Contact: Lisa Simmons, MOTT
617-973-8508
Vicki Cimino, Connelly Partners
617-521-5428
For Immediate Release
BOSTON, January 30, 2012 - Once a year in mid-March, Massachusetts turns shades green and the sound of bagpipes fill the air. And while St. Patrick’s Day is traditionally when Irish culture is celebrated, it doesn’t have to be March to embrace your inner Celtic. Check out a complete list of Irish-inspired events and attractions that celebrate Irish culture and get daily updates on things to do and places to stay at massvacation.com, on Facebook at Visit Massachusetts, or on Twitter at @VisitMA.
Greater Boston
Irish Heritage Trail – Explore Boston and its surrounding neighborhoods as you experience nearly 300 years of Irish history. The tour begins at the Rose Kennedy Garden near the waterfront and ends at Fenway Park, which was built 100 years ago by Irish immigrant Charles E. Logue. In total, they have compiled more than 70 Irish landmarks throughout Massachusetts.
Irish Famine Memorial –Visit this memorial park, built by Boston’s Irish Community to commemorate the 150th anniversary of the Irish Famine. This $1 million memorial is located on Boston’s Freedom Trail and visited annually by over three million people.
South Boston’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Sponsored by the Allied War Veteran’s Council, this parade is the 2nd largest parade in the country. It is viewed in person by more than 600,000 people and aired on live TV. Held on March 18, the parade will go from West Broadway, looping through South Boston, ending at Dorchester Avenue.
Irish Film Festival – The 13th Annual Irish Film Festival will take place at the Somerville Theater and Brattle Theater in Cambridge from March 22-25. The film festival will feature a curated showcase of the Best of Irish contemporary cinema.
The Black Rose – Located in the historic Faneuil Hall area of Boston, this Irish pub is celebrating its 35th 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.
South of Boston
Maritime & Irish Mossing Museum - Set in the 1739 residence of Capt. Benjamin James on the Driftway, Scituate’s Maritime & Irish Mossing Museum stands out on the South Shore of Massachusetts as one of those true “gems” of local history. Currently, the museum holds six growing and changing exhibits, each with a descriptive video.
Scituate St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Attracting more than 15,000 people from the South Shore and Cape Cod, this popular parade takes place on Sunday, March 18. The parade begins at 1 p.m. at Gates Middle School on Parrish Road and ends at Scituate Harbor.
Town of Abington St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Held the Sunday after St. Patrick’s Day, this event invites all – Irish or not – to celebrate cultural history. The parade beings at 1 p.m. in Abington Center at what is appropriately titled St. Patrick’s Square.
Cape & 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 Claddagh Inn & Irish Pub - The Cape Cod Claddagh Inn is a Victorian Inn reminiscent of a small Irish manor. Enjoy its comfortable décor filled with antiques, oriental rugs and lace curtains. The pub is delightfully Irish, small and intimate, serving homemade meals, great drinks – including classic Irish stouts, to visitors and locals alike. A lively spot!
Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Parade – See what the excitement is all about at one of the most anticipated events of the year on the Cape. Hear the sounds of the Celtic from multiple marching bands and crowd favorites, the “Mummers.” On parade eve, the annual Grand Marshal’s Diner and Dance, will feature dinner, refreshments, live entertainment and an awards presentation.
Central Massachusetts
Irish Dance Lessons – Beginning on January 2nd, the Worcester Hibernian Cultural Center will offer free dance lessons every Monday evening. Includes ceili dances, Irish set dancing, traditional ballroom and two-step.
Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade – Worcester’s community invites you to lift your spirits, enjoy the laughter and bring out your inner child during this celebration of Irish American Tradition. This annual parade takes place on Sunday, March 11, and starts at Park Avenue in Worcester.
Western Massachusetts
Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade and Road Race – This two-day event will take place Saturday and Sunday, March 17 and 18. The 37th Annual St. Patrick’s Road Race will begin with a Mummers Concert to get the adrenaline pumping!
About MOTT
The Massachusetts Office of Travel & Tourism (MOTT) is the state agency dedicated to promoting Massachusetts as a leisure-travel destination. An integral part of the state’s economy, tourism generates more than $915 million in state and local taxes and $14.4 billion in travel related expenditures and supports 121,500 in-state jobs. Web site: http://www.massvacation.com/
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- Where to Go
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For New England's largest theme park, head to Six Flags New England in Agawam. Experience the "Glow in the Park Parade", an all new nighttime spectacular with dramatic state-of-the-art floats, cirque-style music and thousands of sparkling lights! The Dept. of Conservation and Recreation presents Park Passport, a program where families are encouraged to continue to visit parks statewide in an effort to fill their passport with stamps from all the parks.
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State and regional resources, including air, land, and water transportation; Boston public transit info; detailed info on travel to Cape Cod, Martha's Vineyard and Nantucket Island
