FIND LUCK O’ THE IRISH AT THESE ST. PATRICK’S DAY EVENTS MARCH 17
March 14, 2011 (San Diego’s East County) – Don’t want to fight crowds to head to downtown San Diego for the St. Patrick’s Day parade, or drive home after a night of partying? Sure ‘n’ we’ve got the answer!
Irish pubs in La Mesa, Rancho San Diego and Poway are hosting their own celebrations—complete with free cab rides home. For families, an Escondido park is offering a St. Patrick’s Day hike and crafts. Plus a Scripps Ranch church is holding a special St. Patrick’s Day mass--in Gaelic.
Don’t forget to wear green!
HOIST A PINT AT HOOLEYFEST
East County’s popular “Hooleyfest” St. Patrick’s Day celebration takes place at Hooley’s Irish Pub and Grill in both La Mesa (Grossmont Center) and Rancho San Diego. Bands include Raggle Taggle, the Mighty Untouchables, the 80’s All Stars, Gwydion’s Fire, The Heroes, Pipers, and more. Tickets cost $10 in advance or $15 day of event. Hint: a $25 VIP ticket gets you to the front of the line at both locations. The pubs serve up Irish favorites in an authentic ambience; the original pub in Rancho San Diego was built from items salvaged from a pub in Ireland. Fee shuttle service is offered between events, as well as free rides home within a five mile radius. Age 21 and up. March 17, 5 p.m.-midnight. Details at www.hooleys.com.
PARTY AT PATRICK’S IRISH PUB, POWAY
A beer garden, “outrageous” drink specials, live entertainment, and “giveaways galore” are all part of the festivities planned at Patrick’s Irish Pub, complete with authentic corned beef and cabbage plus free Irish soda bread. Pub opens at 11 a.m; beer garden opens at 2 p.m. Eamon Carroll will perform from 4-7:30 p.m., with a second show by theY3K band from 9 p.m.to closing. Patrick’s is located at 13314 Poway Road in Poway and is offering free rides home within a 7 mile radius. www.patricksirishpub.com
FAMILY FUN: JUST FOR KIDS ST. PATRICK’S DAY HIKE
Naturalist DJ Summers leads easy, one-hour hike in search of "green" on the Daley Ranch's Chaparral Nature Trail for children and parents. Craft session at picnic area follows. Bring a snack if you want. 760-839-4680. Admission is free. Daley Ranch, 30254 La Honda Drive, Escondido. March 17, 11 a.m. More info on the park: http://www.escondido.org/daley-ranch.aspx
GET RELIGION: ST. PATRICK'S EVEN GAELIC MASS
St. Gregory the Great Catholic Church will host a special mass in gaelic at 6 p.m. on March 17. The church is located at 11451 Blue Cypress Drive in the Scripps Ranch community of San Diego. More on St. Gregory: http://www.saintgregorythegreat.org/