St. Patrick’s Day in the South Strand

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Cead Mile Failte

… to the South Strand, y’all.

They say that everybody’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. We say that everyone is welcome here at the beach. Put those two things together and we’ve got the makings for one seriously fun holiday.

St. Paddy’s Day 2015 falls on a Tuesday – a serious bummer if you plan on, um, seriously partying. In addition, Pawleys Island doesn’t host a parade or any formal event, so if you love the idea of green beer and bagpipes, head to North Myrtle Beach on March 14 for their fun annual event.

Looking to stay a little closer to your home away from home at Litchfield Beach & Golf? Still want to get your slainte on?

Throw on your finest green wear and see what’s in store.

1) Run, don’t walk. Actually, do either at the 4th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Kilt Run in nearby Murrells Inlet. Opt for a 5k fun run or walk, or get a little more serious with a 10k — or the double shot — 5k and 10k. Registration prices vary and spots are closing so do sign up soon. Participants receive a t-shirt, gift bag from race sponsors, a post-race breakfast buffet and opportunities to win door prizes. Live music will abound, as will prizes for the most festively dressed, which may or may not include a kilt. The race begins and ends at the Dead Dog Saloon, so you know where you’re getting your first beer of the day.

2) Drink, don’t dawdle. Attention those who don’t have to wake early on Wednesday: local hang Pawley’s Island Tavern will be hosting a celebration again this year, with Irish Car Bombs, two for $10; Black & Tans, two for $7, and lunch ($10) and dinner ($13) specials of corned beef, cabbage and Irish soda bread served with their house-made Guinness mustard. Visit their Car Bomb station on the back porch while listening to Menace to Sobriety at 5 p.m. The party, however, goes on all day. This place is a local favorite so expect to find a sizable but fun crowd and some great traditional (by way of a America) eats and drinks.

3) Visit the Emerald Inlet. The MarshWalk is always good for a party, but St. Patrick’s Day comes with some degree of expectations. Of course, head to O’Keefe’s for the real-deal experience, or just resign yourself to the fact that you’re in the south, and that sometimes-southern things happen unbeknownst to this whole Irish business. We’re talking southern things like the MarshWalk BBQ Festival and Cook-Off on March 13 and 14. Sponsored by Wicked Tuna, the event boasts “Butts, Ribs, Wings” (we’re assuming they mean pork butts) in addition to live music and lots of fun. This is a great idea for anyone, Gaelic-loving or not, but especially for the nots… if all that Kiss Me I’m Irish stuff is starting to wear a little thin. Barbecue is the perfect antidote.

Interested in something even more, um, spirited? Euros to doughnuts that any and all South Strand bars will be jigging, brogueing, piping, fiddling and drinking their way through the weekend and well into Tuesday.

Oh, and here’s our little public service: leave the car at the hotel and call a cab, and as always…

…Until we meet again, may the warm ocean breezes hold you in the palm(etto) of their hand.

What about you? Have any big St. Paddy’s plans? What’s on the docket?

 

(Posted: 2/27/15)