Trips to Ireland, Las Vegas on the Line for St. Patrick's Day

A Smithville story is offering a trip to Ireland and a local radio station is offering a trip to Las Vegas as St. Patrick’s Day rapidly approaches this Sunday, March 17.

Out of Ireland, a store offering imported Irish items run by three natives of Ireland and located in Historic Smithville and the Village Greene, is offering an all-inclusive trip to Ireland for two for seven days and seven nights. The trip is offered in conjunction with CIE Tours International.

The contest is open to anyone who comes into the store and fills out an entry form, no purchase necessary.

It’s the fourth year the store is running the contest, co-owner Vincent Breslin said.

The store is also offering 30 percent off wedding rings, 20 percent off sweaters, and 50 percent off Tara’s Diary items and Celtic stacking rings.

Breslin owns the store along with his wife, Kathleen, and her sister, Christine O’Gara. They moved to America and worked in Atlantic City for a time before opening the store in Smithville in 1998, and as business grew, they moved into a bigger space, still in Smithville.

They still have friends in Ireland, who manufacture products that are sold in the store. The hats sold in the store are made in Breslin’s hometown.

“About 60 to 70 percent of the people who come in here are from Ireland,” Breslin said. “We have regulars who come in for tea, bring in scones, and we have people who come in here and tell us about their trips to Ireland.”

The week leading up to St. Patrick’s Day is a busy one for Out of Ireland, as it is for other businesses in the area.

Through the Looking Glass is in the middle of transforming its top floor from a children’s bookstore into a home for merchandise for England and Ireland. Irish displays are set up and merchandise is being sold in that store in the days leading up to St. Patrick’s Day.

As for trips, radio station SoJo 104.9 will be at the Dubliner Pub and Grill from 11 a.m.-1 p.m. on Sunday, collecting names for a chance to win a trip to Las Vegas for two, including airfare, hotel and tickets to Cee Lo Green’s concert.

Tom Brett will perform at the pub from 6 p.m.-10 p.m. Friday night; the Jimmy Mulligan Duo will perform Saturday night from 7-11 p.m.; the Baloney Brothers will perform from 1 p.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday; and DJ Kenny Sloan will be at the pub from 6 p.m.-10 p.m.

McGettigan’s 19^th Hole will have a weekend of live music, beginning with Greenspell from 5-9 p.m. on Saturday; Jamie and the Quietman from 2-6 p.m. on Sunday; and the Baloney Brothers from 7-11 p.m. on Sunday.

There will be specials on Harpoon’s Celtic Ale, Guinness, Harp’s and Smithwick’s draft beer, and Jameson’s Whiskey. Its Irish food menu includes fish and chips, corn beef and cabbage, Irish beef stew, Shepherd’s Pie, Potato Leek Soup and Wee Annie’s Soad Bread.

No Clue will perform at Pitney Pub on Friday, and Dank will perform on Saturday.

Bagpipers will perform at Tailgaters beginning at 8 a.m. on Sunday.

Bulldogs Bar and Grille will offer drink specials and Irish food.