St. Patrick’s Day is arguably one of the rowdiest days of the year. Here’s a look at where to celebrate this year!
On such a spirited holiday, you might find yourself wishing that you had recently discovered your ‘long lost Irish lineage’ just so you can say your RNA requires you to join in on the all the fun St. Patty’s Day traditions. However, if there is one thing the Irish are known for, its their warm hospitality! So, whether you’re Irish by birth or just for the day, put on some shamrock sunglasses, sport something green and travel to one of these cities for St. Patrick’s day.
1. New York
Aside from the Emerald Isle itself, there’s no place like New York to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! The city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade is the oldest and largest in the U.S with over 150,000 participants! Plus, with great pubs just around pretty much every corner, the party doesn’t have to stop in the ‘city that never sleeps’. Be sure to check out Hoboken, just across the Hudson River, about a 25-minute ride on the PATH Train. This New Jersey City was voted the most exciting small city in America!
2. Savannah, Georgia
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations last all month long down in Savannah which makes it a particularly awesome place to visit in March. The party peaks during the St. Patrick’s Day Festival on River Street and City Market on 16-18 March. Fun for the whole family, the festival includes live entertainment, goofy photo booths, yummy street food and plenty of beverages!
3. Boston
This exciting city is one of the oldest in the United States and its revolutionary Irish culture runs deep. Boston’s long history of Irish immigration has fostered quintessential Irish neighborhoods such as Charlestown and South Boston, where the St. Patrick’s Day parade takes place on 18 March. It’s also worth noting that the basketball team is called the Boston Celtics and the city’s library honors a former president with Irish ancestry: John F. Kennedy.
4. Chicago
Chicagoans take their St. Patrick’s Day celebrations seriously with a multitude of fantastic events that celebrate Celtic heritage. See performances by Irish dancers, live pub music and of course the ritual of dyeing the Chicago River a beautiful shade of emerald green! Watch it all happen on 17 March at 9:00 am followed by the St. Patty’s Day Parade. Get more information about where to watch the parade here.
5. New Orleans
The Big Easy isn’t necessarily known for its Irish ancestry, although it definitely has an amazing party reputation! The colorful Irish-themed floats and Celtic celebrations start on 10 March and last until 14 April because locals love any excuse to have a parade! Plus, March weather in New Orleans is delightfully warm and sunny!
6. Seattle
Be captivated by the beautiful National Parks, delectable cafes and fantastic live music scene in Seattle, a wonderful choice for any holiday including St. Patrick’s Day. Attend the Irish Festival at the Seattle Center Festal from 17-18 March. Irish activities,food, drinks and exhibitions all ensure some good ol’ Irish-style ‘craic’ (Gaelic for good times)!
7. San Diego
San Diego has one of the best St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the country! Attend the exciting San Diego ShamROCK event that starts at four o’clock in the afternoon on 17 March with live Celtic bands followed by DJs, dancing and performers until midnight with access to delicious Craft Beers and your must-have lucky leprechaun attire with the purchase of your ticket!
Cover Photo credit: Giuseppe Milo (www.pixael.com) on Visual hunt / CC BY