St. Patrick's in Seattle

[Whidbey78]

I'm not sure if this is the exact forum to post this question. Mod's please move it if necessary.

I don't know if this will ease my homesickness or aggravate it but...

My wife is attending a teacher's convention in Seattle, March 17-20th(flying in on the 16th and out on the 21st). Since it's a rare opportunity for me to get back to the Sound(for free no less) I decided to tag along on this trip. What I was wondering is if anyone in the area has any recommendations for places to go or events happening on St. Paddy's or the Friday and Saturday following it? Good restaraunts, pubs, shops, etc. I'd prefer walking distance or very short ride from our hotel which is about twelve blocks southeast of the Space Needle, not terribly far from Denny Park, but farther away is okay.

I'm from Island County originally, and am familiar with Seattle, but haven't been there in a little over five years...I'm sure it's changed a bit and some places I used to go seem to no longer exist, at least according to Google and Yellowbook. I'm heading to Oak Harbor and Anacortes for a day if time permits to see some old friends (and get some chowder at the Deception Grill), but plan on spending most of my time in and around Seattle, and at least a little time under it(my wife doesn't believe me when I tell her about Pioneer Square).

One other thing, I'll be packing a kilt(or two) but doubt I'll take anything in the way of "formal" attire, so anything tie and jacket required probably won't work. I guess you could say I'm looking for more "casual" places and events, unless someone wants to loan me a jacket for a night. I'd rather save the checked bag fee for some of Seattle's awesome microbrews.

I haven't been home in years! I'm chomping at the bit! I can already smell the briny air and taste the goop on the first burger I get there!

Thanks in advance.