St. Patrick’s Day is Boston’s holiday. If you’re lucky enough to be in Beantown next weekend, you’re in for a treat. From famous parades and festivals to Irish dancing and drink, there’s more to do to this St. Patrick's Day than you can shake a stick at. To make your life easier, we’ve gathered a collection of the best ways to celebrate the holiday with your family. Between Boston’s Irish heritage and the locals’ love of a good time, St Patricks Day Boston is an experience not to be missed.
The Parade
A tradition in South Boston since 1901, the official St Patrick’s Day Parade is the definitive event. South Boston, known to locals as “Southie,” was first settled by Irish immigrants in the 1800s and is still one of the most Irish neighborhoods in the city. Honoring the Irish heritage of the city of Boston, this parade features colorful floats, over one hundred different groups, and thousands of marchers – not the mention the thousands more who line the streets to watch!
Boston's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Date: Sunday, March 17, 2013 Time: 1:00 pm Location: Starts at West Broadway Street Closest T stop: Broadway (Red) Check out the parade
website for additional details.
Music and Dancing
Visit Faneuil Hall’s Quincy Market to enjoy authentic Irish music and dance performances by local groups. Bedecked with green lights and festive décor for the holiday, Quincy Market is one of the most popular public sites in the city. It’s a great gathering place for locals and visitors alike, with plenty of food and shopping options nearby. Date: Sunday, March 17, 2013 Time: All day Location: 1 Faneuil Hall Square Closest T stops: Park Street (Red) or Government Center (Green/Blue)
Food and Drink
Since you’ll undoubtedly want to enjoy this city’s fine Irish cuisine, checking out a classic Irish pub sounds like a great idea. The only problem? Boston has hundreds of them. So we’ve picked three of our favorites – guaranteed to satisfy all of your cravings. With each restaurant, we’ve also suggested a few nearby attractions for you and your family to visit before or after your meal.
The Green Dragon Tavern
11 Marshall Street Boston, MA (617) 367-0055 Closest T stop: State Street (Blue/Orange) Located in the historic North End district of Boston, the Green Dragon is one of the oldest pubs in the city. Founded in 1654, this local favorite was supposedly frequented by Paul Revere himself (his house is convincingly nearby). The Green Dragon is featuring live Irish music all weekend long to celebrate the season. Because of its prime downtown location, expect this place to get busy early and plan accordingly. There are a few other historical pubs right around the corner, too, like the Bell in Hand Tavern. Tip: Go Boston Card holders get 20% off lunch or dinner! Nearby Points of Interest:
Paul Revere House,
Old State House Boston The Druid 1357 Cambridge Street Cambridge, MA (617) 497-0965 Closest bus routes: 69 or 83 Smack dab in the heart of Inman Square, the Druid has been consistently voted among the best in the city for Irish food and drink. It’s a small place that embodies the kind of charm and warmth you expect from a local Irish pub. The delicious classic menu includes Irish pub favorites, such as fish and chips and shepherd’s pie. They feature live Irish music on Saturdays with a special event planned for St. Patty’s. A favorite among families and a popular hangout at night – plus, the Guinness is just right. Nearby Points of Interest:
Harvard Museum of Natural History,
Harvard Tour LIR 903 Boylston Street Boston, MA (617) 778-0089 Closest T stop: Hynes Convention Center (Green) A spacious two-story pub, Lir is an architectural beauty in the heart of the Back Bay. It features open-front windows, a spiral staircase, and walls made of bookshelves. Lir also boasts a friendly atmosphere and an excellent, broad menu that includes both Irish classics and casual favorites. We do recommend that you stop by on Sunday, as they’re hosting an all day Rugby watching event on Saturday. Nearby Points of Interest:
Fenway Park Tours,
Boston Museum of Fine Arts Get your Irish on and celebrate
St Patricks Day Boston style, with good food, great music, and cold drinks. Sláinte!