No parade? No problem
Here’s how to celebrate Bay State’s Irish history
Can you still celebrate St. Patrick’s Day in Boston without a big parade? Those who embrace Irish culture in the area would say yes, as Massachusetts offers many opportunities to learn about our state’s rich Irish history, while having lots of Irish-themed fun.
“As we say, Boston is the Capital of Irish America,” said Colette Quinlin, spokesman for the Boston Irish Tourism Association.
“We excel at Irish music, dance, literature, theater and Gaelic sports. Colleges like Boston College, Harvard, UMass and Stonehill offer Irish studies degrees, and Boston Public Library has one of the largest Irish collections in the U.S. It is not unusual to hear people speaking Irish in places like Brighton, Dorchester or Quincy. So yes, Boston is the place to learn about Irish heritage,” she said.
Lest you think that’s a sug
gestion you put your head down and study sans parade, think again.
“It’s mandatory that you also have fun,” she said.
How? There are a wealth of ways to commemorate our Irish history, from walking tours to pub spots and beyond.
Consider these:
The Irish Heritage Trail: Boston is said to be the only city in America with a dedicated Irish Heritage Trail (irishheritagetrail.com). The trail gives you three options: One laces through Boston for an easy and lovely three-mile walk, and the other two take you out to surrounding communities.
No matter which you choose, you’ll find lovely sites and lots of history. Irish name dropping is a thing on the trail, as you can visit statues of familiar greats like Kevin White, Maurice Tobin and James Michael Curley, as well as other names you may choose to research first, like John Boyle O’Reilly and Patrick Collins.
There are more. You’ll find a colorful cast of Irish heroes, rebels, military leaders, labor activists, poets and politicians all along the way.
The Trail takes you to familiar sites as well, but shows you their Irish roots. Take Fenway Park: Sure, the Monster is a nice Irish green, but did you know it was built by Charles Logue, an Irish immigrant who came from County Derry to Boston (with his excellent carpentry skills) in 1881 at the age of 23?
There’s also the contemplative, like the Boston Irish Famine Memorial and the Granary Burying Ground, where you can pay respects while learning about the Irish who died in the Boston Massacre.
There’s plenty of beauty too: The trail takes you through the Rose Kennedy Greenway and along the streets of the city.
Irish on the Cape: Ocean Edge Resort (2907 Main St.) in Brewster is ramping up its brogue this year, with its first-ever St. Patrick’s Day celebration all month long.
Throughout March, the resort will celebrate with live music, special Irishthemed menus with Irish treats like oyster Galway, braised short rib and shepherd’s pie, Irish step dancers and step-dancing lessons, Irish whiskey workshops, lessons on how to write your own limerick and more. You can learn more at oceanedge.com/taste-ofireland.
Scituate — the Most Irish Town in America: The 2010 census confirms what many have claimed: Scituate has the most Irish roots of any town in America.
There’s no tour there or statues, but a visit and a ride along the coast can offer you a view of why that might be: Many say the coastline there, with cliffs (four of them!), rocky shores, sandy beaches and lots and lots of Irish sea moss, is reminiscent of Ireland.
Dress and dine the part: No need for a goofy, giant green bow tie (although embrace it if that is your look), but to dress the part like a true Irish soul, Quinlin said, just pop into a flower shop.
“People from Ireland typically wear a sprig of shamrock or clover on their lapel, which you can get at a local garden store,” she said.
She adds, “A definite fashion accessory this year is the Irish-themed face mask with shamrocks or harps.”
You can take care of that right along the Heritage Trail. The Irish Eyes Gift Shop in Faneuil Hall (1 S. Market St.) is well stocked, as is Southie’s Own (396A W. Broadway). Should you crave a true Irish sweater, you can head to Bridget’s — An Irish Tradition (88 W. Main St.) in Norton for a great selection direct from Ireland.
South Boston: Even with no parade, Southie is worth a visit to celebrate Irish history. A meandering stroll is a great way to take in the ambience.
Slainte!