Travel News March 2022


ST PATRICKS IN THE STATES 35


Following two years of virtual St Patrick’s Day festivities. The worldwide celebration of all things Irish returns to the public this 2022. NI Travel News takes readers through the best U.S States to mark the occasion...


ST PATRICKS DAY IN THE STATES I


F you fancy spending St Patricks Day 2022 somewhere other than the Emerald Isle itself. St Patricks Day celebrations happen in every corner of the world travelling as far as Ireland to Japan. However, the most notable of these worldwide celebrations must be the events held in the United States of America. With the strong influence of Irish immigration to America in the 19th century, many Irish American associations in the United States feel a connection to Irish Culture and History. However, St Patricks Day is celebrated by people of all backgrounds, to which many American states hold parades and other boozy celebrations to mark the holiday. Therefore, the 17th of March is sure to be a day to remember when holidaying in America. Chicago Since Chicago’s first St Patricks Day parade in 1843, the state has become synonymous for their St Patrick’s Day festivities. Cultural Celebrations begin to pop up on every street in the city as Irish taverns begin to fill with revellers.


One of the most unique St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in the world is the Chicago River Dyeing. Typically held on the Saturday prior to St. Patrick’s Day, this bucket- list event is a beloved tradition that dates back over half a century. Following the suggestion from Chicago’s local plumbers’ union, the Chicago River was first dyed green in 1962. Kickstarting a tradition that would last years, with 2022 being the 60th anniversary of the Chicago River dying. A fabulous scene, travellers must be sure to arrive early enough to get a good view of the union members working their magic from various boats. A top tip from many Chicago locals is to take bridges, with many spectators lining along the Chicago Riverwalk and bridges between State and Columbus. Others advocate to hop on the river itself, by purchasing a ticket to one of the many river cruises. A sure way to take in the sights of the city all the while enjoying this once-in-a-lifetime sight. However, the vibrant green colour only lasts roughly five hours, so be sure to head down to the Chicago River early to ensure you don’t miss this unique sight. Chicago offers a whole day of revelry for St Patricks, with the Chicago St Patrick’s Day parade taking place on the same Saturday as the Chicago River Dyeing. Meaning that after stopping by the Chicago River, travellers can head around to Columbus Drive to witness the annual Chicago St Patrick’s Day parade. The Chicago St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of America’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parades and the centrepiece


The Chicago River dyed green, where locals mark the St Patrick’s Day celebrations


of the city’s unforgettable St. Patrick’s Day festivities. Attendees are advised to don themselves in green and grab a good spot ahead of parade that starts at noon. Highlights of the parade include the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe Band, a band who have leaded the parade celebrations from its origins back in 1956. There are a range of colourful floats to see, troops of Irish dancers, marching bands, bagpipers to enjoy over the three-hour celebration of all things Ireland. Georgia


One of the only U.S states to recognise St Patrick’s Day as a legal holiday, Savannah in Georgia is home to the second-largest St Patrick’s celebrations in the United States. Savannah has hailed the celebration of St Patricks Day since 1824, when the Irish immigrant community held their first procession in the city. Over the decades, Savannah’s St Patrick’s Day festivities have become one of the American South’s biggest street parties, closely following the Mardi Gras celebrations in New Orleans. Filled with Irish heritage, live music, green beer, and a massive parade throughout Savannah’s historic downtown, St. Patricks Day in Savannah 2022 is a festival that is not to be missed.


With a belief that everybody is Irish in St Patrick’s


Day, the celebrations taking place throughout Savannah almost last the full month of March. A factor that is sure to make your trip a little greener. Much like Chicago, Savannah hosts a glorious St Patrick’s Day Parade on the 17th of March. This parade is what many consider to be the quintessential Savannah St. Patrick’s Day experience. With area service members, marching bands from all over the United States and even the Budweiser Clydesdale horses, the parade line-up is jam-packed with a range of entertainment. The parade lasts four-hours with plenty to entertain all members of the family. With the masses of crowds, it’s mandatory to head down early to ensure you secure a good vantage point to view the procession.


A whole range of parades take place throughout Savannah, including the Heritage Parade in Tybee Island, located just a short drive from Downtown Savannah. This family-friendly celebrates the roots of Irish History and culture throughout Savannah. With parade participants and onlookers expected to dress in green from head-to-toe, with the belief that it will spur good luck for the year to come. This tradition was popularised by Irish immigrants in the United States, who believed that wearing green made them invisible to leprechauns. With legends suggesting that those who don’t wear green on St Patrick’s Day will be nipped by leprechauns the entire day.


Seeking something a little more unique to Savannah, why not try out the Irish Road Bowling tournament which hosted on Hutchinson Island. A tournament that brings together both Savannah locals and visitors, this event is open to all ages with no equipment is needed. Regardless of if you are a spectator or a competitor, the Irish Road Bowling tournament is an enthusiastic demonstration of comradery. Competitors manifest that the luck of the Irish is with them as they embark on the much-loved competition.


Forsyth Park Fountain in Savannah, Georgia


Would it really be St Patrick’s Day if there wasn’t Guinness involved? Renowned for its restaurant and pub crawl culture on the 17th of March. With numerous pubs joining in on the festivities by offering ‘Shamrock Shakes’


or ‘Baby Guinness’ shots. Savannah-based Irish Pubs and vendors take to the streets to join the celebration, with even some tour-operators taking locals and travellers on a Savannah St Patrick’s Pub Crawl. These tours are sure to wet your whistle and ensure you embrace all that St Patrick’s Day has to offer. Boston


Boston is American city deep Irish roots embedded in its core, meaning that it is no surprise that St. Patrick’s Day results in mass celebrations of locals and tourists alike. In recent years, studies have shown that more than 22 percent of the population of metropolitan Boston are Irish American, the highest figures out of all 50 of the United States most populated cities. Boston offers a lot more than parades and pubs on St Patrick’s Day, with an in-depth historical view on Irish immigration into the state, you are sure to leave Boston with a deep insight into how Irish culture shaped Boston into the city it is today. Boston offers a range of activities to embark upon this St Patricks Day, from walking tours and shows to cooking classes and taste-testing the famous Irish cuisine. Making it a unique insight into how Boston celebrates its Irish routes.


