Go on the green: Where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day

By Matt DeBlass

For many New Jersey residents, Saint Patrick’s Day celebrations are limited to “Kiss me, I’m Irish” buttons and maybe green milkshakes at McDonalds, but for thousands of Garden Staters, including many RVCC students, it’s time to show off their Celtic pride.

This year’s St. Patty’s day promises to be a grand affair for Raritan Valley students, as it falls not just on a Friday, but on the Friday that kicks off spring break.

New York City and Boston are traditional destinations for those looking to get into the holiday spirit. Both boast of populations of Irish-Americans that rival the Emerald Isle itself, and in parts of town there is literally a pub on every corner. However, if you’re looking for a more local celebration, you still have plenty of local options.

Cryan’s Pub in North Branch may be the ideal destination (or first stop) for RV students who wrap up their midterms Friday afternoon. Located practically across the street from campus, this establishment has been a student favorite for a long time.

This year, they’ll be featuring performances by Des Whelan on Thursday and Saturday nights and the music of Burns and Cushman on Friday, in addition to bagpipes and traditional music. Patrick Ryan, member of the bar staff and veteran of several St. Patrick’s Day celebrations himself, was sure to mention that even students who are below the drinking age will enjoy themselves with a variety of live entertainment. “It’s a good time,” he says, and recommends that dinner guests enjoy the lamb stew, which will be on hand in addition to other traditional Irish fare.

Pat Mannion of Mannion’s Pub in Somerville describes St. Paddy’s as a weeklong event.

“It’s unbelievable,” he says, “huge, the biggest week of the year.” That week kicks off with Sunday’s parade down Main Street, and Des Whelan performing all afternoon. The featured act that weekend will be the Immortals, a duo of fiddle and other strings playing songs and tunes from Ireland, Scotland and beyond. They’ll be performing Thursday night, along with this author from 7 to 11. On Friday, the restaurant will open at 11:30 a.m. and feature the Immmortals, again from noon till 1:30 in the morning.

Wrapping up the weekend will be Marty McKeirnan on Saturday March 18 for those who aren’t quite done celebrating. Throughout the weekend Mannion’s will feature giveaways such as pint glasses, key chains, T-shirts and more, and, just to add to the fun, step dancers and bagpipes. Of course, corned beef, fish and chips, and shepherd’s pie will be hot items on the menu.

Pat says that their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations will have more of a family atmosphere till about 9 p.m., after which things start getting a little rowdier. Beyond that there will still be good times for the non-drinking crowd, he says. “Obviously, 19 and 20-year-old students won’t be allowed to drink (alcohol), but there’ll be so much going on I don’t think they’ll feel left out.”

Finally, for those looking for a slightly lower-key celebration, or just planning to have a nice dinner before a night on the town, Gabriel’s Fountain in Martinsville will be featuring Celtic music from yours truly. I’ll be playing the Celtic harp and singing traditional songs on harp and guitar. The food is excellent and the ice cream, while not particularly Irish, goes well with any holiday.

These are just a few suggestions out of the scores of fine establishments across Central Jersey where you can go to enjoy a taste of the Emerald Isle. Remember to be responsible, and if you plan on having a few pints, make sure you’ve got a designated driver. Have fun, enjoy your break and, as they say in Ireland, “slainte!”

Contact Information:
:
Cryan’s Ale House & Grill
1270 Route 28, North Branch NJ 08876
(908) 722.1113

Mannion’s Pub & Restaurant
150 W. Main St, Somerville, NJ
(908) 203-0700

Gabriel’s Fountain
1948 Washington Valley Road, Martinsville, NJ 08836
(732) 469-5800