St. Patrick's Day celebrations at this Fayetteville pub are like no other.
Patrick “Paddy” Gibney knows a thing or two about celebrating St. Patrick’s Day.
He’s Irish by birth, to start. He also owns a Fayetteville bar fittingly named “Paddy’s Irish Pub.” So, saying St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are mandatory for him is an understatement.
His cozy little pub near downtown Fayetteville is relatively small but knows how to put on an Irish spectacle every year. As a result, St. Patrick’s Day celebrations there have become the stuff of local legend.
Now in its 16th year, the bashes treat patrons to a night of non-stop drinking, partying, and Irish entertainment. The place gets packed as soon as the doors open, so getting there early is a must.
Fayetteville has other St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. However, few can draw the massive crowds like Paddy's does. A lot of it is due to the owner.
The Dublin native is front and center for the night, leading the singing and festivities into the wee hours. He wouldn’t have it any other way because he wants the night to be memorable.
Some patrons come to Fayetteville for the first time just for the event. Many others are soldiers from neighboring Fort Bragg who've heard lore about the event from friends and even commanders.
The celebration has to be experienced in person, according to the owner. He proudly says many of his patrons for the night are 20-somethings whose parents used to celebrate St. Patrick's Day at Paddy's back in the day.
“We’ve invested a lot of money and time,” Gibney said, “just for this one day. So, we try to put our best foot forward.”
For Gibney, that means dusting off his old guitar and performing music with his longtime musical partner, Bill. The duo rarely performs anymore, but St. Patrick’s Day falls on Friday this year. That makes it extra special.
So, pull out your favorite green T-shirt, throw on some green beads, and make a beeline to Paddy's Irish Pub this St. Patrick’s Day. It’s time to see what all the fuss is about.