We were so looking for to celebrating 250th Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day Parade honoring Grand Marshall, Michael Bradley and marching with our friends at the Irish American Business Chamber and Network. However, we support the brave decision made to cancel this year’s activities in the best interest of public safety. No doubt the 2021 St. Patrick's Day Parade will be the best yet!
As safety is always our highest concern for our clients, we have cancelled all of our upcoming events including our Annual St. Patrick's Day lunch with the Commodore Barry Irish Arts and Cultural Center and our weekly lunch at McGillicuddy’s, Evening Genealogy, Foroige meetings, and regular Senior Lunches. We encourage anyone with a compromised immune system or lung conditions, or those who feel unwell to avoid large social gatherings until the threat of Coronavirus has minimized. For more information on ways to protect yourself and others, please visit coronavirus.gov.
Still, looking for a way to celebrate the most Irish week of the year? We’ve included a few ideas below on how you can get into the Irish spirit without joining the crowds. Also, check our Facebook page next week for a daily posting of Irish treats. Happy Spring!
Best Wishes,
Emily Ashinhurst,
Executive Director
Brush up on your Irish-American history.
According to the United States Census Bureau, 33.1 million Americans claim Irish ancestry. There are a ton of online resources for learning about Irish culture, like Cultural Atlas, Irish Central, and more. You can also pay a visit to one of the institutions dedicated to preserving Irish culture, like the Irish American History Museum in Albany, Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago, the Irish American Museum of Washington D.C., or New York's American Irish Historical Society.
Listen to Irish poetry.
Ireland has given the world some of history's most renowned poets. You can get inspired by listening to the audio works of W.B. Yeats, Seamus Heaney, and Samuel Beckett.
Read a book by your favourite Irish Author
Not only has Ireland given the world many renowned poets but it also has some phenomenal writers. If you haven't read Bram Stoker's Dracula or Oscar Wilde's The Picture of Dorian Gray perhaps now is the time. For those who like more challenging books, there is the infamous Ulysses by James Joyce. For those that would prefer something lighter or a bit of comedy, try something by Roddy Doyle, Ross O'Carrol-Kelly or the 2019 Waterford Whispers book. Check out Bookshare here to access some titles for free.
Listen to some of your favorite Irish singers
Ireland is home to many famous singers, and a great way to pay tribute to the holiday is to dance around your house or belt out some tunes sung by your favorite Irish artists. Some singers to put on your St. Patrick's Day playlist: Hozier, Niall Horan, The Wolf Tones, The Pogues, Bono, Sinead O'Connor, and Van Morrison. Also worth noting is a brilliant up-and-coming Irish band with an unforgettable name, The Coronas!
Watch an Irish Movie
Ireland has produced some world-class entertainment on both the small and silver screen. Check out some of the classics like 'Michael Collins', 'The Quiet Man', 'Once' or 'In the Name of the Father'. You can also support contemporary Irish Film by watching 'Lift' by emerging Writer/Actor Kealan Ryan on Amazon Prime. Another option is to binge-watch Irish TV series such as 'Derry Girls', 'Love/Hate' or hilarious TV show host Graham Norton. Irish choices for the younger members of your family could include kids movies The Secret of Kells or Song of the Sea.
Learn a new Irish Recipe!
If you enjoy exploring your heritage through the culinary arts, consider ordering a copy of The Farmette Cookbook: Recipes and Adventures from My Life on an Irish Farm, which features classic Irish recipes made modern, like Irish farmer cheese soufflé. Maybe even post some of your favorite Irish recipes to our Facebook page.
