Event Details
January 21st // McNally’s Irish Pub // 6:30 p.m.
Grab your kilts and plaid attire and make your way to McNally’s Irish Pub on January 21 for the 24th annual Burns Night celebration.
“Burns Night dates back to 1801 and is a celebration and tribute to the life and work of Scottish poet, Robert Burns,” explained owner, Nicki Ellerbroek. “It was first originated by his friends and family as a memorial dinner.”
McNally’s Irish Pub partners with Dakota District Pipes and Drums to present a free night full of Scottish traditions with dinner, drinks, poetry, and music.
Begin the night with good company and cheer during a social hour in the Bothy, which Ellerbroek defined as a place where traveling Scottish and Irish laborers gathered for music, song, and whiskey.
The festivities officially begin at 6:30 p.m. sharp with Enter the Haggis. The Scottish delicacy is served on a silver platter as the host recites Burns’s poem, Address to a Haggis.
“Food is the centerpiece of any good Burns Night celebration,” said Ellerbroek.
Guests are not required to try the haggis, but there will be plenty to serve for those brave enough to sample the dish.
“It’s definitely a fun experience for those who want to try it,” said Ellerbroek.
She adds that lamb is a popular alternative option amongst attendees, but all menu items will be available to order.
“This is my 17th Burns Night and every year I learn something new.” – Nicki Ellerbroek
A Burns Night supper would not be complete without Scottish whisky. McNally’s offers guests tastings and flights of various Scotch, as well as Irish Whisky.
“We have 20 to 25 different Scotch and 36 different Irish Whiskey options for our guests to choose from,” said Ellerbroek.
At 7 p.m. experience traditional Celtic music with Dakota District Pipes and Drums. Throughout the night, guests will have the opportunity to try their hand at playing bagpipes.
“It’s always fun to see people try and play the bagpipes, it’s a lot harder than you think,” said Ellerbroek.
“Our Burns Night Celebration is upbeat and full of laughter.” – Nicki Ellerbroek
Anyone can come to celebrate Burns Night, but according to Ellerbroek, this is the perfect outing for those with Celtic origins.
“Anyone who attends of Celtic origins typically wears a kilt or tartan items, which is very fun to see, and what other time do you get to wear it?” laughed Ellerbroek.
To end the Burns Night festivities, everyone will gather to sing Robert Burns’ infamous, Auld Lang Syne.
Ellerbroek said, “When you come to Burns Night, you truly feel like you’re in an Irish Pub.”
