The ‘Great Irish Hooley’ Returns to Raglan Road Irish Pub & Restaurant This Labor Day Weekend

If you’ve missed the last three years, let me bring you up to speed: it’s a lively mix of top Irish bands, step-dancing, craft beers, stellar Irish cuisine, and Celtic face-painting, all rolled into one fantastically fun festival.

For the music lovers in your group, the line-up will not disappoint. Screaming Orphans, a quartet of talented Irish sisters with a passion for original pop/rock, is headlining. A new Raglan Road house band, The Raglan Roots Coalition, will keep the crowd moving. Other bands including JigJam, The West Coast Trio, The Blaggards and Cooney & Ryan, are set to provide a mix of bluegrass, folk, and traditional Irish tunes. And keep an eye out for The Blarney Stones; if lead singer Hannah Carr looks familiar, don’t be surprised – she’s a former Raglan Road Irish Dancer.

Think you might need a few libations before you try authentic step dancing? Four limited-edition craft beers brewed especially for the Hooley by Ireland’s Rye River Brewing company will be available: a Raglan Road Saison, a citrusy Raglan Road Fruit Salad Weiss Beer, a refreshing McGargles Jims CO2 Stout and a McGargles Francis Tropical American IPA. Of course, they’re in addition to the beer, wine, spirits, and cocktails that will be featured throughout the weekend. (So yes, you can still have your Guinness.)

To polish off the party, save room for Irish fare from celebrity chef Kevin Dundon. The beer-battered fish and chips is a standout, as is the Shepherd’s pie with a contemporary twist. The seafood and gluten-free entrees also gain high marks from guests, but I can honestly tell you that I’ve never had a bad meal here … no matter what you order, you’re in for a treat.

Of course, the above is best enjoyed when you look the part, so consider getting your face painted; artists will be on hand Saturday though Monday to paint kids and kids-at-heart.