Luck O’ the Irish: Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Boston
There may be no more Irish city in the US than Boston. During the Great Famine of the 1840’s many of the Irish fleeing to America landed in Boston- so many that the city’s Irish population jumped from 30,000 to 100,000 in just one year. As of the 2000 census over 23% of Massachusetts residents claimed Irish ancestry, making Massachusetts the most Irish state in the nation. So, if you can’t make it to the Emerald Isle for St. Patrick’s Day Boston is a great alternative!
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Pipes & Drums Photo by JLHalsted www.familyrambling.com
The parade takes place in Southie (South Boston, the most Irish part of the city) and travels between the Broadway T station and Andrew Square. Pipes and Drums corps proudly march down Broadway in their plaid, some with step dancers twirling.
If you attend with children I recommend staking out a spot at Dorchester Heights as the open area gives the kids space to run and play. You can also learn a bit of Boston history- on March 17, 1776 the British evacuated Boston.
To get to the parade take the T the Broadway station. The parade begins at 1 pm and placing yourself anywhere along Broadway will grant you a view. Police presence is noticeable as many celebrate with alcohol. (The parade reaches Dorchester Heights around 1:30. I have tips for the parade listed at Family Rambling.)
The parade takes place the Sunday prior to St.Patrick’s Day. Cost: free.
Irish Heritage Trail
Photo from www.irishheritagetrail.com
Winding through downtown Boston and into the back bay area this path takes you from Rose Kennedy’s garden, through burying grounds, past multiple statues and memorials, and through the public library before ending at Fenway Park. Each of the 20 locations listed has significance to both Boston’s history and the story of the Irish in Boston. The most moving of these, at least to me, was the Irish Famine Memorial.
This tribute marked the 150th anniversary of the Great Famine. Eight plaques surrounding the statues tell the heartbreaking tale while the two statues show the pain and the promise of that generation of Irish.
Irish Famine Memorial, Boston Photo by JLHalsted
Irish Famine Memorial, Boston Photo by JLHalsted
There is no charge to walk the trail, though individual sites may have set operating hours and fees. Visit www.irishheritagetrail.com for more detailed information.
JFK Presidential Library and Museum
I’m not sure you can mention Boston and Irish without mentioning John F. Kennedy. Learn about the 35th President’s life and political career through his writings, video and exhibits.
Open 7 days a week (excluding holidays) from 9am- 5pm. Cost: Adults $12, Students & Seniors $10, Children ages 13-17 $9, Children 12 and under free.
Grab a Pint and Enjoy the Craic
There is no shortage of Irish pubs in the city of Boston. My personal favorite is The Black Rose. Located near Faneuil Hall and the T station it is easy to find. The food is tasty and hearty, the craic (pronounced “crack”; loosely translated it means fun) is always on and the live music is always worth dancing to.
At the Black Rose in Boston Photo by JLHalsted
Fortify yourself with the Irish Stew or the Shepherd’s Pie, both are wonderful, grab a pint of Magners or Guinness and settle in for an evening of celebrating all that is Irish.
Open Monday- Friday 11am- 2am; Saturday and Sunday 9am-2am. Children are welcome until the hours become late.
Other Happenings
Be sure to check the Boston Irish Tourism Association website for more events like Irish teas, concerts featuring music and dance and plays.
Where to Stay
Boston has no shortage of hotels. If you want to stay where a lot of the St. Pat’s action is check out the Seaport Hotel for great location, views, amenities and family friendliness.
Jody Halsted writes about family travel at her website Family Rambling. Her family lived on Boston’s South Shore for 3 months a year ago and can’t wait to return.