A favorite saying among the Irish is: "There are only two kinds of people in the world, the Irish and those who wish they were."

Lucky for both groups there's St. Patrick's Day -- a time when everyone has an excuse to party. The following bars are offering some of the best parties in town:

Muldoon's of Carmel

A full-service menu that includes breaded tenderloins and barbeque ribs and a complete lineup of imported beers. Live music, drink specials and corned beef and cabbage will be served all day March 17.

Where: 111 W. Main St., Carmel; (317) 571-1319.

Hours: 11.a.m. to 10.p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11.a.m. to 11.p.m. Friday and Saturday; 7.a.m. to 10.p.m. Sunday.

Details: Nonsmoking. M/V/D/AX.

Claddagh

This Downtown Irish bar features all the flavors of the Emerald Isle with a full-service menu and European-style beers. The pub opens at 10.a.m. March 17, and a party tent opens at 4.p.m., with live music continuing until midnight. Cover is $4. Featured groups include Dark House Sweet and Zanna-doo.

Where: 234 S. Meridian St.; (317) 822-6274. (Other locations at 96th Street in Indianapolis and in Plainfield. Check those locations for event details.)

Hours: 11.a.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday; 11.a.m. to 3.a.m. Friday and Saturday, 11.a.m. to 10.p.m. Sunday.

Details: Smoking. M/V/D/AX.

Fionn MacCool's

This friendly pub's full menu features everything from Iron Steak with Black Currant sauce to Guinness Irish Stew. St. Patrick's Day Weekend features live music by Mother Groove at 9.p.m. March 14, with Bushmills shots and Highballs $3.50 all night, and music by Siochain at 9.p.m. March 15. The pub opens at 11.a.m. March 17, with live music beginning at 1.p.m.

Where: 8211 E. 116th St., Fishers; (317) 863-2100.

Hours: 11.a.m. to midnight Sunday through Thursday; 11.a.m. to 2.a.m. Friday and Saturday.

Details: Smoking and non-smoking. M/V/D/AX.

Andrus O'Reilly's

Typical pub grub here includes wraps and burgers and a large selection of beer and cocktails. The flat-screen TVs are tuned to sporting events. Drink specials on March 17 will include imported beers. The bar will host a "moustache competition" with prizes for the best moustache. A Pacers' ticket give-away and appearances by the Pacemates will be part of the St. Patrick's Day fun.

Where: 36 S. Pennsylvania St.; (317) 974-0674.

Hours: 11.a.m. to 3.a.m. Monday through Saturday; 11.a.m. to midnight Sunday.

Details: Smoking. M/V/D/AX.

Golden Ace Inn

One of the city's oldest pubs, the Golden Ace was opened in 1934 by two Irish immigrants. Today it continues to serve its house specialties of Friday fish platters and Guinness draft. Live music starts at 12:30.p.m. March 17, with Derek Warfield and the Wolftones, The McCabes and several other live bands. Admission is free.

Where: 2533 E. Washington St.; (317) 632-0696.

Hours: 11.a.m. to 1.a.m. Monday through Friday; 1.p.m. to 1.a.m. Saturday. Closed Sunday.

Details: Smoking. Cash only.

- Compiled by T.J. Banes