Everybody is a little bit Irish this time of year. Whether you are looking to shop, see a parade, have a bite to eat or walk the Irish Heritage Trail, you’ll have a lot to choose from in Massachusetts. Don’t forget to check out our events calendar as well for more fun things to do across the state.
Please note: All of the St. Patrick’s Day parades in Massachusetts have been cancelled this year due to health and safety concerns.
GREATER BOSTON | NORTH OF BOSTON | SOUTH OF BOSTON | CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS | CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS | WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
GREATER 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.
John F. Kennedy Presidential Library and Museum – Celebrate! Presents a virtual performance by Celtic Bells: The Irish in Boston! – March 13
Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate – Join the Edward M. Kennedy Institute for the United States Senate, Consulate General of Ireland in Boston, and Embassy of Ireland, USA for a virtual 2021 St. Patrick’s Day celebration with Taoiseach Micheál Martin. The program will honor the 40th anniversary of the founding of the Friends of Ireland in Congress by Senator Edward M. Kennedy and others and celebrate the launch of “From Whence I Came: The Kennedy Legacy, Ireland and America,” a collection of essays edited by Brian Murphy and Donnacha Ó Beacháin. March 15
Irish Cultural Centre of New England – Located on 46 acres in Canton, the ICCNE is a year round facility promoting Irish education, sports and appreciation of Irish culture.
The Black Rose – Located in the historic Faneuil Hall area of Boston, this Irish pub is celebrating its 36th birthday this year. With its authentic décor, live music seven nights a week, hearty food featuring traditional selections such as fish n’ chips, stews and corned beef, and of course, an endless supply Guinness, it’s no wonder this pub was awarded the ‘Best of Boston’ Irish Pub award!
The Burren – Named after a great rocky expanse in Ireland’s County Clare, The Burren is a Somerville favorite where people gather to enjoy a good drink, live traditional Irish music and the comfort of good company. As the name suggests, this pub captures the mythical nature of Ireland’s landscape with old world feel. Enjoy classic dishes such as Guinness beef stew, shepherd’s pie and bangers & mash while listening to the sounds of the Celtic.
Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade – CANCELLED
On March 11, the Irish Consulate in Boston joins with The Here Comes Everybody Players for a virtual performance of Finnegan’s Wake Made Easy, a zoom performance filled with humor, humanity and linguistic playfulness that pays tribute to this masterpiece by Irish writer James Joyce. Registration required.
This year’s popular Irish Film Festival Boston runs from March 17-21, and is totally virtual. #IrishFilmFest21 features 40 new Irish feature films, documentaries and shorts; The films are scheduled in the traditional fashion, premiering at designated times during each day of the festival.
XV Beacon Hotel
1 Beacon Street
Boston
‘Luck of the Irish’ Special
XV Beacon’s ‘Luck of the Irish’ package includes 10% off Best Available Rate per night, a flight of Irish Whiskeys, including three brands delivered to your room for a tasting. Offer runs March 12-17, 2021.
Fairmont Copley Plaza Hotel
‘Pot O’ Gold’ Special
10 St. James Street
Boston
Overnight accommodation for two rates start at $239, and includes Guinness-braised short rib, Green Dublin martinis and one-level upgrade at check-in (subject to availability). Offer runs through March 31, 2021.
NORTH OF BOSTON
The Claddagh Pub – Located in Lawrence by the Merrimack River, the Claddagh Pub offers traditional meals, and is also a popular sports bar. entertainment on weekends.
The Peddler’s Daughter – Located in Haverhill, the Peddler’s Daughter offers traditional Irish meals and was voted Best Irish Pub North Shore.
Lawrence Saint Patrick’s Day Parade – CANCELLED
SOUTH OF BOSTON
Abington Saint Patrick’s Day Parade – CANCELLED
Scituate St. Patrick’s Day Parade – CANCELLED
Weymouth Saint Patrick’s Day Parade – CANCELLED
Bridget’s An Irish Tradition Gift Shop – This popular shop in Norton supplies authentic products directly from Ireland, including jewelry, clothing apparel, Waterford, and Irish dancing costumes and accessories.
The Snug Pub – Located in downtown Hingham, the Snug Pub offers traditional and modern cuisine, and live traditional Irish music.
The Irish Cultural Centre in Canton is a regional, year-round setting for Irish culture, education, sports, music and cuisine. Check out virtual concerts on March 6 with Heron Valley Celtic Band, and on March 13 with Strawberry Hill. On March 17, enjoy online performances and cultural activities all day long! On March 21, Celtic Woman star Mairead Nesbitt performs a special concert on the fiddle. Purchase tickets here.
South Shore Irish Heritage Trail, which identifies Irish landmarks from Weymouth to Plymouth. You’ll discover why the South Shore is often called the Irish Riviera!
CAPE COD & THE ISLANDS
Cape Cod Irish Village – Experience the spirit and sprightly charm of Ireland at one of Cape Cod’s favorite destinations, The Irish Village. Established in 1976 by Noel Henry and family, the Village offers comfortable guest rooms, a restaurant, along with an Irish Pub featuring traditional Irish entertainment.
Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Yarmouth – CANCELLED
The Chatham Fiddle Shop on Main Street in Chatham, Cape Cod, is hosting free virtual Tuesday evenings concerts on Facebook starting at 7:30. Owner, fiddle player and instrument maker Rose Clancy is joined by her dad, singer and raconteur Gene Clancy and friends each week for a night of jigs and reels, songs, poems and stories.
CENTRAL MASSACHUSETTS
Worcester Saint Patrick’s Day Parade – CANCELLED
Fiddler’s Green – Worcester – St. Patrick’s Day Festivities.
O’Connor’s Restaurant – Worchester – This family-style restaurant was first opened by Irish immigrants in 1989, and continues to offer friendly service and traditional food.
Each March, A St. Patrick’s Day Celtic Sojourn with GBB Host Brian O’Donovan brings together some of the world’s finest musicians, dancers and singers from the Celtic nations. The series goes virtual this year from March 11-17, with live recorded concerts from iconic concert halls, including Hanover Theatre in Worcester on March 11; the Shalin Liu Performance Center in Rockport on March 12; Sanders Theatre in Cambridge on March 13; The Cabot in Beverly on March 14; and the final show at the GBH Studios in Boston on March 17, St. Patrick’s Day.
WESTERN MASSACHUSETTS
Holyoke Saint Patrick’s Day Parade – CANCELLED
Delaney House in Holyoke – March 17- Irish music and dinner.
On March 17, the Irish Cultural Center of Western New England, located in Springfield, is having an evening of Irish music, song and fun, beginning at 7 p.m. The Center’s regular musicians Ellen Redman, John Tabb and David Clopp will perform. Expect guest appearances by Irish speaker and sean nos singer Brigita Galagher, and poet Siobhán Ní Dhomhnaill, who will read her poetry in Irish and English. The zoom event is free to all and registration is required.