Best Of Winner: Bridget's An Irish Tradition

The results of this week’s Best Of series are in! This week’s poll garnered 114 votes and nine reviews with topping the charts for the Best Place to Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

had a solid run earning second place and 25 votes. tried to get redemption after , but was unable to overcome the competition and ended up in third place with eight votes.

Trinity has one four-star rating in our Places section. They are counting down to St. Patrick’s Day by serving a boiled dinner now through March 17. They also have a great Guinness beef stew and fish and chips. On St. Patrick’s Day, they open 10 a.m. with a special menu and will have live music as well as a performance by world ranked Irish Step Dancers. More information is available at trinitynorton.com and facebook.com/trinitybar.

With a name like McMahon’s, you know they are celebrating St. Patrick's day all weekend long with all-you-can-eat corned beef buffet Friday through Sunday, which includes red corned beef, cabbage, carrots, turnips, potato and soda Bread for $10.99. Josh Gerrish is playing Friday night and Good Gravy is playing Saturday night.

And then there’s our winner, Bridget’s An Irish Tradition, with 70 votes and nine five-star reviews. The shop, owned by Bridget Daly and Lorraine Ryan, received 61 percent of the votes.

“Bridget's An Irish Tradition is the place where the Irish people are,” wrote Norton Patch reader  . “Unlike the ones who come out once a year on St. Patrick's day, Bridget herself is there all year, every year. If you're looking for an Irish gift big or small you will find it hear with the personalized help that we can't seem to find anywhere else these days. Maybe you just want to visit a little piece of Ireland? Bridget has brought it to Norton.”

Bridget Daly and Lorraine Ryan, originally from Tullamore, County Offaly, Ireland, chose to make Norton the new home for this 24 year-old New England establishment after their lease expired on their Walpole location. The store features popular products and craftsmanship from Ireland. The shelves are fully stocked with Irish hand knit sweaters, tweed caps, kilts, glittering Celtic jewelry, Irish dance shoes, popular Irish foods and CDs by the most popular and talented Irish artists. The walls are lined with photography, posters, Irish blessing and inspirational prints.

For St. Patrick’s Day, Bridgett’s An Irish Tradition will be hosting an all-day event with live Irish musical and stepdancing performances, refreshments, raffles and fresh baked Irish bread. Store hours that day will be 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. For more information visit http://www.bridgetsirish.com/.

"I'd like to congratulate the other nominees - Norton is just full of great establishments for any occasion, and I've managed to get around to many of them," Ryan said. "We're blessed to be here and looking forward to year two. And to all who shopped, reviewed and commented, 'go raibh mile maith agat;' a thousand thank yous. Now on to the trade shows, new merchandise and all the spring events!"

"Thanks to everyone who came out shopping in the weeks before St. Patrick's Day, and joined us at our special event," Daly said. "The musicians loved playing for you, the dancers got such a kick out of performing and we loved helping you find just the perfect t-shirt, hoodie, hat, outfit or gift. I hope you all had lovely days with family and friends."

Most especially, thanks for the warm welcome to Norton and the support throughout our first year. When we moved here, in May of 2011, we hoped to adopt as our motto - 'There are no strangers here, only friends you haven't yet met.' Well, it seems that wish is coming true! Hope to see you soon."

Bridget’s will be presented with a certificate at a time and date to be determined.

Tune in Monday to vote for the Best Place to Get Fit and don’t forget to leave a review!