Wilmington Irish restaurant prepares for the green-filled weekend

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — St. Patrick’s Day is this weekend which means many area Irish pubs and restaurants are expecting a see a lot of green. 

WWAY visited one of those spots on Friday to see how they’re preparing for the large crowd. 

“I love this time of year. It’s a very special day for everybody,” The Harp Owner, Val Cleary, said. 

The Harp, on S 3rd St. in Wilmington, said it is expecting to serve nearly 2,000 people for St. Patrick’s Day. 

Owner, Val Cleary, said this is the busiest weekend for the business. So, he must account for extra customers. 

“The cost of food went up 30 percent and we can’t really put that on the customers. Alcohol stayed about the same. But the food costs and labor costs, since COVID, it’s killing us,” Cleary said. 

There will be a tent set up outside of the restaurant for dancing and music. 

You can also get authentic Irish food like corned beef, shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and of course Guinness Beer. 

“Come on! It’s luck of the Irish. It’s the big pot of gold at the end of this weekend. Come on out and join us,” The Harp Employee, Kellye Wright, said. 

Wilmington resident, Steve Campbell, said he enjoys seeing how the Cape Fear celebrates St. Patrick’s Day every year. 

“It’s a good time, the music is fun. It’s a good crowd,” Campbell said. 

If you plan to enjoy some green beer this weekend, remember to stay safe, and don’t drive.