Just in case you can’t wait until March for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations (and really, we can't blame you), TIFF Bell Lightbox is serving up something that’s arguably even better than a foaming pint of Guiness: the Toronto Irish Film Festival. 

On February 28, TIRFF kicks off with the North American premiere of director Alex Fegan’s documentary The Irish Pub. The feature documentary pays tribute to “the greatest institution in Irish society and its quirky patrons.” To clarify, it’s not just about the beer—it’s about the ambiance, the buzz and, mostly, the people.

Following the film, ticket holders can head to the opening night party at Dora Keogh — a “traditional” Irish pub in Greektown — to schmooze with a beer in hand.

The schedule continues on March 1 with a series of five shorts: Fear of Flying from director Conor Finnegan, The End of the Counter from Laura McGann, Two Wheels Good from Barry Gene Murphy, The Tree from David Freyne and Breakfast Wine from Ian Fitzgibbon. 

Later in the evening, enjoy the Canadian premieres of When Ali Came to Ireland and Made in Belfast. The former takes us back to July 1972 when Muhammad Ali and Alvin ‘Blue’ Lewis captured the attention of the entire Irish nation and the latter, from first-time director Paul Kennedy, is a drama about a successful novelist who finds himself in his hometown dealing with unresolved relationships.

The final day of TIRFF will showcase the launch of the second season of the popular Irish sitcom Moone Boy co-written and co-starring Chris O’Dowd. The festival will close with Lance Daly’s “recession" comedy, Life's A Breeze, which makes a comeback after its debut at TIFF 2013.

All screenings take place at TIFF Bell Lightbox (350 King St. W). Opening night tickets cost $20, while other screenings ring in at $15. Visit Toronto Irish Film Festival’s website to purchase tickets and for showtimes.