While much of Ottawa’s large Irish population is out celebrating Tuesday, St. Patrick’s Day is a good day to get out, no matter what your roots are, a spokeswoman for the Irish Society of the National Capital Region said Monday.
“It’s more than Guinness and beer — it’s an important day to celebrate Irish culture,” said Jennifer O‚Brien-Tomka of St. Patrick’s Day. “And here in Ottawa, people get to experience all facets of Irish culture.”
Certainly, the Irish bars will be full Tuesday.
“We’re going to be packed,” said D’arcy McGee’s general manager Jeff O’Reilly.
Next to Canada Day, St. Patrick’s Day is the busiest day of the year for the Sparks Street pub.
Even with the recession this year, O’Reilly doesn’t think it will make a difference.
“I think people are might skip a Monday lunch, but celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is something that people look forward to, and save up for.”
O’Shea’s Market Ireland has also seen more customers in preparation for St. Pat’s.
“It’s a lot busier in here,” said staff member Meaghan Reddy.
People have been snapping up trinkets, T-shirts, Guinness products and rugby sweaters over the last little while.
Reddy said St. Patrick’s Day is “an extremely popular” event in Ottawa.
“And it’s not just for people of Irish descent,” she said.
Celebrating doesn’t necessarily mean going to a pub, said O’Brien-Tomka.
The first annual Irish Week features several events Tuesday, including the screening of two films at the Mayfair Theatre; the St. Patrick’s Day mass at St. Patrick’s Basilica on Nepean Street at 10:30 a.m.; and an evening of Irish music and dance during Irish Night at the National Irish Canadian Cultural Centre — which is the former St. Brigid’s Church — at 7:30 p.m.
