Celebrate Your Irish

Madison celebrates its Irish roots with a downtown St. Paddy’s Party on March 15, 2013 from 5 to 9pm.  In the mid-1800s, hundreds of Irish laborers came to Madison to construct the railroad incline. Completed in 1841, the Madison incline of 7,012 feet was – and remains today – the steepest grade of any line-haul railroad in the country.  In their spare time, they built St. Michael’s Church.

A highlight of the celebration will be the ancient sport of Irish Road Bowling from 5pm until dark.  Participants will roll cannonballs down Hentz Alley between Jefferson and West Streets; the team with the fewest throws wins the contest.  The Chamber and Celtic Society will be on-site to give pointers and keep score.  Everyone can try their luck and everyone will receive a prize.  This is so much fun but you need to watch your ankles!

Tickets are on sale now until March 13, 2013 for A Taste of Ireland.  For only $20, you can choose to taste at 5 of Madison’s participating restaurants or for $35, you can taste at 9.  Each will provide one traditional Irish dish or beverage.  There is Potato Soup at Red Pepper Deli, Mobreki handcrafted beer at The Pub, Shepherd’s Pie at Franco’s, Cheese & Guinness Fondue at Broadway Hotel & Tavern, Irish Coffee at Joeyg’s, Smoked Salmon Bisque at Thomas Family Winery, Irish Barnburner Burger at Hinkles, Irish Apple Cake at Gallery 115 and Guinness at Electric Lady.  Diners can present their ticket at these restaurants to receive their dish in any order they choose.  Nice selection of food AND beverages this year.

For all the lads & lassies who like to dress up, there’s a Leprechaun Contest, too.  Stop at the tent between Main & the parking lot on Mulberry, have your picture taken and register.  A prize will be awarded for the best Leprechaun. Also in the tent, Madison’s Irish heritage will be on display along with Irish dancers and pipers.

Free trolley rides are available to make sure you don’t miss any of the action.

For more information or to purchase A Taste of Ireland tickets, contact Visit Madison at 800-559-2956.  Tickets are also available at participating restaurants and the Chamber of Commerce.