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St. Patty’s Day in Surf City

Dave Brooks

Everyone seems to have a bit of Ireland in them on St. Patrick’s Day.

The island nation that brought waves of immigrants to the U.S. more

than a century ago has become integrated into this nation’s fabric,

allowing revelers of all creeds and colors to tap into their Celtic

side, even if it’s only a night at the pub.

A quick history lesson: St. Patrick’s Day is named after a fifth

century Briton who was kidnapped when he was only 16 and held captive

in Ireland for six years. St. Patrick would eventually escape

following a startling vision from God, only to return to Ireland 15

years to carry on missionary work.

Legend has this man expelling all the snakes and rodents from

Ireland, but historians said he was one of the first ordained priests

to convert the Gaelic speaking culture into Christianity.

In the U.S., the holiday has taken on a life of its own, centered

more around green beer and bangers as revelers tap into their Irish

heritage, real or faked. St. Paddy’s Day merrymakers in Surf City

might have a difficult time connecting with any activities of true

cultural significance, but the town’s wide array of pubs provides

plenty of opportunities for a pint of Guinness and a pinch to anyone

not wearing green.

* Downtown is always a popular, but if you expect to get in to any

local bars make sure you arrive early. Show up past 8 p.m. and you’ll

be stuck in line.

One of the hottest nightspots will be the grand opening of the new

Sharkeez Cantina. A decidedly non-Irish atmosphere is to be expected,

but club owners Greg and Ron Newman will not disappoint at this

“spring break never stops” hotspot.

211 Main St., Huntington Beach. (714) 980-5282.

https://www.sharkeez.net

* Huntington Beach’s two Downtown pubs will be the destination for

those seeking a truly Irish -- and truly crowded -- St Paddy’s Day

experience.

“It’s going to be controlled mayhem” said pub owner Eugene

Gallager of his Downtown drinking hole Killarney and his nearby

watering hole Gallagher’s Pub and Grill.

Gallagher said he is going to rotate Irish bands Sligo Rag and

American Wake through both pubs along with a menu loaded with

traditional Irish fare.

Kilarney is at 209 Main St. in Huntington Beach. (714) 536-7887.

Gallagher’s pub can be found at the corner of Main Street and Walnut

Avenue. (714) 536.2422. https://www.gallagherspub.com

* Those looking for a little elbow room probably have a better

chance of getting into the Downtown eatery Longboards. Restaurant

manager Ron McClin will be hawking green beer and drink specials all

day.

217 Main St., Huntington Beach. (714) 960-1896.

https://www.longboardpub.com

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