Looking to see a little bit more of Boston than the


main parade route? The Irish Heritage Trail in Boston takes visitors on a journey through the influential impact which the Irish American community had on Boston. The Heritage Trail runs for three miles, where visitors can walk in the footsteps of Irish immigrants and their descendants with a route past twenty of Boston’s famous landmarks.


Including, the Rose Kennedy Garden,


Boston City Hall, Old Granary Burying Ground, and many more before rounding up in Boston’s Fenway Park. Travellers can choose to have a self-guided tour, where you can explore the beautiful city at your own place, taking in the breath-taking and historical sights. Or partake in a guided tour, where travellers are accompanied by an expert guide who tells tales of Irish residents who once walked the streets of Boston. Roughly these guided tours last around seventy to ninety minutes. An attraction which makes Boston stand out amongst the states that celebrate St Patricks is the Irish Film Festival. Since its first launch in 2003, the Irish Film Festival brings a variety of Irish-made independent productions to the fore-front. This festival, which features over 50 films each year, aims to “celebrate the very best of Ireland and Irish on screen.” Making it a great way to promote Irish Culture on the Silver Screen. This festival stands as a one-of-a-kind attraction for many to enjoy. Harpoon Brewery’s annual St Patrick’s Day Festival is one of Boston’s biggest annual events. The brewery which originally opened in 1986, hosts a weekend of St Patrick’s Festivities for the Boston locals along with tourists to revel in. A weekend of friendly banter, live music, and constantly flowing taps. This Boston Party takes place under heated tents outside the Boston based brewery. The Harpoon Brewery festival acts as a hybrid fusion of Boston and Ireland’s cultures. Visitors to the festival can enjoy Boston’s best bands while they have a drink in one hand and food from a local food vendor in the other.


With Boston’s extensive Irish population comes the opportunity for many Irish pubs throughout the city. Travellers can count on all of these coming alive for St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, serving up Guinness


and corn beef. With unique dishes such as Guinness pancakes, whiskey flights and green beer, there is sure to be something new to try in these Irish pubs. Willing to try your hand at cooking these traditional items yourself? There are many Boston Irish eateries that are allowing people to try their hand at making dishes such as, Guinness beef stew and, Irish soda bread as part of a Cooking-Class excursion over the St Patrick’s Day celebrations. Seattle Celebrated annually in Seattle since the latter half of


the 1800s, St Patrick’s Day in Seattle is a vibrant occasion. With the first official St Patrick’s Day parade being held in Seattle in 1972, the festivities have continued to grow with many becoming involved in the traditions that make it such a loved holiday throughout Washington. A celebration made for sports-lovers, one of Seattle’s most renowned events that takes place over St Patrick’s Day is the St Patricks Day Dash. Deriving from humble beginnings in the 1980’s, The St Patrick’s Day Dash began as a race between various bars. Today, the Dash is now the city’s largest annual single distance fun run, covering nearly 4 miles of downtown city streets. The dash is a family friendly event, with event organisers even creating the Leprechaun lap for kids which is a 1K race for kids to partake in. Following the dash, Seattle hosts the Post Dash Bash which consists of the Guinness Beer Garden for those seeking a tipple after the race, along with costume contests and live music for all attendees to enjoy.


Rather than holding a typical parade, Seattle opts to host an entire Irish Festival which runs over the course of the March 12 and 13th. The festival focuses on celebrating Irish heritage, culture, and arts with a two day demonstration of traditional music, step-dancing, lectures, genealogy workshops, Irish films, exhibits, displays, and much more. In 2022, Seattle’s Irish Festival celebrates their 25 anniversary. Dedicated to make the most of this milestone, 2022’s festival theme is “Where The World Gathers” which promotes a unique focus on identity with a range of engaging activities. This festival is free and open to the public. Pittsburgh


Not many are aware that Pittsburgh hosts one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parades in the United States. With locals and tourists lining up for hours ahead of the Parade beginning, the St Patrick’s Day parade is set to happen rain or shine this 2022. With a parade consisting of more than 200 groups and organisations, onlookers are guaranteed to be entertained by the fabulous display of Irish culture.


Don your dancing shoes and head to the Shamrock


Shuffle that takes place in Pittsburgh. One of Pittsburgh’s most notable St Patrick’s Events, all proceeds made from this dance fundraiser are donated to a local cancer charity. This exclusive St. Patrick’s Day-themed party includes music, an open bar, light bites, a caricature artist, a gift basket auction, 50/50 raffle. Making for an evening of Irish revelry whilst also helping out a good cause. Pittsburgh’s first ever annual St Patrick’s Day Party in the Garden is set to become a traveller’s favourite. Kicking off in The Winter Garden, visitors can enjoy Irish eats, green beer, a bagpiper, DJ, along with live music from local artists.


Pittsburgh is known for a Bar Crawl, especially the annual St Patricks Day Pub Crawl which has taken place annually over the past six years. Whether you’re Irish by ancestry or just embracing Irish culture, thousands of people flock to these pub crawls for a day of carousing and cheers-ing. Those heading off on the Pittsburgh annual pub crawl are advised to find your pints of gold at some of the city’s best bars and pubs.


Fenway Park, Home of The Boston Red-Sox


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