The 15 Best Places to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in West Virginia! By
Penny Fox
The Scots and the Irish have had a profound influence on the Appalachian area, which includes West Virginia. Known for their stubborn hardiness, strong faith, propensity to enjoy a little drink now and then, and their spirit of adventure, it's not hard to see why they migrated to the hills of West Virginia. If you listen to authentic Appalachian music, you'll hear the influence in the songs and instruments brought from home. And in mid-March with the celebration of St. Patrick's Day, everyone is Irish! Below are 15 best places to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in West Virginia where you can raise your glass and get your Irish on!
1. Rhythm of the Dance, Princeton, WV
The well-known Chuck Mathena Center in Princeton, West Virginia, is the site of a dance and music celebration of Irish tradition featuring the National Dance Company of Ireland. Established to give high school students assistance in pursuing performing arts through higher education and built with support from the community, CMC hosts this extremely entertaining event and dinner is included: corned beef & cabbage, honey Dijon grilled chicken, parsley red potatoes, Corn O'Brien, and bread pudding with vanilla sauce.
2. Irish Festival Weekend, Pipestem, WV
Your Irish eyes will be smiling when you take part in the Irish Festival Weekend at Pipestem Resort State Park in Pipestem, West Virginia. You can participate in Irish Road Bowling, enjoy a traditional Irish buffet at Pipestem's Bluestone Restaurant, and hear traditional Irish music at McKeever Lodge. Room discounts are available for the asking.
3. Irish Pub on Washington Street, Lewisburg, WV
Looking for the perfect pint of Guinness to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Look no further than the Irish Pub on Washington Street in Lewisburg, West Virginia. Located in the downtown area, the Irish Pub provides a warm and inviting atmosphere for all who visit, and the food is authentic Ireland-in-your-mouth! Try a cup of traditional Irish stew or their famous corned beef hash. You won't be disappointed. A special note—this pub is owned by Patrick O'Flaherty and on select evenings, the singer/songwriter and former member of the Poor Clares entertains patrons with his mandolin and voice. On a side note, participants can also walk in the shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade that starts at The Wild Bean and ends at the Irish Pub.
4. Meagher's Irish Pub, Bridgeport, WV
Known as social gathering spots, pubs have always played an important part of small towns and Meagher's Irish Pub in Bridgeport, West Virginia, is just that and more. Every day visitors can treat themselves to delicious renditions of Irish favorites like corned beef & cabbage eggrolls, Irish nachos, or a Guinness float or stay with traditional favorites like bangers & mash or shepherd's pie. Special events for St. Patrick's Day weekend include groups like Father Son and Friends, Ol' Salty Dog, and Route 161 Happy Wanderers. If you want a buffet breakfast that will wake up your taste buds, attend the annual Kegs & Eggs.
5. Irish Spring Festival, Ireland, WV
Sponsored by the Lewis County Convention & Visitors Bureau, the Irish Spring Festival in Ireland, West Virginia, celebrates the return of spring with an official Flag Raising Ceremony, Pot O'Luck Dinner, and parade. Along with the opening events that weekend, there's an Irish Jig Square Dance, a scavenger hunt for kids, Irish Road Bowling, and the coronation of the King and Queen. And if you're interested in unicorns, gremlins and shmoos, you've come to the right place!
6. St. Patrick's Day Parade, Huntington, WV
Everyone is a wee bit Irish who attends the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Huntington, West Virginia. From bagpipes to marching bands, the celebration if the state's Irish roots also includes chalk art displays on downtown sidewalks, street musicians, and a variety of food and drink options at local establishments like the Huntington Ale House. The Greater Huntington Park & Recreation District also sponsors an annual free scavenger hunt.
7. St. Paddy's Fest, New Cumberland, WV
Held at The Harv Arena, part of the Mountaineer Casino, Racetrack & Resort in New Cumberland, West Virginia, this event is the annual fundraiser for CHANGE, Inc., a local community action group that seeks ways to support programs and services to those with financial needs in the area. This year's event features plenty of entertainment, food, and fun. If you want to celebrate St. Paddy's Day and support a worthy cause, this is the event for you.
8. East End Pub Crawl, Charleston, WV
Promoted as the biggest St. Paddy's Day celebration around, the East End Pub Crawl in Charleston, West Virginia, was named a Top 20 event last year. Hear live Celtic music, enjoy free trolley rides, and participate in the Shamrock Challenge while you support the continued improvement of this diverse business neighborhood.
9. St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival, Mount Nebo, WV
Come to the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival in Mount Nebo, West Virginia, and support a great cause. The organizers of this annual event raise money for the community through the parade, festival events, beauty pageant, and the Leprechaun Ball. In the past 11 years, more than $250,000 has been raised to support local services like the fire department and ball teams according to Steve Brown, co-organizer and owner of The Tractor Bar where the parade begins. Come celebrate St. Patrick's Day and support a worthy cause.
10. Kelly's Irish Pub & Grill, Clarksburg, WV
Come out and enjoy great drinks and food in a comfortable atmosphere. In addition to favorites like Pat's Reuben, the Dirty Bird, and honey pecan salad sandwich, you'll enjoy live music and drink specials that will get your heart pumping and your feet moving.
11. Shamrock Slainte, New River Gorge, WV
Put on your green and come celebrate St. Patrick's Day in this beautiful location. Shamrock Slainte celebrates this fun holiday with delicious and traditional Irish fare and merriment at The Adventure Resort. A family event, this will certainly make your eyes smile Irish.
12. McGovern's Pub, Wheeling, WV
Prepare to dance the night away and celebrate St. Patrick's Day at McGovern's Pub in Wheeling, West Virginia. Besides traditional and lively music and some of the best food and drink around, the Annual Highland Games will be held here, but fellas, you must be wearing a kilt to participate!
13. Beer Tasting and Oglebay Institute - Wheeling, WV
Get a "Kiss Me I'm Irish" shirt for signing up for this fun and thirst-quenching beer tasting contest. The annual event features great Irish brews live Celtic music that will set your feet dancing.
14. St. Patrick's Day in Kingwood, WV
Come celebrate St. Patrick's Day at the Preston County Inn in Kingwood, West Virginia, and enjoy great Irish favorites like corned beef and cabbage, kidney pie, traditional Irish stew, and shepherd's pie. Complement your feast with a pint of green beer and a dessert of Guinness cake. Make sure to RSVP, though, since space fills up quickly.
15. Irish Step Dancing Workshop, Wheeling, WV
Oglebay Institute in Wheeling, West Virginia, is the location for this fun event designed to teach the basics of a fun Irish styles of dance including reels, jigs, and slipjigs. You'll be able to dance the night away at any St. Patrick's Day event once you take instruction from Charlie Cahill, a renowned world champion dancer. No previous experience is necessary except a love of dancing, and children aged eight and up are encouraged to attend.
