Flanagan's or Cricketers for St. Paddy's?

Dunedin is known for its enthusiastic celebrations, and one of the biggest takes place on St. Patrick's Day.

There are parties at bars and restaurants across town, but the two largest are at Cricketers and Flanagan's. Which of the two showstoppers do you prefer?

Much of the St. Patty’s Day action in Dunedin revolves around this Main Street Irish pub, and it has nothing to do with the cozy atmosphere inside. Flanagan’s hosts a huge outdoor street festival every year, complete with a beer truck, live entertainment and a slew of Irish meals and drinks, all with free admission. Whether you’re full Irish or Irish for a day, you can’t help but have a good time at this downtown holiday hotspot.

Not to be outdone, this British pub on the Dunedin Causeway throws a pretty mean outdoor St. Paddy’s bash as well. The two-day parking lot tent party features live bands, fun activities like face and body painting, costume contest, and all-you-can eat food specials, special pricing for drinks like Jameson’s Irish whiskey, Guinness and, of course, green beer. The fun begins Friday night and continues until the Irish eyes stop smiling. 

Cast your vote below for your favorite big St. Patrick's Day party or, if you like to go somewhere else for St. Paddy's, let us know in the comments. Voting is open until noon on Friday, and we'll announce the winner right here at 3 p.m. Slainte!

Update: The votes are in, and Flanagan's is the 2012 readers' choice for Best Place to Celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Congratulations, and thanks for voting!