By Lannan M. O’Brien
In Irish, craic is a term used to describe fun, entertainment, and an overall good time. The phrase, “What’s the craic?” is commonly used among friends to find out what’s happening (although it can also simply mean, “What’s up?”). If you’re looking to celebrate your Irish heritage in March, there’s plenty of craic to be had around New England. Here are six activities we recommend to honor St. Paddy’s Day in every state.
Welcome spring with the Lucky Leprechaun Hike
Westerly, Rhode Island
Step outside this St. Patrick’s Day and explore the wooded trails of Riverwood Preserve. Led by The Westerly Land Trust, this 3.4-mile hike is a fun way to enjoy nature and welcome spring while celebrating the holiday. Get in the spirit by wearing your green and sharing Irish-themed beverages and snacks along the way. May the road rise to meet you on your journey!
Friday, March 17, 4:30-6:30 PM
Riverwood Preserve, Westerly, RI (park on Old Hopkinton Road and walk to the trails together)
Free for members; $10 for non-members
Info & registration
Enjoy ‘A Taste of Ireland’
Brewster, Massachusetts
A popular summer destination, the Cape’s Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club is giving guests plenty of reasons to visit this March. All month long, the beachside venue is hosting a schedule of events celebrating Irish culture. Activities include Irish whiskey tastings — or Whiskey Tasting Wednesdays — step dancing performances by the Kanaley School of Irish Dance, Irish mixology and pint-pouring classes, Irish film nights, Pot O’ Gold Plant Workshops, and the celebration’s namesake: a themed menu by Executive Chef Phil Flath at the resort’s Bayzo’s Pub, which truly offers a “taste” of Ireland.
Throughout March
Ocean Edge Resort & Golf Club, Brewster, MA
Prices vary per event; some reservations required
Info & events calendar
Plus ~ The bartending staff at Ocean Edge shares one of their inventive Irish-themed cocktails with us:
The Roscommon Irish Maid
Ingredients:
2 oz. Irish Whiskey
1 oz. St-Germain
1 oz. Lemon Juice
1 oz. Simple Syrup
3 Cucumber Slices
1 Sprig of Mint
Directions:
- Muddle two of the cucumber slices in a shaker to release the fresh juices.
- Add your choice of Irish whiskey, St-Germain Elderflower Liqueur, lemon juice, and simple syrup into a shaker with ice. Shake well until chilled.
- Strain into a chilled glass.
- Garnish your cocktail with the third cucumber slice and a sprig of mint, and enjoy.
Grab a pint at The Rambling Inn
West Hartford, Connecticut
Everyone knows that the best place to spend St. Paddy’s Day is at a pub. If you’re in the area of West Hartford on March 17, the luck o’ the Irish is on your side: The Rambling Inn, an authentic Irish pub inside what was once a fifth wheel RV trailer, will be parked at GastroPark for the holiday. The mobile pub includes a full bar, with thematic offerings like Guinness and Irish coffee. Stop in for a pint and raise a glass in honor of St. Patrick — and don’t forget to wish “Slainté” to your neighbor.
Friday, March 17, 12-8 PM
GastroPark, 637 New Park Ave., West Hartford, CT
Event info
Stomp your feet to the Jordan TW Trio
Claremont, New Hampshire
There’s nothing like foot-stomping Celtic music to get you in the spirit, and the Jordan TW Trio delivers exactly that. Fiddler and singer Jordan Tirrell-Wysocki, guitarist Matthew Jensen and bassist Chris Noyes are known for their unforgettable renditions of traditional Irish music, performed with their own unique signature. It’s worth noting that Tirrell-Wysocki was named Master Artist by the New Hampshire State Council on the Arts in 2013 and Best Fiddler 2016 by New Hampshire Magazine, composing the Emmy-nominated theme music for WMUR’s New Hampshire Chronicle.
Saturday, March 18, 8 PM
Claremont Opera House, 58 Opera House Sq., Claremont, NH
$24-26
Info & tickets
Get moving at the Shiver Me Shamrocks 5k
Rutland, Vermont
Put on your running shoes with your green and head over to the Shiver Me Shamrocks 5k Run/Walk the week before the holiday. Registered participants receive a drink ticket that can be used for a free beverage at the after party at Hop n’ Moose pub. Before the main event, kids are invited to join a free Leprechaun Leap Fun Run on Center Street. Proceeds from the day benefit Come Alive Outside, a nonprofit that connects people with the health and wellness benefits of outdoor recreation in their communities.
Saturday, March 11, 1 PM
Heritage Family Credit Union, 50 West St., Rutland, VT
$40
Info & registration
Explore the Maine Irish Heritage Trail
Portland and South Portland, Maine
Scattered throughout Portland and South Portland, Maine, are stories of Irish immigrants that traveled here. You’ll find them in the form of historic homes and churches, schools, cemeteries, statues, and even a beloved local pub. Each of these landmarks is a point of interest on the Maine Irish Heritage Trail, a self-guided tour of the area’s Irish-American history that can be enjoyed on March 17 or any time of year. Find the trail map online and go at your own pace while enjoying the sights — you might just learn a thing or two.
