Whether you are of Irish heritage or not, everyone is an honorary Irishman on St. Patrick’s Day, and at any related events during March. There are plenty of DARTable opportunities to enjoy festivals, runs, and pubs that celebrate Ireland’s patron saint – with an American twist, of course.
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North Texas shows its Irish streak with three days of fun and shenanigans March 3-5 at Fair Park. The North Texas Irish Festival features live music, storytellers, dancers, food vendors, vendors, Irish dog breeds, and more. The festival is recognized around the world as a premier venue for traditional Irish and Celtic performers, so expect plenty of good music – including Sliabh Notes and The Logues, among many others. Catch the Green Line to Fair Park Station.
On March 11, you can start your day with a 5K or fun run at the Dash Down Greenville Race, which starts and ends at Energy Square, right next to Lovers Lane Station on the Red, Blue and Orange lines.Of course, that leads up to the Dallas St. Patrick’s Parade & Festival – a beloved North Texas tradition and the largest Irish festival in the Southwest. The parade boasts nearly 100 floats, and there will also be food trucks and activities for all ages. Get to the fun by taking DART’s Red or Orange line to the Park Lane, Lover’s Lane, or SMU/Mockingbird station, the last also served by the Blue Line. Just look for thousands of people dressed in green.
Afterward, head to the St. Patrick’s Block Party, between Vickery Boulevard and Vanderbilt Avenue. The block party is one of Dallas’ biggest parties of the year. Get to the fun by taking DART’s Red, Blue or Orange line to SMU/Mockingbird Station. There is a free shuttle from the upper level of SMU/Mockingbird Station that takes you to the Lower Greenville Avenue area and back.
Irving St. Patrick’s Run includes 5k and 10k runs, and the starting point is in front of the Toyota Music Factory. The races wind through scenic Las Colinas and Irving. Walkers are welcome. Be sure to wear your favorite green outfit! The event take place on March 18 and is walkable from the Orange Line’s Irving Convention Center Station.
For a taste of Ireland in Plano, visit the Fillmore Pub – located across 15th Street from Downtown Plano Station. Dark atmosphere with plenty of wood? Check. A list of beers in bottles and on draught, including an assortment of imports and craft brews? Check. Superb whiskey selection? You’ve got it. All the staples of an Irish pub are here.
In Dallas, Blackfriar Pub is a spacious place with legit Irish provenance and a great second-floor balcony overlooking McKinney Avenue. The bar is right along the M-Line Trolley. There is also a Lakewood location near the terminus of bus routes 9 and 249.