Whether you are Irish by birth or by choice of brew, you will definitely enjoy the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in the Washington, DC area that fete the culture and traditions of the Emerald Isle.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Old Town Alexandria on March 1, 2008 kicks off the holiday. This year marks the 27th year of the life of the parade. The event includes a dog show with judging for everything from the smallest dog to the dog and master who look most alike. The parade begins at 12:30 p.m. with the best bagpipers around. Visit the sponsor’s website for more information.
After the parade head over to Murphy’s Irish Pub (713 King Street, 703- 548-1717) for a Guinness or Harp, Pat Troy’s Restaurant & Pub (111 N. Pitt St., 703-549-4535) for some corned beef and cabbage or to my personal favorite Eamonn’s Dublin Chipper (729 King Street, 703-299-8384) for the best fish and chips in town.
Saturday, March 15, 2008 from noon to 10 p.m. head out to ShamrockFest 2008 at RFK Memorial Stadium festival grounds in Washington, DC. With 40 acts on 9 stages, there is bound to be something for everyone to enjoy. Scythian, a premier band in the Celtic Community, will kick off the festival along with the Tossers, Pubcrawlers and the Street Dogs. There will also be a multitude of bars and restaurants inside the site area, carnival rides, and strolling entertainment. Main event ticket prices range from $14.99 to $35 and VIP tickets ranging from $69 to $140. For more information visit the events website. Children 12 and under are free.
One of the most heavily attended parades in the District is the Washington, DC St Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Sunday March 16, 2008 at 12:00 noon. The theme of the parade is “A History of Strength” and will proceed down Constitution Avenue from 7th to 17th Streets, N.W. Grandstand seating is available which is wonderful if you like to watch the judging of some of the marching bands and pipes. The parade is about two and a half hours in length and the weather is unpredictable in March, so be prepared. To purchase tickets click here.
