The east side transforms into a small patch of the Auld Sod March 17, when several Irish pubs in the area welcome a bevvy of talented Celtric/Gaelic inspired musicians.
The whole thing kicks off downtown for the Greening of the Canal downtown on March 16 from 5-6 p.m. at Ohio and West streets. There will be live music by Eunan McIntyre, followed by the “Greening” at 5:45 p.m. On March 17, there will be the 36th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, followed by music by Highland Reign and more from noon-2 p.m. at the Hoosier Lottery “Imagine That” Stage and Block Party on Vermont St. (between Meridian and Pennsylvania).
Manley’s Irish Mutt, located at 7041 E. 10th St., celebrates St. Patrick’s Day for the 5th time on March 17 with a select Irish menu, plus a tent party. Entertainment in the tent includes Eunan McIntyre, The Murat Highlander Bagpipers, Dog Bite Mike, and Emcee Bob Gavaghan. There is no cover charge; cash only, please.
For 83 years, McGinley’s Golden Ace has been celebrating all things Irish, and has been the go-to place for authentic music and food. This year, their music line-up includes Central Indiana’s best Irish tenor Pat Grant, award-wining singer and songwriter Eunan McIntyre from County Donegal, the Brayzen Heads, and the Brass Necks. Doors open at 10:30 a.m., and the tent opens at noon. (Admission is $5). The Golden Ace is at 2533 E. Washington St.
O’Gara’s, 522 Main St. in Beech Grove, will feature music by Eunan McIntyre from 3-5 p.m., and Tasts Like Chicken from 8-11 p.m. There will be Irish Stew and Corned Beef and Cabbage on the menu and plenty of Irish potables.
Si Greene’s Pub at 5109 E. 10th St. is a neighborhood pub that has a long-standing reputation for holding a great party on St. Patrick’s Day.
The second largest ethnic group in Indianapolis is the Irish (first is German), who began settling in the city in the 1830s. Many were lured to the city with the promise of good jobs building the Central Canal, building roads and railroads, and working in meat packing plants; they established the first Catholic parish St. John the Evangelist and created a place for themselves on this new frontier. During the Civil War, the city’s Irish formed the 35th Regiment, also called the 1st Irish Regiment, which was later combined with the 61st Regiment/2nd Irish Regiment. Many Irish settled in the area known as Irish Hill on the southeast side, and Fountain Square itself.
