St. Patrick's Day... uh, Week at Toronto's Ceili Cottage

St. Patrick's Day isn't the best day in the world for those of us that enjoy ducking into pubs for a quick pint and maybe a short scan of the latest book on the go. No, we tend to stay at home, away from the throngs of people out in our local establishments looking for a green beer.

However, that being said, if you are one of those people who feel the need to be Irish for the day, check out Toronto's Ceili Cottage on Queen East. One day of celebrations isn't enough for oyster shucker and Ceili Cottage owner Patrick McMurray - no, he and his staff have planned a week-long series of events!

Word to the wise - plan to get to the Cottage VERY early on the 17th to avoid the long line-ups!

Saturday March 12th - St.Practice Day 12pm-Close
Food: St. Pat's Menu: Specials all week
7pm: Gil-Can Dancers - show - 20mins
9pm: Band-Mere Mortals - Deacon's Bench stage

Sunday March 13th - Family & Parade Day 12pm-11pm
St. Pat's Parade: 12pm start, downtown route
Face painting, beginners dance lessons & info-post parade
Emergency services 911 discount - Fire, Ambulance, Police
7pm: Gil-Can Dancers
8:30pm: 2011 Limerick Open Mic Night & Contest

HARP Monday March 14th - Restaurant Industry Day 4pm-Close
St. Patrick's open: oyster shucking contest - register by 7pm, starts at 7:30pm
$1.50 oysters for the non-shuckers - HARP Specials
7pm: Gil-Can dancers
7:30pm: CeiliGrass Boys - bluegrass band
Food-Lord of the Flies roasted pig's head - after the oyster shucking contest

SMITHWICK'S Tuesday March 15th - Trad Day 4pm-Close
Irish Ex-Pat Day - Associations, Business', Sports and Tourism info.
Smithwick's specials
7pm: Gil-Can dancers - 20min
8pm: Massive St. Pat's Jam Session with Ena & Friends

KILKENNY Wednesday March 16th - Lisdoonvarna Matchmaking Day 4pm-Close
Kilkenny specials
Meet with the Matchmaker & singles barn dance - "The Paul Jones"
6:30pm: Gil-Can Dancers
7-10pm: CeiliGrass Boys & Barndance
The Big Ceilidh - info & signup - www.bigceilidh.com
10pm-close: Tunes and socializing

Thursday March 17th - St. Patrick's Day... Let there be CRAIC!
12pm-Close: $10 cover (100% to Gil-Can Irish Dance School) for the day - general debauchery & organized chaos
2pm: Gil-Can Dancers
3pm: Mere Mortals Marquee Stage
5pm: Mere Mortals Marquee Stage
7pm: Gil-Can Dancers
9pm: Brian Taheney - Deacon's Bench Stage

For more information, visit the Ceili Cottage's Facebook page.