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Top 5 Things to Do in Boston on St. Patrick's Day

Updated: November 15, 2023

Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, and many people in Boston are Irish every day, so there is a big St. Paddy’s Day celebration in the Hub.  If you’re not sure what to do or where to go, we’ve got you covered!  Just watch out for Leprechauns and don’t drink too much Guinness.

Things To Do in Boston on St. Patrick's Day

1. St. Patrick's Day Parade through Southie

One of Boston’s oldest St. Patrick’s Day traditions is the Parade through Southie.  That’s South Boston to you. 

2. Listen to Irish Music

There are plenty of places to enjoy Irish Music on St Patrick’s Day, and the weekend before, but one of the best is at the House of Blues, Boston’s own Irish punk band, the Dropkick Murphys take a break from their busy touring schedule every year to play before the home crowd. 

Their St. Patrick’s Day shows are always wild and a lot of fun.  Check out tickets.

3. Irish Cultural Center of New England

Take your family to the Irish Cultural Center of New England Plenty of Irish dance, music, food and more, there is something for everyone.  The Center is located at 200 New Boston Drive Canton, MA 02021,

4. Explore the Boston Irish Heritage Trail

Get your Irish history on by walking the Boston Irish Heritage Trail. It's about 3 miles, all the way through downtown and other parts of the city.  Its totally self guided, starting in the North End at the Rose Kennedy Rose Garden and ending at Fenway Park.  You can pick up a route map at the Greater Boston Convention and Visitors Bureau, which is at both the Boston Common and the Prudential Center.  We also have a list and map of the Irish Sites on the Freedom Trail.

5. Have a Pint!

And of course, there are so many Irish pubs to chose from to enjoy your celebratory pint(s) of Guinness.  Here are some of the best, oldest, and most interesting.

  • The Green Dragon - One of the oldest bars in Boston.  Supposedly Paul Revere enjoyed a few here.  11 Marshall St., downtown Boston
  • The Eire Pub – A workingman’s pub, not too far from the parade route.  396 Adams St, in Dorchester
  • James’s Gate – Named after the original Guinness factory in Dublin, this is the best place to get a Guinness in Boston, 5 McBride St, Jamaica Plain
  • The Plough and Stars – Small narrow and filled with literary types.  The magazine Ploughshares was created here.  912 Mass Ave Cambridge
  • Grafton Street – Mix traditional with modern at this Cambridge bar.  1230 Mass Ave Cambridge


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About The Author

Brian Burgess

I was born in Cambridge and have been living in the Boston area all my life. I am a graduate of Boston's Emerson College with a degree in communications with a journalism/history focus. I have been leading tours for Free Tours By Foot Boston since it was started in the city of Boston in 2012, and enjoy sharing my knowledge of Boston's rich history with not only the guests on my tours, but with everyone I meet. <a href="https://freetoursbyfoot.com/contributors/brian-burgess/" Read More...
Updated: November 15th, 2023
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