Claddagh Irish Pubs introduces new website and Dublin tripgiveaway!

St. Patty's Day may be a little more than six months away, but Irish-owned pub chain Claddagh Irish Pubs has plenty of reasons to celebrate the approaching "Halfway to St. Patty's Day" holiday. The Irish-owned pub chain is launching a new website to house menus, information, images and activities taking place in each of its 15 pub locations across the Midwest.

Getting guests and fans into the spirit of celebration, Claddagh Irish Pubs will be giving away a trip for two to Dublin, Ireland, to celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2012, and will host mini-celebrations on September 17 - "Halfway to St. Patty's Day" - at each pub location. To enter, guests just need to visit the new www.claddaghirishpubs.com and complete a limerick and e-mail registration, and must be present at their local Claddagh Irish Pub on September 17 at 7:00 p.m. when the winner is announced.

"The hallmark of Irish hospitality is creating a welcoming environment of celebration, whether you're dining with family, hosting a party or grabbing a pint with a friend - it's what the Irish call 'craic,'" says Ciaran Dunne, director of operations and development for Claddagh Irish Pubs. "It's that spirit that we want all of guests to experience each time they set foot in our pub, and we'd love to bring it to life even more by giving them to fully experience it in Ireland."

At Claddagh's "Halfway to St. Patty's Day" celebration on September 17, fans can visit their local Claddagh Irish Pubs to gather with friends and neighbors to enjoy food and drink in the spirit of traditional Irish hospitality. The pubs will be offering their signature fare and guests can choose from Claddagh's extensive beer list, including many Irish staples and Midwest favorites such as Guinness, Bass, Bell's Oberon, Carlsberg, Murphy's Stout, Magners, König-Ludwig, Kilkenny, and Old Speckled Hen, and Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale.

Winner of the contest will receive two round-trip tickets to Dublin in March 2012, hotel accommodations for Thursday, March 15, to Sunday, March 18. The trip also includes a visit to the Guinness Brewery in Dublin, and hospitality at the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Dublin, provided by Guinness. To learn more about Claddagh Irish Pubs, view images of the pub locations and menu items, or to view a calendar of pub events, visit www.claddaghirishpubs.com.