to commemorate St. Patrick's Day, the Forsyth Park Fountain is turned green in a kick-off ceremony the week before the holiday

St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah is a big deal. It’s the holiday of all holidays, and it draws in thousands of revelers, putting everyone in the Irish spirit. To begin the holiday week, the city transforms Savannah into a veritable shamrock, turning all of the fountains green. The Forsyth Park Fountain hosts a celebratory event for the “greening,” which is held by the St. Patrick’s Day committee.

children and grandchildren of St. Patrick's Day Committee members gathered around the Forsyth Park Fountain to put the green dye in the water

before the "greening"

after the "greening"

In further celebration of the holiday kick-off, we made our way to River Street and Kevin Barry’s, the standard Savannah Irish establishment. While there, we ate a traditional Irish meal and desserts.

Kevin Barry's Irish Pub is located on River Street next to the Bohemian Hotel

flag of Ireland

vintage pictures of famous Irish men and women, including locals, decorate the walls

the bar at the pub

the Irish Sampler includes beef stew, corned beef & cabbage, and shepherd's pie

the Irish beef stew had chunks of beef, potato, carrot in a gravy-like sauce

the shepherd's pie had beef, vegetables, and was topped with fluffy mashed potatoes

bourbon pecan pie (they were all out of the Irish whiskey cake)

Bailey's Cream cheesecake

The Dishes: the Irish Sampler, which includes beef stew, corned beef & cabbage, and shepherd’s pie; bourbon pecan pie; Bailey’s Cream cheesecake

What’s Special About It?

Eleanor: “This is my first St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah, and Kevin Barry’s on River Street seemed like the perfect place to start my celebrating off – right in the heart of the city’s action. Irish food is simple, but it’s very comforting in its simplicity.”

Kenda: “St. Patrick’s Day is always a much-celebrated holiday in my family because my Mom’s family is from northern Ireland. I grew up eating traditional and fun Irish dishes, and the food at Kevin Barry’s makes me feel right at home!”

What Did It Taste Like?

Kenda: “I loved the tenderness of the corned beef & cabbage. It was flavorful and just melted in your mouth. The shepherd’s pie was also quite delicious, with its buttery mashed potatoes and hearty, warm filling. The Bailey’s Cream cheesecake was a delicious finish to an excellent Irish meal. It was creamy and heavy on the Bailey’s Cream – all the more better for a true Irish experience!”

Eleanor: “My favorite of the three was the Irish Beef Stew. A traditional stew, the dish had chunks of beef, carrot and potato served in a thick and creamy base made from Guinness Beer. There may not have been a lot to it, but it was simple Irish comfort food at its finest. And while the bourbon pecan pie might have been a lot more southern than Irish, I think that only added to my celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in Savannah!”

What Did We Say About It?

Kenda: “It was the perfect way to kick off this year’s St. Patrick’s Day festivities, with Irish food and the greening of the fountain. Happy St. Patrick’s Day, y’all!”

Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub

117 West River Street

Savannah, GA

(912) 233-9626

Hours: Mon-Sat: 11 a.m.- 2 a.m. Sun: noon – 1 a.m.

Saturday-Sunday, 5-10 p.m.

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