Green beer cheer

It comes once a year, gets you out of work (sometimes) and generally has you pretty sloshed by the end of the day. Too bad it ends in an unnaturally coloured mess.

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If you're not sure where to go this year for green beer and Irish food, here are a few emeralds.

Hart & Thistle

Hart & Thistle's owners happen to be the same as O'Carroll's---the beloved Irish pub that's closed for renovations. "St. Paddy's was always a grand time at Halifax's first Irish pub, and we'd like to keep the tradition going at the Hart & Thistle until O'C opens up again," writes marketing lady Catherine Webb. Look for H&T's own beer, Blackout Canadian India Ale, being launched that same day.

Historic Properties, 1869 Upper Water Street, 407-4278

Durty Nelly's

Durty Nelly's owner Joe McGinnis simply says: "We're going to have a rockin' Irish party on St. Patty's Day," with the doors opening at 8am to serve a full Irish breakfast for $10, and bagpipers and Irish dancers moving their feet to traditional music. 'Nuff said.

5221 Sackville Street, 406-7640

Your Father's Moustache

While not your typical Irish hangout, this spot has something no one else will: ex-premier Rodney MacDonald playing his fiddle. RodMac joins Glenn Graham, Robbie Fraser, Patrick Gillis and Sandy MacDonald in the St. Patrick's Day ceilidh that'll keep the Irish tradition going throughout the day. We're told RodMac used to play often, before he got all political, and now he's back.

5686 Spring Garden Road, 423-6766

Paragon Theatre

Dance party, anyone? Skratch Bastid and Fatman Scoop are turning the tables at this green party, with stout on special and a best costume prize. It's $15 if you're one of the first 250 to get a ticket, $20 if you're not, and $25 if you're late and get it at the door. Check out ticketpro.ca for all your planning needs.

2037 Gottingen Street