It's been a while since i've gotten a good hit from a nearby town, the way I did yest. In Ayer. Starting off in the JP O'Hanlons' kitchen where chef Ed shared his secret to stellar fish n' chips (see next Wed. paper), I couldn't help but catch a pre-St. Paddy's Day buzz. “It's our busiest day of the year,” the revved and ready owner Rod told me. After a perfect-looking guinness was poured for the photo, I decided right then to make the trek here on the 17th. Not an easy feat to pull, it’s about a 25-min. drive from Lowell, but I know it will be worth it. This eight-year-old Irish pub just feels good. And w/an italian owner and Portuguese chef at the helm, the menu is an eclectic mix of irish pies and sicilian seafood. They also have a nice sun. brunch. On St. Pat's JPO’s is featuring music all day beginning at 11:30a. Note a $12-cover goes into effect at 3 p.m. If this scares you, go a day earlier. Sunday will be a dry run — food, music etc. geared for fams. But any leprechaun worth his tam o'shanter knows there is nothing quite like the day itself. So see ya at the bar at 1. jpohanlons. Next I paid a visit to the much-ballyhooed 31 Main a block west. Brick interior, sunny walls, nice bar, drop lights, many window tables … is this Ayer? Owner Karen Ingle is a pastry chef who cut her teeth at Biba, Boston Harbor Hotel and other impressive blue-blooded establishment. What’s she doing in Ayer? Too busy to elaborate because a staff member had called in sick and at 11:40, people where flocking in for lunch. Great sounding steaks and salads on the menu and the prices will not give you heart palpitations. Seems Ayer is finally stepping up to the plate. Would you make the trek for a meal + ambiance?