St. Patrick's Day in the Tampa Bay Area: Going Green Has Never Been so Fun!

This year on St. Patrick's Day, folks in Tampa have more to celebrate than simply having an excuse to wear their "Kiss Me, I'm Irish" pins -- expect some fantastic entertainment from local Irish pubs and taverns, beyond the standard green beer you've come to expect.

These are the top picks -- no green shirt required (but it's always in style here):

O'Keefe's Family Family Tavern and Grill -- This year, O'Keefe's is celebrating their 50th anniversary, and St. Patrick's Day is the best time to share it with friends! They're going to be serving up plenty of green beer and Irish favorites like Mulligan Stew and Shepard's pie along with their regular menu items.

Entertainment begins at 11 a.m. on Thursday, March 17, and continues through Saturday. A tent provides extra room for festivities, which will feature bagpipers and Irish dancers, and many more -- The Untouchables will finish up the weekend at 8 p.m. on March 19. No reservations, and parking is free. O'Keefe's is located at 1219 S Fort Harrison Ave, Clearwater, about 10 minutes from Clearwater Beach.

For details, call (727) 442-9034 and ask for Danielle or Mike Lane.
http://www.okeefestavernonline.com/

MacDinton's Irish Pub -- Thursday, March 17, from 11:00a.m. to 3a.m.Friday, stop by for some $4 Green 16oz. special edition Bud Lights. Entertainment includes Irish dancers and bagpipers -- this is the Irish music we love best! Come early and bring your appetite -- MacDinton's has an Irish buffet with all your favorite classics until 5p.m. ($10 cover after 5 p.m.).

Located at 405 South Howard Avenue, Tampa -- call (813)251-8999.
http://macdintons.com/special_event.php

Flanagan's -- You'll find classic fare including bangers and mash, corned beef and cabbage, and fish and chips. Located near the Dunedin market and close to the downtown area, Flanagan's is Dunedin's own Irish hangout! For St. Patrick's Day, festivities begin at 11a.m. and continue through 11p.m., with entertainers Noel Cooney and Jeff Glover, and a bit o' green beer, of course! No cover charge, and t-shirts available for purchase.

Find Flanagan's at 465 Main Street, Dunedin, or call (727) 736-4994.
http://www.flanagansirishpub.net/

Whether you're interested in seeing the best Irish dancing and entertainers in action, have a taste for a great corned beef plate or simply want to tip back a beer with some friends, you're in luck if you're in Tampa this St. Patrick's Day!