St Patricks Day is coming up quickly, on March 17. Have you made any plans yet? If you call New York City home — or you’re planning to visit during the holiday — here are some fun ideas for taking part in the holiday festivities.
Image Source: Flickr/Hugh Nelson
Catch Celtic Appalachia at Symphony Space
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day early! On March 14, Celtic Appalachia is playing two shows at Symphony Space. This evening of foot-stompin’ revelry will feature more than 15 world musicians, singers, and dancers genre-jumping through the jigs, reels, and harmonies of Ireland, America, and West Africa.
Tour Irish New York
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day weekend with a walking tour around the former “Little Ireland” district on the Lower East Side. Learn about the important contributions of Irish immigrants to the history of New York on this family-friendly tour. Tours take place on March 14 and 15.
Visit the Irish Arts Center
Enjoy a free day of Irish arts and culture: The Irish Arts Center is hosting its Annual St. Patrick’s Open Day on Sunday, March 15, from noon to 4 p.m. Learn how to play the tin whistle, take an art workshop, try football with the Manhattan Gaels, and enjoy a cup of tea. Bring the kids for this all-ages Irish extravaganza.
Image Source: Flickr/Diana Robinson
Watch the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade
A tradition for over 250 years, the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an experience not to be missed. Every year, roughly two million onlookers flock to Fifth Avenue to see bagpipes, marching bands, and the rest of parade’s thousands of performers. The parade begins at 11 a.m. at 44th Street and marches up Fifth Avenue, past St. Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th Street, to 79th Street. It finishes at the American Irish Historical Society at East 80th Street.
Want to avoid the crowds? Watch the entire parade on WNBC Channel 4.
Eat Your Fill of Corned Beef
If you’re in search of corned beef, stop by Katz’s Deli (205 E. Houston Street) for a sandwich overflowing with corned beef. They recommend pacing yourself … if you want to finish, that is! Looking for the full corned beef and cabbage meal? Drop in to the Landmark Tavern (626 11th Avenue), where they serve up this popular specialty year-round.
Image Source: Flickr/Vincent Desjardins
Visit an Irish Pub
What would St Patricks Day be without a visit to an Irish pub? Luckily, New York is full of pubs, both authentic and not-so-authentic, so you’ll have no trouble finding a place to grab a Guinness and a bite to eat. Here are a few choice Irish watering holes to check out:
- Make a visit to McSorley’s Ale House (15 East 7th Street), one of the oldest bars in New York, where your choice is simple: light or dark beer.
- Heading out after work in the Financial District? Stop in at The Dead Rabbit Grocery and Grog (30 Water Street), where you can sample punch, whiskey, and cocktails, along with a delicious menu.
- Spending the day on the Upper East Side? Plan a trip to Molly’s (287 3rd Avenue). The low ceilings, dark walls, sawdust floors, and wood-burning fireplace will transport you straight to Ireland.
Enjoy Irish Entertainment at Sober St. Patrick’s Day
Want to escape the drunken crowds instead? Head to Sober St. Patrick’s Day for an evening or food, music, and entertainment. Featuring performances from the likes of the Donny Golden School’s Irish step dancers and Malachy McCourt, it’s sure to be a fun night for the whole family!
Main Image Source: Flickr/Diana Robinson
[cf]skyword_tracking_tag[/cf]
