Boston Irish Events of the Season

The Boston Irish have been celebrating St. Patrick’s Day for decades, generations and even for centuries! These four annual events illuminate the durability, cohesion, dedication and good deeds of the Boston Irish community in March and throughout the year.

On March 4, the Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston holds its 6th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Celebration. The Centre opened its doors in 1999 and is today the undisputed headquarters for Irish culture in Boston. This celebration features live Irish music and step dancing by the Harney Crawford Academy, along with great company and conversation. In addition, ICC presents its annual Gradam Dóchas Award which honors individuals or organizations who embody hope, generosity, and service within the Irish community.

The celebration takes place at the UMass Boston Club, located at One Beacon Street in downtown Boston.

On March 15, the Annual South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast takes place just prior to the parade nearby. Hosted by Southie’s State Senator Nick Collins, the two-hour event features light-hearted Irish wit and humor, sharp-elbowed political roastings, sing-alongs of favorite Irish tunes, and heartfelt recognition of local heroes who uphold the traditions of community service and pride of place for which South Boston is renowned. The annual breakfast tradition dates back to the early 20th century.

The breakfast takes place at Ironworkers Local 7 Union Hall at 195 Old Colony Avenue in South Boston.

On March 17, Irish American Partnership’s Annual St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast gathers prominent Irish-Americans, public officials and business leaders to celebrate Ireland and to hear the latest news from Irish government officials visiting Boston. For 40 years, the Partnership has helped to brighten Ireland ‘s future by investing in its youth.  Since its founding in 1986, the Boston-based non-profit organization has raised more than $57 million for Ireland, supporting jobs and investments, peace initiatives, cultural enrichment, sports and especially education.

The breakfast takes place at the InterContinental Boston Hotel, located at 510 Atlantic Avenue along Boston’s waterfront.

On March 17, the Charitable Irish Society holds its 289th Annual Gala, a tradition dating back to its formation in 1737.  The Society has stayed true to its original mission to aid immigrants in need, while cultivating a spirit of unity among the Irish and their descendants in Massachusetts.  This year’s guest speaker is Suffolk University Professor Robert Allison, who will speak about Revolutionary War hero Henry Knox, the son of Irish immigrants and a proud member of the Society.

The gala takes place at the UMass Boston Club, One Beacon Street in downtown Boston.

Visit IrishBoston.org for additional information.