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St. Patrick's Day safety tips

St. Patrick's Day is often celebrated with the presence of alcohol, especially in America. Whether you sip a slow whiskey or chug green beer, you can plan ahead to ensure a safe St. Patrick's Day.

Host a Wild Party

Consider hosting a St. Patrick's Day party in your own home or apartment. While you'll need someone of good judgment to monitor keys so that drunk guests don't drive home, you'll generally be in control of your own party. 

Drinking at home is generally cheaper, and polite guests will bring food and drink to the party. You'll be able to cook some traditional and Irish-American treats and serve them to guests. If you like playing bartender, you'll have the perfect opportunity in the comfort of your home.

Designated Driver or Cab

If you live in the suburbs, have you considered making a full night of your St. Patrick's Day adventure? Think about renting a room near your favorite pub. This way, you and your friends (or date) will not have to select a designated driver--you can walk back to the hotel or take a cab.

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If staying out is a bit pricey, be sure to enlist the aid of your friendly neighborhood designated driver.

Go Trad

If you're not into the trendy bar scene, St. Patrick's Day provides a great opportunity to head to a more traditional pub. While traditional pubs are not as crazy, they tend to get safely enthusiastic on St. Patrick's Day. Stop in at your local traditional pub for some ethnic grub, music and craic (all the fun).

Eat First, Drink Later

The more you eat, the more liquor you'll be able to hold! This makes for a less vengeful hangover and the ability to consume more beverages and prolong the party. Stick to bready foods and drink plenty of water early in the day to avoid the dehydration that comes with drinking.

Beyond these party preparations, you can always prepare your St. Patrick's Day Emergency Hangover Kit. Left by the bed, this should never be without bottled water and a trash can.

, Irish American Culture Examiner

Tara M. Clapper enjoys exploring her Irish American heritage through literature, writing and attending Irish cultural events. She is a freelance writer living in the Philadelphia area.

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