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Mar 10, 2008
A Toned Down St. Paddy’s Day? I Think Not!
With St. Patrick’s Day 2008 falling during Holy Week, many celebrations throughout the nation will be toned down. So what’s a hardcore St. Paddy’s Day reveler to do? Fear not, Hostelworld.com presents the following four U.S. cities where you can still have a wild and green experience.
New York
Even for the city that never sleeps, New York’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration stands out as one of the city’s most exuberant—even outlandish—annual celebrations. From the nation’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade to the green illumination of the Empire State Building, New Yorkers celebrate St. Patrick’s Day like no other. For those looking to experience some authentic Irish-American history, consider the “Big Onion Irish New York Walking Tour,” which explores the former "Little Ireland" district of the Lower East Side. During the 19th century, this neighborhood had more Irish residents than Dublin! And if all else fails, be sure to visit one of New York’s endless supply of authentic Irish pubs. Hostelworld recommends McSorley’s Old Ale House (15 E. 7th Street), Molly’s Pub & Restaurant, (287 Third Avenue), Swift (34 E. 4th Street), Ulysses’ Folkhouse (95 Pearl Street) or The Irish Pub (837 Seventh Avenue).
This year’s festivities take place on Sunday, March 16th.
Hostelworld recommends: Village Inn Hostel.
San Diego
If you think San Diego is not a thriving St. Patrick’s Day hot spot, think again. Each year, more than 20,000 revelers descend upon the city for ShamRock, billed as the biggest St. Patrick’s Day block part west of the Mississippi. Complete with authentic Irish food, Irish dancers, face painters and, of course, all the green beer you can drink, ShamRock transforms San Diego into Ireland for a day. More than anything else, ShamRock has built its reputation as a can’t miss St. Patrick’s day celebration because of the music. 2008 will be no different, featuring a top notch lineup of Irish bands including Raggle Taggle and the Field Irish Dancers, the Stuart Martz Band and The Young Dubliners.
And best of all, ShamRock 2008 will carry on as planned on March 17th!
Hostelworld recommends: USA Hostels San Diego.
San Francisco
With an expected attendance of more than 100,000 festive partiers, San Francisco’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is billed as the largest of its kind on the West Coast. Complete with bagpipes, drums, Irish dancers and a whole lot of green, the procession winds its way through the city and culminates in a memorable festival at the steps of City Hall. This year’s parade takes place on Saturday, March 15th. But the authentic partier who still wishes to celebrate on the official March 17th date should head on down to the Royal Exchange St. Patrick’s Day Street Party. Located outside this famous financial district hotspot, the roads are closed to cars beginning at 4:00 p.m. in favor of live music, beer, food and a host of tipsy executives.
Hostelworld recommends: Pacific Tradewinds Backpacker Hostel.
Washington, D.C.
Dubbed the nation’s most exciting St. Paddy’s Festival, the Shamrock Fest is an all out party that locals and visitors alike don’t want to miss. Stretched out over 40 plus acres, the Shamrock Fest is complete with live entertainment, authentic Irish entertainers, food, rides, games, and most importantly alcohol. Decked out with eleven massive main event party zones those attending may want to consider purchasing a VIP pass. VIP tickets are available and include access to multiple areas including: private stage and tent access, a limited-edition Shamrock Fest ’08 mug, and VIP seating areas. Located at RFK Stadium Festival Grounds the Shamrock Fest kicks off on Saturday, March 15 starting at noon and ending at 10:00 PM.
Hostelworld recommends: LOFTSTEL.
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