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Family Friendly Guide to St. Patrick's Day in Boston

- By Lauren O'NeillBoston is undeniably embedded with Irish culture. It's hard to ignore the contagious luck of the Irish in the air every March. The music, the dancing, South Boston's famous Parade, c'mon! Though at times things can get a bit rowdy - you know what we mean. So we pulled together some family friendly St. Patrick's Day activities to get the whole family in on the Irish action. Of course the parade is a no brain-er, but there are more "green" activities to be found happening in and around Boston all month long.

Irish Heritage Trail

Maybe not as famous as the Freedom trail, Irish Heritage Trail has just as much history to offer. You will be guided to landmarks of Irish-American artists and heroes from the 1700's to the present. The Trail is divided into three sections: 20 sites in downtown Boston and Back Bay, covering over three miles. Trail maps are available at the visitor centers on the Boston Common and at the Prudential Center. Have we peaked your curiosity? Learn more by visiting their website or by contacting irishmassachusetts@comcast.net.

Irish Heritage Trail
(Photo Credit: Boston Irish Tourism Association)

Put a little Irish pep in your step with a traditional Irish Dance Workshop put on by the Boston branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann. Everyone; no matter age or skill; is invited to learn Irish Ceili every Tuesday evening through May at 7:30 pm at the Canadian-American Hall in Watertown. The cost of this two- hour workshop is only $5.00. If you can't make it on Tuesdays, workshops are also held on Wednesday evenings at 7:00 pm at The Harney Irish Dance Academy Studio in Walpole. 945 Main St., Walpole MA. Visit the Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann website for more information or contact Sally Harney at 508-668-3473.


Boston Irish Film Festival was established 1999 to celebrate and promote global Irish cinema. Since then it has become the one of the largest event of its kind outside Ireland. The 13th Annual Irish Film Festival will take place Thursday, March 22 - Sunday, March 25, 2012 at the Somerville Theater and the Brattle Theater in Cambridge. For a complete schedule show times visit http://irishfilmfestival.com/ .

burren
(Photo Credit: The Burren)

Eat, drink and be marry at The Burren. Treat the whole family to a traditional Irish breakfast of rashers, Irish sausages, black and white pudding, eggs, a grilled tomato, I beans & home fries on Saturdays and Sunday mornings. Or visit at night for traditional and contemporary Irish music. Top Irish musicians from around the world play at The Burren, which The Irish Echo called "one of the most successful small venues for traditional Irish music on the east coast". Check their website for up to date listings.

St. Patrick's Day Parade

South Boston, MA 02127
website

Of course we couldn't conclude without giving you all the details on the parade! This years Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade is Sunday March 18th. The festivities will kick off at 1:00 p.m. from West Broadway Street in South Boston. Check out their website for directions and the complete parade route!

Lauren is a Boston area transplant trying to figure out life in the city after graduating from art school. Read more of her pursuits on her blog, Pack n' Play.

 

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