~ARKIRG FOR IRISH

ALL OTHERS + WILLE J1lWED

St. Patty's day is a day f9r the Irish to celebrate their heritage. Holiday traditions include parades, parties and bar hopping. Go into any Irish bar and spot the countdown to the lrish's favorite day of the year. Any Irishman or woman will proudly share a beer this March 17.

2 hours and it is off to the next bar to get your driok on. Depots where you can catch a 1:30 p.m. bus that takes you all over town will be stationed at these (and other) Irish bars. The crawl is good because it allows you to interact with different crowds in different drinking establishments and offers a safe; sober ride to each. Just make sure you have a designated driver for the way home because the crawl does not provide door-to-door service.

Or if your more up for a concert here is the skinny on an Irish New York band playing at the Theater of Living Arts 8 p.m. Mar 17. "Politically-charged Celtic darlings Black 47 have become favorites both inside and outside their hometown of NYC. While they've played gigs on the other side of the Atlantic, they're most celebrated in the Big

Apple, where they play the pubs and club circuit. It's anyone's guess who might show up at their shows, revolutionaries, bookies or even Liam Neeson to hear the bellowing brogue and theatrics of front man Larry Kirwan. Kirwan dishes out his political and social views as freely as the Guinness flows. But the band's hard-earned respect and self-deprecating sense of humor keep things from getting preachy. Among the trombones, tin whistles and uilleann pipes, there's even a little silliness in their attitude," courtesy of www.Black47.com.

No matter what you decide to do always remember to be safe. For a day when the beer is green, the shamrocks are lucky and everyone is Irish, Happy St. Patrick's Day.

If you'rejust lookingfor an old Irish pub to throw a few back then here is a listing of Irish bars in Philadelphia.

McGillin'sOld Ale House

This friendly, family-run tavern is one of the city's oldest watering holes. _

1310 Drury Ln, Philadelphia, PA (215) 735-5562

Paddy'sPub

Want style? Go elsewhere, friend. This is a place for nofrills drinking.

228 Race St, Philadelphia, PA (215) 627-3532

Fergie'sPub

Good pints, good atmosphere, good jukebox, no TV - the perfect pub.

1214 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA (215) 928-8118

Black Sheep

Refurbished townhouse transformed from dive bar to upscale Irish pub.

247 S 17th St, Philadelphia, PA (215) 545-9473

Cavanaugh's Restaurant

A college bar done right.

119 S 39th St, Philadelphia, PA (215) 386-4889

BlarneyStone Mace's Crossing

A stuccoed boathouse just a bit removed from the water doubles as a preppy pickup bar.

1714 Cherry St, Philadelphia, PA (215) 564-5203

Smokey Joe's

Watering hole of choice for Penn'sfaculty and thirsty student body.

210 S 40th St, Philadelphia, PA (215) 222-0TT0

University City Irish Dive has sports, Guinnessand karaoke. 3929 Sansom St, Philadelphia, PA (215) 222-5340

Westy's Tavern & Restaurant

Unassumingtaproom is the destination of choice for drinkers of every stripe.

1440 Callowhill St, Philadelphia, PA