Nearly 20% of all residents claim Irish ancestry in Massachusetts, according to the U.S. Census, so there are plenty of cultural, culinary and heritage activities during Irish Heritage Month in March, and all year round. Don’t forget to check out our events calendar as well for more fun things to do across the state.
ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADES | IRISH HERITAGE AND HISTORY | IRISH CULTURAL CENTERS | IRISH GIFT STORES AND SHOPS | IRISH PUBS AND RESTAURANTS
2022 St. Patrick’s Day Parades
Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Saturday, March 5 at 11 a.m.
Worcester Saint Patrick’s Day Parade – Sunday, March 13 at Noon
Abington Saint Patrick’s Day Parade – Sunday, March 20 at 1 p.m.
Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Sunday, March 20 at 1 p.m.
Holyoke Saint Patrick’s Day Parade – Sunday, March 20 at Noon
Scituate St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Sunday, March 20 at 1 p.m.
Irish Heritage and History
Boston Irish Heritage Trail – Explore Boston and its surrounding neighborhoods as you experience nearly 300 years of Irish history. This self-guided tour begins at the Rose Kennedy Garden near the waterfront and ends at Fenway Park. Pick up free maps of the Irish Heritage Trail at the Visitor Center on Boston Common.
South Shore Irish Heritage Trail, is a new endeavor that identifies Irish landmarks from Weymouth to Plymouth. You’ll discover why the South Shore is often called the Irish Riviera!
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum – Learn about President Kennedy and his proud Irish heritage. The library is JFK’s official repository of his Administration.
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate – The Senator Kennedy left his legacy with this institute for studying the U.S. Senate.
Irish Cultural Centers
Irish Cultural Centre of New England is located on 46 acres in Canton. ICCNE is a regional, year-round setting for Irish culture, education, sports, music and cuisine. It conducts music and history classes, has an extensive library for research, and offers live music in its Irish Pub.
Irish Cultural Centre of Western New England in West Springfield offers year-round cultural activities, sports, language classes and traditional music sessions. Have a meal at the award-winning Trinity Pub.
The John Boyle O’Reilly Club in Springfield has been promoting Irish culture and sports in western Massachusetts since 1980. It promotes local community activities such as Gaelic sports, dance feiseanna and parades.
The Irish Social Club of Boston, located on Park Street in West Roxbury, was founded in 1945 as a gathering place for the Irish community. Enjoy live Irish music on weekends, along with dancing, community meetings and social gatherings.
The Sons of Erin Club in Yarmouth, Cape Cod, is a year-round group that promotes Irish history and heritage, culture and art, and Irish events on the Cape, including the St. Patrick’s Parade. There is also a Sons of Erin Club in Westfield.
The Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre on Temple Street in Worcester is run by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a group of men and women dedicated to Irish culture and heritage
Irish Gift Stores and Shops
Bridget’s An Irish Tradition Gift Shop on Main Street in Norton offers authentic products directly from Ireland, including jewelry, clothing apparel, Waterford crystal, and Irish dancing costumes and accessories.
The Chatham Fiddle Shop on Main Street in Chatham, Cape Cod, offers exquisite, hand-crafted fiddles and stringed instruments made by proprietor Rose Clancy, as well as hand-made jewelry and crafts.
The Aisling Gallery in Hingham offers original Irish and American paintings and art, as well as framing and matting services, plus live concerts and lectures throughout the year.
Greenhill Bakery in Adams Village, Dorchester is a full service bakery offering fresh breads and scones, custom wedding cakes, soups and salads, and Irish products. A small café serves coffee and tea, soup and pastries all day.
Adams Corner Café & Butcher Shop Market in Adams Village, Dorchester has Irish butchers on-hand to provide Irish-style bacon and sausage, lamb and pork. The café offers breakfast, lunch and dinner seven days a week.
Irish Eyes Gift Shop & Push Cart at Faneuil Hall Marketplace is a handy place in town to get Irish jewelry, giftware, Irish clothing including babywear, plus the ever-popular Claddagh rings and Celtic sterling.
Southie’s Own Gift Shop on West Broadway in South Boston specializes in Irish imports, South Boston apparel, local art, and specialty gift items. It is a great place to shop for St. Patrick’s Day party items.
Irish Pubs & Restaurants
Greater Boston
The Black Rose, Boston
Mr. Dooley’s Pub, Boston
Emmet’s Pub, Boston
Brendan Behan Pub, Jamaica Plain
The Burren, Somerville
Druid Pub, Cambridge
North of Boston
The Claddagh Pub, Lawrence
The Peddler’s Daughter, Haverhill
Bunratty Tavern, Reading
The Old Court, Lowell
South of Boston
The Snug Pub, Hingham
Hibernian Tavern, Scituate
Tinker’s Son Restaurant, Norton
Cape & Islands
Cape Cod Irish Village, Yarmouth
Scally’s Irish Ale House, West Yarmouth
Liam Maguire’s Pub + Restaurant, Falmouth
Central MA
Fiddler’s Green, Worcester
O’Connor’s Restaurant, Worcester
Galway Bay Irish Pub, Worcester
Western MA
Trinity Pub, West Springfield
Log Cabin + Delaney House, Holyoke
The Harp Irish Pub, Amherst
To tap into the Commonwealth’s Irish cultural community year-round, visit IrishMassachusetts.com.