irish in tampa
garWith a St. Patrick’s parade in Ybor City coming up this Saturday I began to wonder how it all got started. Since we don’t have a large Irish community like other cities, what’s the reason for a celebration with a parade? When I think of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations I think of New York, Savannah GA, NewportRI, and of course Boston.
I know the Ybor City parade is run by the Rough Riders krewe in Tampa. Besides that I don’t much about the parade’s history. If anyone has any insight, I would be interested to hear about it. As far as the holiday itself, I have celebrated at a few different locations over the years - mostly at the south Tampa standards like Four Green Fields, the Dubliner, and MacDinton’s. Does anyone have other recommendations on where to spend St. Patrick’s in Tampa or the surrounding areas?
No tag for this post.
Loading ...
March 15th, 2007 at 9:59 am
It would seem to me we simply don’t overlook any opportunity for a party.
BTW, best friend from Ohio is flying in, and we’re looking for a place that will have a good party Saturday but will also let us watch the basketball games (annual tradition, that’s why he’s flying down.) Any ideas?
March 15th, 2007 at 10:31 am
The Ybor City Civic Association (I think??) started the parade/party but it was too much for them to handle (i.e. funds for insurance policy, sheriff/police departments to be present ect..). Several of the Rough Riders are good friends with people in the Ybor City Civic Association (??) and decided (or asked) to take over the parade/party because they have an insurance policy; they are sanctioned with the city of Tampa/Hills bough county (which means that don’t have to pay for the sheriff/police department to be there) and they have more funds to play around with plus to a great time to have a party!!! I’m sure there is more to it but this what I’ve been told.
March 15th, 2007 at 10:50 am
The Red House Lounge and Grill at the corner of Platt and Howard (Two blocks north of MacDintons) has great tv’s and will have a big St. Pat’s Day party with many of the former bartenders from the no longer ChatterBox. Stop there for the game, then wander on to The Dubliner, MacDintons, 42nd Street and more would be my suggestion.
March 15th, 2007 at 12:22 pm
O’Brien’s on Dale Mabry is the absolute best authentically Irish place in town to celebrate. Unfortunately, I will not be able to make it this year. Gotta drain fluids from my body and try not to think about what I’ve done to myself. Have a pint for me and tell Bernie and Theresa I said hi!
March 15th, 2007 at 1:27 pm
OKeefe’s in Clearwater beats anyplace in Tampa or any other local city hands down. It has the Largest St. Patricks Day Celebration in Florida for more than 30 years!
March 16th, 2007 at 11:37 am
“Since we don’t have a large Irish community like other cities…” Where the hell are you from? You’ve obviously never met a Callahan.
March 16th, 2007 at 12:08 pm
I agree with James. O’Keefe’s is definitely the best party in the entire Tampa Bay area. Will really be crazy with it being a Saturday this year. Even tonight will be packed. They keep the party going a day before and a day after St. Patrick’s Day and will be open all day. I went last year when it was on a Friday, got there at 8 p.m. and there were people there who had been there since and started drinking at 11 a.m. Good times.