PACK YOUR GREEN ATTIRE AND CELEBRATE ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN LIVINGSTON COUNTY
When you think of popular destinations to spend St. Patrick’s Day, your mind probably goes to Ireland or destinations known for large Irish immigrant populations like New York City, Boston, or Chicago. But if you want to experience authentic Irish heritage in a relaxed setting, head to the Genesee River Valley. Here, the region can trace its Irish roots back more than two centuries.
Years ago, immigrants made their way toward this corner of New York State following the jobs that came along with both the Erie Canal and Genesee Valley Canal’s constructions. By the mid-1800s, census records show that more than 3,500 Irish-born residents were residing in Livingston County. You can still see the traces of these first Irish residents today, through historic churches, a bounty of Irish eats at restaurants throughout the region and St. Patrick’s Day events sure to please anyone looking for a touch of the Irish.
EAT, DRINK AND BE MERRY AT THESE IRISH-INSPIRED SPOTS
St. Patrick’s Day is nothing without a few pints of Irish beer and classic Irish eats like corned beef and cabbage or Irish stew. One popular pub where you’ll be all set to celebrate? Duffy’s Tavern, which sits in an old train depot in Avon. There, grab some casual bites and settle in for some fun. This eatery knows how to do St. Patrick’s Day, with plenty of outdoor games and live entertainment. Make sure to wear your finest green attire, too!
If you never pass up a chance to visit a great dive bar while traveling, stop into the iconic Kelly’s Saloon in Geneseo, a favorite with the college crowd and recognizable by its leprechaun-emblazoned sign out front. Inside, make sure to sign one of the walls and leave your mark at this popular local dive. The bar’s world-famous Tom Collins is a must-try, but make sure to get the quintessential St. Patrick’s Day Guinness as well.
Prefer a brewery atmosphere? Dublin Corners Farm Brewery was the first brewery in LivCo, and is your place to go to try award-winning, ultra-fresh, and local brews crafted using hops grown right on-site. Puppy’s Bar and Grill offers small-town vibes, football (the Bills, specifically), billiards, and casual bar food. Again, find this Irish pub by keeping an eye out for its green and shamrock-emblazoned sign out front, alongside the Irish flag. Then, for the perfect bite to soak up all those brews, try T’s on Genesee, a sandwich shop and deli in Avon that blends Irish and Italian flavors for a menu that offers delicious options ranging from T’s Famous Reuben to T’s Famous Meatball Subs.
THE BEST SPOTS TO CELEBRATE IN GREEN
In addition to indulging in the bites and brews of the holiday, be sure to catch some of LivCo’s favorite St. Patrick’s Day events.
The Beachcomber’s St. Patrick’s Day Party
For a party that goes (nearly) all night long, celebrate in green at the Beachcomber’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Party. The venue on the shores of Conesus Lake offers live music, food, and drinks, with no cover charge to get in.
Avon St. Patrick’s Day Parade
The Annual St. Patrick’s Day parade features marchers and floaters representing a variety of LivCo businesses and organizations. Taking place on Genesee Street, the parade concludes with live music and family-friendly activities are on tap.
Dublin Corners St. Paddy’s Day Bash
No one goes harder for the holiday than Dublin Corners Farm Brewery, where their annual St. Paddy’s Day Bash stretches out over multiple days featuring live music, lots of great food, and, of course, awesome brews.