I LOVE St. Patrick’s Day! On my bucket list is to pay someone to play Galway Girl in a pub in Galway on St. Patrick’s Day. So far, this first video is as close as I’ve gotten. It’s a joyous street celebration!
Tonight, in celebration of all things Eire, I’ve assembled some of my favorite Irish music by some of my favorite Irish bands. If you’re not familiar with them, it’s a sampling of what’s out there.
To me, the perfect place to celebrate the day is in an Irish bar listening to traditional music. A few St. Patrick’s Days ago, Mr. R and I spent hours at the James Joyce Irish Pub, a wonderful bar in Tampa’s Ybor City neighborhood.
We listened to great music and tossed back way too many little green shots before we staggered back to our hotel in the wee hours of the morn. At one point, Mr. R paid the guy to sing Dirty Old Town. Here it is by The Pogues.
You can’t celebrate the day without Irish Rover. This traditional version is by the Dubliners with The Pogues. Just ignore the bad teeth, it’s brilliant.
The Dropkick Murphys are undoubtedly my favorite jig-punk band, and I was thrilled to go see them last time they came through town. This is Rose Tattoo.
Again, here are The Pogues, with If I Should Fall From Grace With God. Does it seem like the Irish have something of a fixation on death?
Finally, and if you’re still here, you’re awesome, here’s a set from my favorite Irish band, The Prodigals, at their home bar, Paddy Reilly’s on the lower east side of Manhattan. I actually DID get to see them here once, and it was magical.
Pull up a stool and raise your pint glass. Sláinte, hug those you love, and have a happy Saturday night.
Adventures in Date Night 