Boston Harbor Hotel’s Stephen Johnston is Named Hotelier of the Year

Stephen Johnston

Congratulations to Stephen Johnston, general manager and managing director of Boston Harbor Hotel, who has been honored with the esteemed Hotelier of the Year Award at the 2023 Preferred Global Conference hosted by Preferred Hotels & Resorts. The award were announced recently at the Preferred Global Conference, the annual gathering of the Preferred Hotels & Resorts network, which includes more…

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Strong Boy: The Life & Times of John L. Sullivan, America’s First Sports Hero

Strong Boy: The Life & Times of John L. Sullivan, America’s First Sports Hero

Christopher Klein Boston-born John L. Sullivan, the larger-than-life heavyweight boxer who dom­inated American sports lore in the late 19th century, had a fascinating life as a first generation Irish-American chasing the immigrant dream of success and fame. He achieved both, as author Christopher Klein recounts in this masterful, engaging biography of America’s first sports superstar….

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What We Love About Ireland

Rock of Cashel, Co. Tipperary

When it comes to proclaiming Ireland’s countless charms, there is no shortage of sources! Look to the poets and songwriters, the travel writers and bloggers, and to visitors themselves if you want to appreciate what makes Ireland such as magical place to visit, not just in summer, but all year round. For many of us,…

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Rogues and Redeemers: When Politics was King in Irish Boston

Rogues and Redeemers: When Politics was King in Irish Boston

Gerard O’Neill The veteran Boston Globe reporter traces the domination of Irish-Americans in 20th century Boston politics. O’Neill’s scope goes from John “Honey Fitz” Fitzgerald, the first Irish-American mayor elected in 1906 to Ray Flynn, Boston mayor from 1984-93.  Titans like James M. Curley, Kevin White and Bill Bulger are also covered, alongside a fascinating…

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Ireland’s Sustainable Travel Movement

Adare Gate Cottage, Co. Limerick

Sustainable travel has become an important facet of Ireland’s tourism industry, and is heartily embraced by communities, hospitality venues, small businesses, environmentalists and political leaders. It is a modern-day mindset that protects the island from short and long term damages, while offering visitors a respectful and responsible way to enjoy this precious island and leave…

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The Rising at Roxbury Crossing

The Rising at Roxbury Crossing

James Redfearn It is 1919, the year of the infamous Boston Police strike, and rookie cop Willie Dwyer is on the beat at Roxbury Crossing. Dwyer had fled Ballinasloe, Galway a decade earlier, after being caught up in Ireland’s rebellion, and here he is now upholding a civic order that is about to come crashing…

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Lights, Camera, Action-Ireland

The Banshees of Inisherin

When it comes to films and television shows, the stunning, beautiful scenery of Ireland has always been a marquee attraction, often overshadowing the actors themselves! From classic films like The Quiet Man andRyan’s Daughter to recent gems like Game of Thrones, Ireland itself is an indisputable screen idol. As National Geographic recently noted, “The Irish coast’s ancient forts, Gaelic…

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South Boston’s State Senator Nick Collins Receives the 2023 Maritime Champion Award

State Senator Nick Collins, winner of the 2023 Maritime Champion Award

Massachusetts Port Authority (Massport) today joined elected officials and community stakeholders to celebrate the start of the 2023 cruise season at Flynn Cruiseport Boston. At the event, Massport recognized State Senator Nick Collins with the 2023 Maritime Champion Award for his support and advocacy of the maritime economy in Boston and throughout the Commonwealth. “The Senator has…

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Cheffin: From Potatoes to Cavier

Cheffin: From Potatoes to Cavier

Brendan Cronin Irish Master Chef Brendan Cronin has published his first book, Cheffin: From Potatoes to Cavier.  It’s a lively, engaging story that begins on a small dairy farm and ends in the finest hotels and restaurants in the world. Cronin, who teaches hospitality management at Endicott College, attained the prestigious Swiss Culinary title of…

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Patriots Day in Massachusetts Evokes the Revolutionary War Era

