The Beehive

Even if you can’t call out sick on the official holiday, you can still celebrate after work at the Beehive. The South End hot spot has planned a festive salute that includes entertainment by local Boston DJ Brother Cleve, followed by Robert Emmet Dunlap, and Hogan’s Goat, who will perform live Irish music into the wee hours. The menu will highlight authentic Irish fare that has been approved by the Boston Irish Tourism Association.

A Celtic Sojourn with Brian O’Donovan
Mar. 17, 7:30 p.m., Somerville Theatre

WGBH is celebrating Irish culture with a lively evening of Irish music and dance. Brian O’Donovan, host of the regular radio program “A Celtic Sojourn,” will lead the station’s festivities. Among the many acts set to perform are singers Karan Casey, Kieran Jordan, John Spillane, and the Neo-trad trio Buille.

Dropkick Murphys
Mar. 17, 8 p.m., Paradise Rock Club

They’re shipping up to Boston yet again! The Dropkick Murphys, who you may remember from their now legendary rolling performance with Red Sox ace pitcher Jonathan Papelbon, are coming to town. The Irish rock group will perform in two shows at the Paradise Rock Club. It just wouldn’t be the same without them.