Where better to spend St. Patrick’s Day than in Willimantic? We have a rich Irish heritage but this itinerary isn’t meant to help you walk through Willimantic’s past (we can help you with that though, if you’re inclined). This itinerary is to help you walk through Willimantic Downtown’s St. Patrick’s Day offerings.
Start Early!
Nita's has been featuring a variety of Corned Beef specials throughout the week!
Head out to the Burton Leavitt Theatre on Friday, March 15th for an evening of Irish Music.
The Clan McKaig Band and Ruth O'Neil/Jeff Hammet Irish music, vocals and stories Mandoline, Flute, Tin Whistle, Bango, Bass Guitar, Bodhran, and Acoustic Guitar $ 10/person at door, A Windham Theatre Guild fundraiser Call 860-423-2245 for information. Consider wearing green or appropriate costume. Let's have some fun.
Lace up those running shoes on Saturday, March 16th for the Irish Club of Willimantic’s St. Patty's Blarney's Stone Dash 5K
Run or walk for the Blarney’s Stone Dash 5K that will be held at Windham Middle School, Quarry St., Willimantic at 10 a.m. Register at www.thelastmileracing.com, click on March, St. Patty’s Blarney Stone Dash or call (860) 456-4451. $15 early registration or $20 after March 13th. All proceeds benefit the Willimantic Irish Club Scholarship Fund.
Rest up the rest of Saturday (or don’t – how about a shopping trip down Main Street since you’re wearing your running/walking shoes?)
The main event – Sunday, March 17th – a.k.a. – The Day Everyone Is Irish!
First Stop:
69 Church Street, Willimantic
10 am – Kegs and Eggs
12 pm – Raffles
3 pm – Irish Dancers
5 pm – Live Irish Music with Diomasach
Plus $2 pints of green beer, Corned Beef and Cabbage, Reuben’s and Irish stew!
Fred’s BBQ & Horned Toad Café in their NEW location at 600 Main Street:
March 17th, 1-7pm – All you can eat buffet for the Irish at heart – Corned Beef and Cabbage plus offerings for the less Irish among us. Everyone over 21 gets a $5 free wager at Winners when they buy their buffet ticket. Enjoy a free beer or soda if you are wearing green! The Crazy Celts will perform from 4 – 7. Irish music and dancing? We’re in!
103 Union Street, Willimantic
Everyone’s favorite corner bar – pull up a stool and fill up your pint. Open from 1 pm – 1 am
$3 JAMESONS
$5 CARBOMBS
GREEN BEER!
967 Main Street
Join the fun with traditional food & drink specials, Irish music, prizes, great souvenirs and giveaways! The fun starts at 11:30 AM! And, don’t forget…it’s Stein Day! Take a discount when you bring in your favorite drinking vessel or purchase a cool Willibrew Stein!
Last but not least, don’t forget The Trolley Pub:
1245 Main Street
All you can eat Corned Beef and Cabbage buffet, cold beer and great friends!
Well, we covered just a handful of downtown's restaurants and pubs, there are plenty of others to investigate on your trip as well as a certain cupcake shop that we'll bet has some tasty treats made especially for the festivities!
Céad slán!