While the official feast day isn’t until Tuesday, we’re getting a head start on the craic this weekend! Two of our favorite local venues are rolling out the green carpet with a feast of entertainment, traditional tunes, and a very special brew that honors the Irish roots of one of our own.
Whether you’re here for the fiddle or the food, here is how to celebrate the patron saint of Ireland right here in the Bay.
Saturday 14 March at Jervis Bay Brewing Co, Woollamia industrial zone
A brand-new Irish stout is $7 a schooner all day at Jervis Bay Brewing Co’s Taproom in honour of Head brewer Oisín Sweeney old local from his home town of Enniskillen, County Fermanagh.
Folk music duo Vic & Linds, aka Victoria Vigenser and Lindsay Martin will bring their troubadour vibe with lyrical stories and a plethora of string instruments to entertain, between 2pm and 8pm. Lindsay shreds a mean fiddle, so this shindig is worth attending even if you don’t like a strong stout – though there are plenty of other beverage options on offer as well as great food from the 5 Little Pigs food truck.
Wear something green to get in the spirit and say Sláinte while raising a glass to Irish culture and the Irish diaspora all around the world.
Sunday 15 March at Sandbar Restaurant, Huskisson
The Jervis Bay Slow Sessions will be leading the entertainment at Sandbar Restaurant on Hawke Street, with a two-hour musical presentation of traditional Irish folk music. There will be around 20 musicians playing everything from mandolin and banjo to the bodhrán and of course, the fiddle.
The Sessions also play a few songs, and lyrics will be available on the day for anyone who wants to sing along – and all musicians and all instruments are welcome to join the fun. You will be tapping your toes along with the lively jigs, sweet airs and zippy reels performed by a social group of players.
Chef Jason Wilkinson is crafting a special Irish themed menu for the day, available till 9pm, including pints of Guinness ($14) and Irish-inspired cocktails ($20).
On the menu alongside a classic Irish lamb stew will be corned beef and cabbage sliders, soda bread, potato & leek soup and the cherry on top is an Irish cream cheesecake with espresso syrup.
