Shamrockin’ Destinations for St. Patrick’s Day in New England

From green beer to the booming chorus of bagpipes, St. Patrick’s Day in New England yields some of the most spirited celebrations of the year. We're jam-packed with Irish heritage, so every state offers not only outstanding parades — but historic charm that makes for an authentic, unbeatable St. Patrick’s Day experience.

Massachusetts

At 22%, no U.S. state has a greater proportion of folks hailing from an Irish heritage than Massachusetts. With such a Celtic community, it’s no surprise that the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade draws in thousands of guests each year. Not to be outdone, the Cape holds its own St. Patty’s celebration earlier in the month. Foodies can get into the Irish spirit with Guinness-braised short ribs at Bayzo’s Pub at Ocean Edge Resort in Brewster.

New Hampshire

If you go to the Granite State to channel the luck of the Irish, you won’t be disappointed. Take a trip to Manchester and dig in to an authentic Irish breakfast at Wild Rover’s Pub before catching the floats, bands, and mini-cars at the state’s biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade. If you’re looking to break a sweat, head up to Lebanon for the Shamrock Shuffle 5K.

Vermont

Throwing on some green up in the Green Mountains? Take a trip to the Burlington Irish Heritage Festival for a musical celebration of all things Ireland. On the southern end of the state, let loose at the high-energy Bud Light Shamrock Weekend at Mount Snow, or enjoy some corn beef and Irish music at the Equinox Golf Resort & Spa in Manchester, VT.

Maine

Why just watch those glistening tides when you can dive in? Take a chilly dip for charity at the Paddy’s Day Plunge in Portland. Stick around to watch the parading pipe bands on Main Street and enjoy some maple goodness at the Annual Maple Syrup Festival and Irish Celebration. The city of Belfast (the one in the Pine Tree State, not the Emerald Isle) holds a spirited festival each year to celebrate its Irish roots. After a parade of bellows and green flags, sit down for a buffet of corned beef and cabbage during your stay at the Belfast Breeze Inn.

Rhode Island

Much like a leprechaun, the Ocean State is small and chock-full of St. Patty’s spirit. Festive parades in Providence and Newport celebrate the best of brew, bagpipes, and green garb. Feel like conquering a race? Follow the end of the rainbow to any of three 5K events throughout the month of March.

Connecticut

Mystic puts on a colossal St. Patrick’s Day celebration: over 2,000 participants, classic antique cars, a 5K road race, and an after-party full of food and brew. More than 30,000 spectators stop by each year — if you’re staying at the Whaler’s Inn, you can watch the St. Patty’s action unfold from the comfort of your bedroom. Exuberant festivities and Ireland-centric inhabitants in New England make it easy to go green. To complete your happy-go-lucky getaway, rest your head at one of our inns or hotels — we’ll be your resident experts on the most-spirited spots to celebrate St. Patty’s Day in New England.

You might also like ...