Summer 2025 Greetings!

Political winds sweeping the world in 2025 have put a damper on the glorious pastime of travel. Where to go, where not to go, whether to even go, all seems mired in uncertainty. Tourism agencies, airlines and travel destinations are rightly vigilant. So are cultural festivities, heritage events and small businesses that rely on the largesse of tourists to make a living, seasonally or year-round.

Travel is more than economics, of course. It is about the human desire to seek new horizons, to break free of daily routines, to explore the world beyond our own backyards. It is a journey into our selves, but it is also about finding that Esprit de corps and camaraderie that readily comes from being on the road.

So, whether you are pondering a 50-mile trip somewhere in New England, or boarding an airplane to cross the ocean, we’re here to remind you that travel is good for your health and good for your spirit.

In our summer issue of Travel & Culture, we’ve laid out the upside of traveling locally or afar. If you are flying in or out of Boston Logan International Airport, you’ll be comforted by the efficient and friendly customer service on the ground and online through the handy Fly Logan app, where you’ll learn about the airport’s amazing restaurants, gift shops and family-friendly spots.

Boston shouts verve and vibrancy this summer with live music from Fenway Park to the Boston Harbor, plus outdoor dining and natural beauty. We’re also excited by the new Seisiún Irish Music, Arts and Cultural Festival in East Boston this September.

Quincy celebrates its 400 anniversary in 2025 with legendary concerts featuring Darius Rucker and John Fogerty, plus maritime activities, international cuisine, storied history about the presidential Adams Family and more.

Merrimack Valley offers three signature music events of note – the Summer Music Series, Lowell Folk Festival and Irish Festival along with other cultural treasures. The fishing town of Rockport has beautiful music all summer long, capped by the Celtic Festival at Shalin Liu Performance Center in September.

The Irish Cultural Centre in Canton, considered the headquarters of greater Boston’s Irish community, has a fun schedule of live music and dance, gala affairs and a full season of Gaelic games on its meticulous playing fields.

If Ireland is part of your travel plans, consider yourself lucky! For golf lovers, The Open Championship at Royal Portrush on July 17-20, 2025, promises a world-class showing as Irish golfer Rory McIlroy gets the chance to cement his legacy on his home course. With 400+ golf courses, Ireland is a paradise for visitors who want to relax, test their skills and enjoy some incredible scenery.

Ireland’s famous traditional music scene is always vibrant, and you’ll hear plenty of live music at Irish festivals or in local pubs and town squares. The world’s largest Irish festival, Fleadh Cheoil, takes place in August in Wexford, with thousands of musicians, dancers and singers coming together in harmony.

Ireland has much to offer in autumn, from the Galway Oyster Festival and Dingle Food Festival to the spooky Puca Festival and Halloween Derry in late October.

As a small business promoting travel and culture for a quarter century in 2025, we are proud to be part of the tourism industry and are grateful to our loyal partners and faithful readers. Please check out our new web site, irishboston.org, which is easy to navigate and full of great information!

As cultural tourists ourselves, we take pleasure in writer Mark Twain’s reflections on traveling when he wrote, “The excursion is ended and has passed to its place among the things that were. But its varied scenes will linger pleasantly in our memories for many a year to come.”

Colette and Michael Quinlin
Boston Irish Tourism Association