Boston Irish Tourism Issues Summer 2026 Travel & Culture Magazine

By Irish Boston Tourism Newsroom

May 29, 2026 – The Boston Irish Tourism Association (BITA) today released its 2026 summer issue of Travel & Culture magazine, highlighting hundreds of Irish cultural activities in greater Boston and New England, as well as travel tips for visiting the island of Ireland this summer and fall. Read the digital version.

“There’s an undeniable Celtic spirit in New England that is vibrant and welcoming, with dozens of outdoor festivals and indoor concerts, Gaelic athletic games, cultural and community events plus history and heritage trails in Boston and the South Shore,” says Michael Quinlin of the Boston Irish Tourism Association (BITA).  “For tourists traveling abroad, the island of Ireland has an exciting new campaign called Ireland Unrushed, which urges visitors to take it slow and to enjoy the magic around every corner.”

Some New England highlights include the Glasgow Lands Scottish Festival this July in Northampton, the Irish Festival in Lowell and Celtic Festival in Rockport, both in September, followed by the annual Boston Irish Beer Fest in October.  Spectacle Live is bringing to the area three iconic bands – Gaelic Storm, The High Kings and Celtic Thunder. 

With World Cup soccer, America 250 and Sail Boston activities in full swing this summer, regional tourism councils are inviting international visitors to enjoy additional offerings.  Meet Boston is promoting live concerts at Fenway Park, live Shakespeare performances on Boston Common, and Dine Out Boston culinary specials, while See Plymouth offers outdoor festivals, history excursions at Plymouth Rock and the Mayflower II, plus details on the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail.  

The John F. Kennedy Museum in Hyannis, Cape Cod has a current exhibit called “We Remember John F. Kennedy Jr.,”  plus ongoing exhibits such as “Kennedy Summers on the Cape,” and a new “Kennedy Family Tree” wall that traces the family lines back to Ireland.

Read about the Mass Convention Center Authority’s full summer of fun at its Lawn on D facility in Seaport South Boston, and a handy ferry that lets commuters and visitors get across Boston Harbor with ease.  Boston Logan International Airport is welcoming international soccer fans to Boston this summer, while also expanding service to even more destinations across the world.

The island of Ireland is gearing up for another unforgettable summer with America 250 celebrations throughout the island, and the Fleadh Cheoil music festival in Belfast in August, considered the largest Irish music gathering in the world.  And group tour operators Brack Tours, Cara Group Travel and Kelturas Vacations offer splendid travel packages in the coming months.  

The Summer Travel & Culture issue features profiles on Roisin Lee, Irish speaker, women’s footballer and immigrant advocate; State Senator Nick Collins of South Boston; the late Harry French, a musical mainstay on Cape Cod for decades, and a story on Irish immigrant sculptor Martin Milmore.  This issue has a gift shop page detailing authentic Irish import stores plus local gifts from Quincy to Cape Cod and beyond.

The 40 page magazine is available free at tourism outlets, cultural centers, government offices, museums, retail shops and Irish venues in New England.

Included in this issue of Travel & Culture is a walking map of the Boston Irish Heritage Trail, plus details on the South Shore Irish Heritage Trail.

About BITA

Boston Irish Tourism Association celebrates it 26th anniversary in 2026 as a unique cultural tourism organization. BITA was formed in 2000 to connect Massachusetts’ largest ethnic group with the state’s tourism industry, and to strengthen travel ties with the island of Ireland.  The group publishes three annual issues of Travel & Culture each March, June and November and has a brand new web site, irishboston.org. It is expanding its Irish Heritage Trail in downtown Boston and its neighborhoods, and eventually across Massachusetts.  See Partners page for complete list of partners. 

Press Details:

EDITORS: photos, interviews and additional information are available upon request. Contact Michael Quinlin at irishmassachusetts@comcast.net