St. Patrick’s Day falls on Monday this year, but that isn’t stopping Fionn MacCool’s at the Jacksonville Landing from celebrating the day set aside each year to honor the patron saint of Ireland.
The Irish pub and restaurant will begin the annual observance Friday and continue the party through early Tuesday morning when the last reveler is ushered out of the green building along the east side of the riverfront mall.
The fact that March 17, a day observed each year as a national holiday in the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland, Labrador, Newfoundland and Montserrat is on Monday is of no consequence, said Fionn’s General Manager Paul Glaser.
“It doesn’t matter what day of the week it’s on. St. Patrick’s Day is St. Patrick’s Day,” he said.
Live bands are booked Friday-Monday, but the main merriment will begin Monday shortly after sunrise. From 8-11 a.m., a traditional Irish breakfast of eggs, banger sausage, rasher bacon, black-and-white pudding, baked beans and soda bread will be served. All local Irish clergy are invited for complimentary breakfast.
At 11 a.m., the chefs at Fionn’s will roll out an Irish buffet of corned beef and cabbage, shepherd’s pie, Guinness beef stew and red potatoes. The buffet will be served, along with a limited menu, until the restaurant closes early Tuesday morning.
Monday’s live entertainment lineup begins at 9 a.m. This year’s St. Patrick’s Day show is headlined by local contemporary rock band Something Distant. A U2 tribute band, UZoo, is scheduled on stage from 7:30-9:30 p.m.
To view the “Countdown to St. Paddy’s Day” clock, visit fionnmacs.com.
(904) 356-2466