Kells Irish Restaurant & Pub puts the exclamation point on their 18th Annual St. Patrick’s Irish Festival today, Monday, March 17th… known worldwide more simply as St. Patrick’s Day.

Kells was once again recognized this year as the nation’s number one Irish Pub, according to Tom Horan's America's Top Ten Club for 2008.

Their weekend long Festival began on Friday, and is expected to welcome roughly 20,000 people by the close of business tonight (or early Tuesday morning to be more accurate).

Today’s entertainment features many of the usual favorites, including Kells Irish Pipes & Drums and the international award-winning dancers from the Portland Irish Dance Academy.

Kells opened their doors at 7:00am on St. Patrick’s Day. A $20 cover charge includes a free festival t-shirt for the first 5,000 paid guests.

The tents outside the restaurant are an adult only venue all day Monday, with a no cover lunch served in the front tent from 11:00am to 2:00pm.

Kells considers the safety of its patrons to be a top priority. The event is closely monitored and Kells reminds attendees not to drink and drive. Designated drivers will be given complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Taxi service will also be available or customers may take MAX trains or other public transportation.

For more information, including Kells complete schedule of St. Patrick’s Day entertainment, check out www.kellsirish.com.