Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day activities fill coming weekend

As the approaching weekend marks the halfway point to the 2011 Saint Patrick’s Day, the Friends of Saint Patrick Celtic society and Murphy’s Bar and Grill are offering a variety of events to mark the occasion. Murphy’s hosts a block party at Nuuanu Avenue and Merchant Street at 6:00 p.m., featuring the Celtic rock of Doolin Rakes. Part of the proceeds from the sale of each Guinness and Smithwick’s Irish Ale will benefit Celtic Pipes and Drums of Hawaii.

A pub crawl will begin at Anna’s at 6:00 p.m., moving to Kelly O’Neil’s, the Irish Rose Saloon, O’Toole’s Irish Pub, and finish at the Murphy’s block Party. An annual Irish toast contest will begin at O’Toole’s at 7:00 p.m. The grand prize is a trip for two to Las Vegas. Musician Murray Thorne of Maui’s Celtic Tigers will begin at 8:00 p.m., followed by Doolin Rakes at 10:00 p.m.
 
The Friends of Saint Patrick will hold a whiskey tasting on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. at O’Toole’s, featuring a fine selection of Scotch and Irish whiskeys. Pupus will be served, and the tasting will be followed by a performance by Doolin Rakes. The cost for nonmembers is $45 and $15 for paid members. 

For more information, visit http://murphyshawaii.com.