Porto Lúa

Porto Lua Book Cover

by David Green Boston-based writer, teacher and world traveler David Green has written a tour de force novel set in the Celtic region of Galicia during the latter half of the 20th century. Described as a coming-of-age novel, Porto Lúa introduces a country and people “living in a time before the disenchantment of the world,…

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A Selection of Irish Landmarks in Lowell, Massachusetts

St. Patrick's Church in Lowell, Massachusetts

The next time you are exploring Irish heritage sites in Massachusetts, visit these landmarks in the City of Lowell, a mill city built in the 19th century in large part by Irish immigrants. The idea to create an experimental new town of mills and factories came from Yankee industrialists and bankers, but they quickly realized…

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Perils and Prospects of a United Ireland

Perils and Prospects of a United Ireland Padraig O'Malley

Padraig O’Malley As a major voice on the topic of divided societies, from Northern Ireland to South Africa and the Middle East over the past half century, Padraig O’Malley’s latest book is a welcome addition to the literature, especially now, when the prospect of a united Ireland seems closer than it has been in the…

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Spectacle Live Shows

Gaelic Storm

Formed in 2013 in Lowell, MA, Spectacle Live has become one of New England’s premier concert promoters in less than a decade. Founder Pete Lally’s original philosophy – to match the right artist with the right venue at the right date – has proven to be a winner, and today, the company offers creative solutions…

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Irish history at the USS Constitution and
Museum in Charlestown Navy Yard

The next time you’re exploring the Irish Heritage Trail or Boston’s Freedom Trail, be sure to stop by the USS Constitution ship and the Irish Heritage Trail in the Charlestown Navy Yard.The USS Constitution is America’s oldest commissioned ship,  first launched on October 21, 1797.  It is berthed in the Charlestown Navy Yard, and operated by the US Navy, in partnership with the National Historic Parks of…

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Irish-Born Sculptor Stephen J.O’Kelly Created Myles Standish Memorial In Duxbury and Civil War Monuments in Nashua and Gettysburg

Myles Standish Monument in Duxbury, MA

Dublin-born sculptor Stephen J. O’Kelly (1850-98) was a successful artist in late 19th century United States, creating several important memorials that still stand today. Born in Dublin, he studied art in Paris and opened a studio in London before immigrating to Boston, where he lived for much of his adult life. He had Roscommon roots, and his brother,…

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The Moakley Courthouse in Seaport District Honors a True South Boston Hero

Photo courtesy of PEI Cobb Freed and Partners

Located along the Seaport District on Fan Pier and situated along Boston Harborwalk, the John Joseph Moakley United States Courthouse is a tribute to South Boston native Joe Moakley, who represented his neighborhood and district as a state representative, state senator, Boston City Councilor and U.S. Congressman for 48 years. The Moakley Courthouse is part of Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail, an…

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The Inspiring New Quincy Navy Park in Squantum Highlights Quincy’s Historic Role in National Defense While Honoring Local Navy Vets

This month, the City of Quincy dedicated the beautiful and inspiring new Quincy Navy Park along the waterfront in Marina Bay. The park honors Navy veterans while highlighting Quincy’s historical contributions to shipbuilding and the national defense. The ceremony took place on August 9, 2024. At the dedication, Quincy Mayor Thomas P. Koch praised “Quincy’s steadfast commitment to answering…

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Brand USA Appoints Fred Dixon as New President & CEO

WASHINGTON, April 3, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Brand USA, the destination marketing organization for the United States, today announced that, as part of a planned succession process, its Board of Directors has appointed Fred Dixon as the company’s new President & Chief Executive Officer, effective July 15, 2024. Dixon will succeed Christopher L. Thompson, who announced his retirement in July 2023 and held the role of Brand USA’s President…

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Landmarks in Boston’s Charlestown Neighborhood Celebrate the Irish Presence
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Milmore's Civil War Monument in Winthrop Square, Charlestown

Boston’s vibrant neighborhood of Charlestown has a rich Irish history that goes back to the American Revolution and continues today.  There are several landmarks in Charlestown that visitors can explore along the Boston Irish Heritage Trail.  Here are a few or our favorites. A Boston National Historic Park overseen by the National Park Service, the Bunker Hill Monument is…

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Ireland’s Marine National Park

Skellig Michael in Co. Kerry

Ireland has its first Marine National Park, called Páirc Náisiúnta na Mara, Ciarraí – (Marine National Park, Kerry). The announcement came on Earth Day, April 22, as ministers, environmentalists, marine experts and local tourism officials gathered to share the exciting news. The new Páirc is centered around Corca Dhuibhne in Co. Kerry and unites some…

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Group Tours to Ireland: Brack and Cara Tours in 2024

Newgrange

As always, when traveling to Ireland, we first recommend checking out ireland.com – the official tourism website for the island of Ireland. You’ll find details on where to go, where to stay, what to do and what tosee. Ireland.com has up-to-date details on events, suggestions on driving routes and ways to experience the breathtaking beauty…

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Culture: Ireland’s Popular Export

Little Spirit Cassidy Ludwig

Ireland’s greatest export has always been its people, so the saying goes, and in recent years Ireland’s cultural output – in film, music, dance and literature – has also emerged as wildly popular, particularly in the United States. Start with film, where actors like Cillian Murphy, Barry Keoghan and Kerry Condon are winning both popular…

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Cross BronxA Writing Life

Cross Bronx A Writing Life Peter Quinn Foreword by Dan Barry

Peter Quinn Foreword by Dan Barry Prolific Bronx scribe Peter Quinn synthesizes his wideranging interests into a personal, engaging narrative that begins in his beloved Bronx and takes him to the political corridors of Albany. He shares some amusing political anecdotes along the way, and movingly, talks of his often complicated relationship with his father….

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American Revolution War Hero Henry Knox, Born in Boston on July 25, 1750

Henry Knox, a  first-hand witness to American history and a hero in the American Revolution, was born in Boston on July 25, 1750, the seventh of ten children.  His parents, William Knox and Mary (née Campbell), were Ulster Scots immigrants who came to Boston from Derry in 1729, part of a large exodus of Ulster-Irish Presbyterians who…

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