TOAST TO IRISH FARE AND MERRIMENT IN VEGAS THIS ST. PATRICK’S DAY

Next to Boston, there’s no better place to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in the U.S. than Las Vegas. The city is home to several Irish-themed pubs that go all out for the special occasion.

Guests can celebrate at Rí Rá Las Vegas’ St. Patrick’s Day festival March 15 to 17. Home to an 8-foot-tall, 500-pound carved plaster statue of St. Patrick that dates back to 1850, the Irish pub inside the Shoppes at Mandalay Place will not only feature live Irish music from bands such as the Black Donnellys, the American Diddle Idols and Craic Haus during the three-day event, but will also have giveaways and performances by Irish dancers. A $5 cover charge will be in effect on March 17, though it will be waived for those eating as well as drinking.

Visitors can expect plenty of craic at Nine Fine Irishmen inside New York-New York Hotel & Casino. In addition to serving its usual mouthwatering fare made from recipes imported from Ireland, from March 14 to 17 the popular Irish pub will serve traditional corned beef and cabbage ($16) for lunch and dinner. Guests can also enjoy a Smith wick’s Ale while listening to live Irish music nightly starting at 9 p.m.