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Boston's Best Irish Concerts & Festivals

St. Patrick's Day Parade generic, ireland, saint patrick's day parade
(Photo by Mario Tama/Getty Images)

Boston has a huge Irish presence, and even residents who aren't Irish sometimes feel a little Irish by proxy. They know that Irish immigrants helped make the city what it is today, and so when it comes time to celebrate Irish heritage or enjoy some Irish entertainment, Boston does it right. From huge parades to strong voices from the Emerald Isle, it is easy to enjoy a bit of Ireland in Boston, especially when Saint Patrick's Day rolls around on March 17.

St. Patrick's Day Parade
Starts at the Broadway Station
www.southbostonparade.org

Date: Mar. 20, 2016 at 1 p.m.

Southie's Saint Patrick's Day Parade is one of the city's most cherished annual events. The parade has a long history and has boasted famous walkers like John F. Kennedy and even a guy dressed like Darth Vader. More importantly, it features traditional Irish entertainment, people dressed in traditional garb and local military units. This parade attracts thousands of visitors, so be prepared for crowded streets. Those who do not live within walking distance should take the T, as finding parking near the event is next to impossible.

Related: Family Friendly Guide To St. Patrick's Day In Boston

A Little Bit Of Ireland
Reagle Music Theatre
617 Lexington St.
Waltham, MA 02452
(781) 891-5600
www.reaglemusictheatre.com

Date: Mar. 12 and Mar. 13, 2016

"A Little Bit of Ireland" is a Celtic show in its 18th year at Reagle Music Theatre. The show has been called "one of the largest Irish shows in New England", and that statement very well may be true. The show features Irish tenors, comedians, bands and step dancers. There will be hundreds of Irish songs and also a look at traditional Irish living. This is the theatre's celebration of St. Patrick's Day and an "homage to an Emerald Isle."

Ronan Tynan
Isaac Harris Cary Memorial Building
1605 Massachusetts Ave.
Lexington, MA 02420
(781) 862-0500
www.ronantynan.net

Date: Mar. 13, 2016 at 3 p.m.

Ronan Tynan is an Irish tenor whose voice has been heard at such somber events as Ronald Reagan's funeral and several benefits for the rescue workers of 9/11. He has also graced people with his voice at baseball games, presidential birthdays and a Governor's Ball. This famous and beloved singer will be just outside of Boston in Lexington in time for St. Patrick's Day. He travels all over the country to speak and sing, so his brief stop in Massachusetts is a real treat for fans. Enjoying the musical talent of Ronan Tynan is the perfect way to celebrate the holiday.

Traditional Irish Music Sessions
The Druid
1357 Cambridge St.
Cambridge, MA 02139
(617) 497-0965
www.druidpub.com

Date: Tuesdays at 9 p.m. and Saturdays at 4 p.m.

Every week, The Druid in Cambridge offers visitors a taste of traditional Irish music. Performances change all the time, so these events never get stale. The main group of performers, Noel Scott, Tina Lech and Ted Davis, also invite other performers to join them for these traditional sessions, so frequent visitors will see new faces often. Expect the whimsical sounds of Irish flute, tin whistle and more filling the pub on session nights. Sit down and enjoy a drink and some Irish eats with friends.

Emmet Cahill
Irish Social Club of Boston
119 Park St.
West Roxbury, MA 02132
(617) 327-7306
www.emmetcahill.com

Date: March 18, 2016

Emmet Cahill rocketed up the worldwide charts with the show Celtic Thunder. He is now touring on his own, playing music and singing with a voice that audiences remember long after his performances. He will be at the Irish Social Club of Boston for one night only, so be sure to catch him before he moves on to the next gig. He'll also be in the studio recording his first solo album soon, so be sure to look out for it.

Related: Guide To America's Best St. Patrick's Day Parades

Shelly Barclay is a professional freelance writer and amateur author. She writes on a variety of topics from food to mysteries. She loves to share the culture and rich history of her birthplace and home, Boston, with the rest of the world. Her work can be found at Examiner.com.

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