By Jacquelin Carnegie –
(New York, NY)
Every March, it’s time to
dig out that bright green sweater and brace yourself for gallons of green beer,
rowdy teenagers, and lousy weather--it's Saint Paddy’s Day in New York! But, Irish
culture is so rich and varied, it should be celebrated for more than just one
day! Here are some great ways to do so all year long in New York:
Come for The Craic
Irish Arts Center
 |
| Celtic AppalachianCelebration II
(photo: Brandilyn Davidson
& Erin Baiano)
|
726 11th Ave (btw 51-52 St), Tel: 212/757-3318; www.irishartscenter.org
The IAC is a
treasure-trove of Irish cultural activities. Throughout the year, attend
concerts, dance performances, plays, films, lectures or readings, and be sure to enjoy “the craic” (great
conversation). If you’re bitten by the Irish bug, the IAC also offers classes
for children and adults in Irish music, dance, language, and history. Great annual events include: St. Patrick's Day Open House (Free): Celebrate Irish music & dance with performances and
craft workshops for the whole family. Book Day:
Snag a free book by a great Irish or
Irish-American author.
Discover Irish Playwrights
 |
| Donnybrook! (photo: Carol Rosegg) |
132 West 22nd St; Tel: 212/727-2737;
www.irishrep.org
The Irish Rep features plays and musicals by well-known and emerging Irish
and Irish-American playwrights.
Get Some Culture
American Irish Historical Society
991 Fifth Ave., at 80th St.; Tel: 212/288-2263,
www.aihs.org (Currently closed during a reorganization.)
Founded in 1897, the AIHS
celebrates the Irish-American experience with a focus on contemporary Irish
culture. Events range from talks to art exhibits to readings and concerts on
the harp, piano, penny whistle, and bodhrán. All take place in AIHS’ magnificent Beaux-Arts townhouse.
Thrill to the Music
Thrill to the Music
In New York, there are
Irish musicians playing everything from traditional, to rock to pop. No matter
what your taste, there’s a band for you.
Paddy Reilly's Music Bar (519 2nd Ave., at 29th St.; Tel: 212/686-1210; www.paddyreillysmusicbar.us): In NYC, there’s an Irish pub on almost every corner, but this is one of the best with great Irish music; Black 47 got their start here.
Old Favorites: For 25 years, Black 47 was “Rockin’ The Bronx,” giving voice to the joy and the sorrow of all the Irish immigrants who’ve found a second home on Bainbridge Avenue and in other New York boroughs. Band leader Larry Kirwan
now does solo gigs with a St. Patrick's Day concert.
Paddy Reilly's Music Bar (519 2nd Ave., at 29th St.; Tel: 212/686-1210; www.paddyreillysmusicbar.us): In NYC, there’s an Irish pub on almost every corner, but this is one of the best with great Irish music; Black 47 got their start here.
Old Favorites: For 25 years, Black 47 was “Rockin’ The Bronx,” giving voice to the joy and the sorrow of all the Irish immigrants who’ve found a second home on Bainbridge Avenue and in other New York boroughs. Band leader Larry Kirwan
now does solo gigs with a St. Patrick's Day concert.
Some years, The Celtic Tenors, doing traditional songs, and The Saw Doctors, with their folk-rock vibe, roll into town.
Worship in Gaelic
The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old
Cathedral
263 Mulberry St, corner of Mott & Prince, Tel:
212-226-8075; www.oldcathedral.org
Long before people worshiped at Saint Patrick's Cathedral (1879), on Fifth Avenue and 50th St., they came here to the city's first Cathedral Church, founded in 1809. Today, Mass is given in English, Spanish, Chinese, and, on occasion, in the Irish language, Gaelic. Throughout the year, there are lovely concerts and other cultural offerings.
Saint Patrick's Day Parade
Long before people worshiped at Saint Patrick's Cathedral (1879), on Fifth Avenue and 50th St., they came here to the city's first Cathedral Church, founded in 1809. Today, Mass is given in English, Spanish, Chinese, and, on occasion, in the Irish language, Gaelic. Throughout the year, there are lovely concerts and other cultural offerings.
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| (photo: Laura_Mexico) |
The first St. Patrick's
Day Parade in New York was held in 1762, when Irish ex-patriots and Irish
soldiers marched through the city. Every year, the Parade
heads up Fifth Avenue, from 44th St to 86th St.
Did you know that there are other regions, referred to as "Celtic Nations," that share this heritage with Ireland: Brittany, France; Wales; Scotland; the Isle of Man & Cornwall.
Did you know that there are other regions, referred to as "Celtic Nations," that share this heritage with Ireland: Brittany, France; Wales; Scotland; the Isle of Man & Cornwall.
(Often, Brittany's BZH NY society invites musicians from Brittany to perform and celebrate St. Patrick's Day in New York.)
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