The annual Patriots Day celebration held each April in Massachusetts is a cherished remembrance of local American history and heritage. It harkens back to April 19, 1775, when farmers and merchants, townspeople and volunteer soldiers in Concord, Lexington and nearby towns who banded together against encroaching British troops.    The confrontation began when British soldiers set…

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Get Inspired In Literary Ireland

Entrance to The Book of Kells at Trinity College Library, Dublin

The Irish literary traditions are ancient and well-known, from the ancient bards and storytellers to the modern giants of literature. Not surprisingly, these literary traditions are part of Ireland’s living culture today, as Ireland continues to spawn talented new generations of writers. You’ll find plenty of inspiration at these literary festivals, joining other poets, musicians, storytellers…

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The Emerald Diamond: How the Irish Transformed America’s Greatest Pastime

The Emerald Diamond: How the Irish Transformed America’s Greatest Pastime

Charley Rosen Veteran sports writer and author Charley Rosen has pulled together a light-hearted, anecdotal narrative of how Irish-American baseball players shaped the early days of baseball.  Some of the best players and most outlandish characters have local connections, like Mike King Kelly, the game’s first superstar, and Connie Mack (Cornelius McGilllicuddy), born in East…

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JFK in Ireland: Four Days that Changed a President

JFK in Ireland: Four Days that Changed a President

Ryan Tubridy Irish journalist Ryan Tubridy tells the fascinating story of President Kennedy’s famous trip to Ireland in June 1963, which transformed both the president and the Irish people.  The book is beautifully designed and printed, which is an extra bonus as a keepsake item.  It’s available at the JFK Library gift shop in Boston….

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Boston Common: 50 Acres of Irish History

Boston Common Central Burying Grounds 1756

Anywhere you travel in Boston, you’ll find evidence of deep-rooted Irish connections dating back to the 17th century. To appreciate the Irish and Irish-American contribution, we created the Irish Heritage Trail in 1994 to chronicle the illustrious history of the Boston Irish. It includes 20 downtown and Back Bay sites, and an additional 20 sites…

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The Common Irish- A Select Chronology of Irish Events on Boston Common

Boston Common sign in winter

Along the Boston Irish Heritage Trail, one of the most popular stops is Boston Common, the nation’s oldest public park, created by English Puritans in 1634 as a training ground and grazing field for cattle. The 50 acre park has been a staging ground for rallies, protests, marches, speeches, concerts, celebrations and commemorations for nearly 400 years. Here…

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Three Letters to Pine River

Three Letters to Pine River

Harold Griffin This fascinating novel, based on a true story, tells the story of 14 year old Francis Carroll, who overhears a violent confrontation between two farmers – Connors and Ferrigan – that ends in one of them being murdered with an ax.  The setting for the novel is a close-knit Canadian-Irish farming settlement north…

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Fly Delta Air Lines to Dublin in 2023

Delta Boeing 767-400

No matter when New Englanders want to travel to Ireland this year, Delta Air Lines has them covered, offering daily, nonstop service between Boston Logan International Airport and Dublin International Airport. First launched in May 2017 as a seasonal service, Delta has steadily built up a loyal following of travelers. The daily, nonstop flight on a Boeing…

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Niall Gibbons: Happy Trails

Niall Gibbons

Congratulations to Niall Gibbons, who is stepping down from his position as CEO of Tourism Ireland in March 2023, after a distinguished 21 year career that included fourteen years as chief executive officer. Under Gibbons’ leadership, Ireland has been deftly marketed and branded as a prime destination for visitors not just from the North America market…

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Spring Into Boston

Swan boats and tulips

Considered one of America’s great places to visit, Boston is steeped in riveting history and robust culture. Full of distinctive neighborhoods, college campuses and international cuisines, every step you take in Boston brings a new adventure and a thrilling discovery. The Walking City Boston’s natural beauty is enticing, especially in spring, when the city undergoes an environmental…

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The Sporting Life

Football/soccer

New England is fortunate to have a vibrant sporting scene, ranging from our professional sports teams and collegiate programs to plenty of grass roots and seasonal sports. Let’s start with the Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA), which formed in Ireland in the late 19th century to perpetuate the country’s ancient games such as hurling, camogie and…

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