You may not be in Dublin, New York City, Kuala Lumpur or any of the other cities holding official Arthur's Day celebrations today. But that doesn't mean you have to feel left out of the party.
Not to be confused with the annual Great Guinness Toast every February 13, which is basically just an excuse to drink Guinness, today's holiday marks the 250th anniversary of the Guinness Brewing Company. At 5:59 p.m. local time (or 17:59; Guinness was founded in 1759, get it?), revelers will raise a pint to toast to founder Arthur Guinness. Performances by Tom Jones, Estelle, Sean Paul and the Black Eyed Peas (live in Malaysia: yet another reason to be thankful you don't live in Malaysia) will be televised locally on DirecTV.
Of course, Dublin being six hours ahead of Dallas, celebrations there have already been underway. But that isn't stopping local bars, especially Irish pubs, from joining in.
Of course Trinity Hall, Dallas meeting place of the 1759 Society, is marking the occasion. Along with music from Seamus Stout, the pub is offering a $17.59 dinner special with one of four entrees and a pint Guinness, Guinness 250, Smithwick's or Harp. Unless, that is, you happen to be named Arthur and have the ID to prove it, in which case your meal is free.
If you're up in Frisco, Lochrann's Irish Pub offers a chance at free beer for a year along with music by Brent George. Or head west to McSwiggan's in The Colony for $1 off pints of Guinness.
There are others, of course, and suggestions for where to lift a pint are certainly welcome. But it's getting close to toasting time, and I've still got a nasty taste in my mouth that I need to get rid of.
