With a significant Irish population, Vermont celebrates St. Patrick’s Day big. From annual festivals, to authentic pubs and jovial parades, Vermont knows how to celebrate March 17 right. Here are the best places to do just that.
The Annual Burlington Irish Heritage Festival takes place across several weeks. It features many performances throughout Burlington. This wonderful festival promises to shower participants with music, dance, history, and genealogy info. Most events are free, although donations are welcomed as this is thrown by a non-profit organization!
Ri Ra is a local favorite located in a historic building in Burlington. With its lively and fun atmosphere, it's no wonder why! This real Irish local pub is causes a frenzy around St. Patrick's Day with their PaddyFest. Every night of the week leading up to St. Patrick's Day you can listen to live music, watch Irish dance performances, watch national rugby games, get a perfect pur of Guinness, enjoy bagpipers, and more. You won't want to miss a bit of this excitement!
McGrath's Irish Pub features, of course, Guinness on tap and an assortment of Irish whiskeys. Their pub menu features Irish-American dishes like Guinness Stew, Bangers & Boxty, and Irish Reuben. You can catch live Irish music every weekend, so you know you're in for a treat on St. Patrick's Day. There is a family-friendly vibe here, and the atmosphere is warm and inviting!
Featuring 15 beers on tap and over 30 bottles, The Killarney is fully stocked on brew. An extensive selection of Scotch and Irish Whisky can be consumed in this warm and friendly establishment. Noted for its friendly service and use of local products, Killarney makes for an experience worthy for your St. Patrick's Day. The menu features dishes like chicken Jameson, bangers & mash, corned beef & cabbage, and shepherd's pie.
With 17 microbrews on tap and an array of canned and bottled brews, Finnigan's Pub is a local favorite traditional Irish pub with a great local beer selection. And, with almost 40, yes 40, whisky offerings it is almost worth it to go there for the selection alone. Aside from their great menu options and selection of booze, there is a pool table, dartboard, and seven large, flat screen TVs. Spend your St. Patrick's Day by raising a pint (or five) here!
This event is meant to be a fun, short, and spirited affair for families and children. The route winds through downtown and features many attractions centered around this celebrated holiday. After the parade ends there are festivities lined up for afterwards at the City Hall Auditorium. Irish music, green beverages, traditional cuisine, and much more will all be featured!