07 February 2020

Irish Madness: A Local's Guide to St. Patrick's Day

From a 53-year-old (and counting) parade that excited the whole city, to green beers and beyond, Norfolk does not skimp out on celebrating everyone’s favorite green holiday. Our breweries and pubs serve green beer all day long, local bands play Celtic music and Irish meals are served around the city, from restaurants and food trucks. Come celebrate with us, everyone is Irish on Saint Patrick’s Day!

Irish Inspired Restaurants & Breweries

Grace O’Malley’s Irish Pub

Norfolk’s only Irish pub, Grace O’Malley’s is centrally located in the heart of downtown and arguably the most authentic international restaurant in the city. Everything in the pub was shipped directly from Ireland; the mahogany woodwork, the light fixtures and even the tile. The owners were determined to give customers a true Irish experience and exceeded expectations with their imported atmosphere, authentic menu and live Irish performers of Gaelic song and dance – you truly feel like you’re in Ireland. Devour traditional dishes like Shepherd’s Pie, made with homemade Guinness brown gravy or their Corned Beef Irish Sub, made with their signature Paddy Old Irish Whiskey sauce. Pair your meal with Guinness and before you know it you’ll be saying, “Top o’ the mornin’ to ya!” 

@oconnorbrewing, Instagram

O’Connor Brewing Co.

While the name speaks for itself, O’Connor Brewing Co. was the first microbrewery to open their doors in our city. Each Saint Patrick’s Day, O’Connor’s celebrates the Irish holiday with green beer and festivities, which also acknowledges the anniversary of brewing their very first batch of beer back in 2010. While they have many year-round brews, their most notable (for holiday sake) is Odis. Odis is a robust dry Irish-style stout that has a rich roasted malt aroma and a balancing smooth, velvety palate with hints of dark chocolate. It was recently awarded the gold winner of the 2020 Great American Beer Festival. You can find Odis at their tasting room and around the entire state of Virginia and Washington D.C. during the month of March.

Events


@carolynrice, Instagram

The 53rd Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade  – 2022 PARAde has been canceled due to weather

For 53 years, the Irish-born and Irish-at-heart have been turning the streets of Ocean View fifty shades of green! The dedication to attendance is immense. You will always find hundreds lining the streets, rain or shine. The streets of Norfolk turn into a sea of kilts, top hats and every green accessory imaginable. Embrace the motto “Kiss me, I’m Irish”, grab a seat and enjoy. Everyone’s Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!

@covabrewco, Instagram

Cova Brewing Company – Block Party 

Carry on the festivities with a block party at Cova Brewing Company. Head over to Norfolk’s Ocean View neighborhood on March 12th for green beer, live music, good food, Irish dancing, and so much more!

Shamrocks and Shenanigans at Waterside District

A weekend filled with Live! entertainment, green beer & more. Don’t miss their specialty St. Patrick’s Day menu and brunch options too! 

The Bold Mariner – Block Party

Back for its fourth annual St. Patricks Day Block Party, The Bold Mariner is giving you a day of fun. With drink specials, new beer releases, GREEN beer, river dancing performances from Rhodes Academy of Irish Dance, Irish bagpiper performances and more live music, this is a party you will not want to miss! 

Celtic Tea at Hunter House Victorian Museum

May the road rise up to meet you at this afternoon tea celebrating Celtic heritage with hot tea, sweets, savories, and music provided by harpist Karen Stowe.

Post-Parade Party at Mudita Cafe & Coffeehouse 

After a day of fun at the Ocean View St. Patricks Day Parade, head to Mudita Cafe & Coffeehouse for holiday-inspired drinks, treats and merch!

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