If you’re looking to chow down and start the festivities the same way the Irish do, then be sure to stop by Kevin Barry’s on West River Street and Molly MacPherson’s on West Congress Street. Kevin Barry’s proudly boasts live Irish music seven nights a week, authentic cuisine, and two full-service bars. Molly MacPherson’s will be holding their 3rd annual Bagpipe Tattoo on St. Pat’s Eve. Kicking off at 6pm, multiple pipe and drum corps will perform right out front. And did we mention that all of Molly’s waiters wear kilts? To keep the night alive, take a stroll down River Street and stop in at one of Savannah’s favorites, Wet Willie’s. If you have the munchies, they can serve up anything from wings to nachos, but don’t spend too much time deciding what frozen drink you’re in the mood for. From a Call a Cab to a Bahama Mama, remember you can always come back for more.

Events kick off on Friday, March 11, starting with the Greening of the Fountain in Forsyth at noon and the March of Dimes Shamrock Run at 6 p.m. in City Market. Saturday offers the family-friendly Tara Feis festival in Emmet Park. Tara Feis is non-alcoholic, free to the public, and full of Irish-dancers and authentic music. Sunday brings the Celtic Cross Ceremony at the Charles Morris Center, which celebrates Savannah’s Irish heritage, and Wednesday honors our military with the Jasper Green Ceremony in Madison Square. Thursday is the big day with festivities beginning at 8am with Mass at the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and the parade beginning at 10:15am. River Street will also be a hot spot with live entertainment, food, drinks, games and more. Live music will be offered in City Market on Friday and Saturday to end the week.

For easiest access to the festivities, downtown Savannah offers plenty of choices. The Hampton Inn on Bay Street, East Bay Inn, Staybridge Suites on Bay Street, and the DeSoto Hilton are closest to the parade, but Savannah also offers the Avia Hotel which is adjacent to City Market, the Doubletree Hotel, the Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Inn and Suites, and SpringHill Suites. Any choice of hotel will put you right in the mix of festivites!

On that day of green, you’ve got to make sure you’re decked out in all of the right stuff, and whether it is a t-shirt or trousers, J. Parker Limited has it all. Green ties, fleeces, belts, and even green for our canine friends are just a few of the festive pieces they offer. If you’re striving to look more like a participant than a spectator, grab yourself a green blazer for just $159 or a pair of shamrock pants for $89.