Arts, Crafts & Imports

merrimack valley, solas

Merrimack Valley Celebrates a Celtic Summer

As summer sun casts its warmth over the hills and mills of Greater Merrimack Valley, the region pulses with the spirit of Celtic heritage. From Lowell to Lexington, Concord to…

As summer sun casts its warmth over the hills and mills of Greater Merrimack Valley, the region pulses with the spirit of Celtic heritage. From Lowell to Lexington, Concord to Westford, this corner of Massachusetts is a vibrant tapestry of music, dance, and celebration. For those of Irish descent—and for anyone captivated by Celtic culture—take…

mfa exterior boston

Art and Beauty at the MFA

A visit to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston is always inspiring. Encircled by local colleges, cozy small restaurants and the stunning Back Bay Fens, a natural parkland…

A visit to the Museum of Fine Arts (MFA) in Boston is always inspiring. Encircled by local colleges, cozy small restaurants and the stunning Back Bay Fens, a natural parkland designed by Frederick Law Olmsted, the exterior setting is almost as beautiful as the museum itself! The front entrance to MFA on Huntington Avenue is…

bridgets jewelry

Irish Gift Ideas

BRIDGET’S – AN IRISH TRADITION88 West Main Street, Norton Since 1987, the mother-daughter duo of Bridget Daly and Lorraine Ryan have specialized in authentic hand-made Irish clothing such as sweaters,…

BRIDGET’S – AN IRISH TRADITION88 West Main Street, Norton Since 1987, the mother-daughter duo of Bridget Daly and Lorraine Ryan have specialized in authentic hand-made Irish clothing such as sweaters, caps and shawls, the shop also sells Celtic jewelry and imported sweets and teas from Ireland + home-made brown bread, perfect gifts for seasonal holidays…

Quality products at Bridget's

All In The Family – Bridget’s: An Irish Tradition

Thirty-five years ago, in 1987, Bridget Daly and her daughter Lorraine Ryan opened their first Irish gift shop in Plymouth, MA, aptly named Bridget’s – An Irish Tradition. Originally from Tullamore…

Thirty-five years ago, in 1987, Bridget Daly and her daughter Lorraine Ryan opened their first Irish gift shop in Plymouth, MA, aptly named Bridget’s – An Irish Tradition. Originally from Tullamore in County Offaly, the Irish mom and daughter had a good instinct that the shop would be a success and were well aware of the…

Antique photograph in black and white of Louis Saint Gaudens

Notes on Irish-American Sculptor Louis St. Gaudens, Creator of the Marble Twin Lions at Boston Public Library

Portrait of Louis St. Gaudens,  photo courtesy of Saint Gaudens National Historical Park  Louis St. Gaudens (1854-1913), whose iconic sculptures grace the American landscape today, was born in New York City…

Portrait of Louis St. Gaudens,  photo courtesy of Saint Gaudens National Historical Park  Louis St. Gaudens (1854-1913), whose iconic sculptures grace the American landscape today, was born in New York City on January 8, 1854. He was the son of Bernard Saint-Gaudens from France and Mary McGuinness from Ireland, and the brother and protégé of his…

Quincy Gift Shop

Irish Christmas Gifts in Massachusetts

Quincy Welcome Center Shop 1259 Hancock Street, Quincy The newly renovated Welcome Center next to Hancock Adams Common offers a variety of cool Quincy-themed merchandise, from sweatshirts, hoodies, tee-shirts, hats…

Quincy Welcome Center Shop 1259 Hancock Street, Quincy The newly renovated Welcome Center next to Hancock Adams Common offers a variety of cool Quincy-themed merchandise, from sweatshirts, hoodies, tee-shirts, hats and tote bags to coffee mugs, sunglasses, magnets and key chains. You can also pick up free maps, brochures and tour information from friendly tourism…

Architecture and Sculpture at the Boston Public Library

The Boston Public Library (BPL), founded in 1848 and acclaimed as the People’s Palace, has an incredible collection of books, videos, music, genealogy resources and educational materials available to the public. The…

The Boston Public Library (BPL), founded in 1848 and acclaimed as the People’s Palace, has an incredible collection of books, videos, music, genealogy resources and educational materials available to the public. The BPL also has a celebrated collection of art and sculpture throughout the library that inspires library staff, visitors and residents every day. The McKim Building itself is…

Irish holidings MA State House

Irish Art, Statues and Rare Artifacts at the Massachusetts State House, along Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail

The Massachusetts State House has a number of beautiful and rare works of art and artifacts relating to the Irish-American experience, and is a featured stop along Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail….

The Massachusetts State House has a number of beautiful and rare works of art and artifacts relating to the Irish-American experience, and is a featured stop along Boston’s Irish Heritage Trail.   The incredible collection of art and artifacts is maintained and curated by the State House Art Commission. Here is just a selection of items worth…

18th Century Painter John S. Copley Born in Boston to Irish Immigrant Parents, Born on July 3, 1738

America’s first great portrait artist, John Singleton Copley (1737-1815) was born in Boston on July 3, 1738. He was the son of Irish immigrants who emigrated to Boston in the…

America’s first great portrait artist, John Singleton Copley (1737-1815) was born in Boston on July 3, 1738. He was the son of Irish immigrants who emigrated to Boston in the 1730s. John’s parents, Richard Copley and Mary Singleton from County Clare, were married in County Limerick before emigrating to Boston. Right after their son John…

Kevin O'Connor

Kevin O’Connor – Unexpected Host of This Old House

It began with stubborn, old wallpaper. That’s what set Kevin O’Connor on a short road from fan to host of WGBH’s This Old House, the long-running home-improvement TV series that is…

It began with stubborn, old wallpaper. That’s what set Kevin O’Connor on a short road from fan to host of WGBH’s This Old House, the long-running home-improvement TV series that is one of Boston’s most beloved cultural exports. In 2002, O’Connor and his wife, Kathleen, bought their first house, an 1894 Queen Anne Victorian north of…

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