Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Boston

Boston is a storied city, thanks in part to the immigrants who settled here. One of the most defining groups came from Ireland starting in the early 1800s. Over time, the spirit of the Irish captured a large part of Boston’s culture, and even inspired the name of our NBA team. Today, Boston is the most Irish city in the US, with almost 25% of residents claiming some element of Irish heritage. So even if you don’t have any ancestry from the Emerald Isle, each year when St. Patrick’s Day arrives, everyone finds a reason to celebrate.

Since 1901, the Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been at the heart of the city’s annual celebrations. This year, the parade will take place on Sunday, March 19 starting at 1pm and wind through South Boston. Wear green, select a place along the parade route and enjoy the fun.

While you’re embracing the spirit of the day, explore the Irish Heritage Trail. It’s an informative, self-guided tour through some of the most celebrated landmarks in the downtown and Back Bay neighborhoods of Boston.

After all that fresh air, it’s time to take in some authentic Irish food and drink.

MJ O’Connor’s Irish Pub

When you’re looking for Irish dining in Boston, one of the city’s favored destinations is MJ O’Connor’s. Located in Boston Park Plaza, it is renowned for warm, welcoming service, delectable comfort food and an array of craft beer selections as well as the perfect pint of Guinness. The pub has events planned through the week, including special dining options. Take in traditional Irish Step Dancing on St. Patrick’s Day, and live music through the weekend.

Ned Devine’s Irish Pub

At the Quincy Market Building near Faneuil Hall, you’ll find one of Boston’s favorites. Ned Devine’s Irish Pub offers a cozy and welcoming dining experience with fresh pub options, pints of Guinness and an animated evening crowd. On St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy a performance of Irish Step Dancing and live music.

The Harp

If you’re taking in a Celtics or Bruins game at Boston’s North Station, then stop in at The Harp, a Boston institution for almost 30 years. Located directly across from TD Garden and North Station (the stop on the Green Line subway from Boston Park Plaza) it’s a vibrant sports bar that never forgets its Irish roots. On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s a great destination for Irish Step Dancing, live music and a selection of Ireland’s favorite menu items.

Hurricane’s at the Garden

Another option near North Station is Hurricane’s at the Garden. It’s the ideal place for a pre-game drink and a bite. On St. Patrick’s Day, it’s hosting a celebration with Irish Step Dancers, Live Music and Irish menu specials.

Whether you’re looking to explore your Irish heritage, or simply enjoy some of Ireland’s favorite menu items, Boston has a breadth of destinations waiting to welcome you.

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