The Irish in Boston, MA

Boston has one of the richest Irish legacies in America, with waves of immigrants arriving in the 19th century and shaping the city’s politics, culture, and neighborhoods. Today, the Irish Cultural Centre in Canton serves as a hub for music, language, and community events. Beloved pubs like The Black Rose on the waterfront keep the spirit alive with traditional fare and live music. Each March, the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade draws crowds from across the country, cementing Boston’s place at the heart of Irish America.

Irish Events in Boston, MA

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Latest Events this week

March 13
St. Patrick’s Day Celebration – Chicago
Join Partnership friends, Chicago-area business, political, and community leaders, as we celebrate the most Irish of holidays, St. Patrick’s Day! We celebrate the deep bond between Ireland and the United States—a connection rooted in history and strengthened by a shared vision for a brighter future. This enduring partnership continues to enrich lives on both sides of the Atlantic. We are especially delighted to celebrate the Partnership’s first Chicago event of 2026 – marking our 40th anniversary year. For forty years, our community has come together to invest in education, opportunity, and hope for young people, and we are deeply grateful for your support as we commemorate this milestone year. The Irish American Partnership is honored to welcome Ireland’s Minister for Housing, Local Government and Heritage, James Browne, TD as our keynote speaker. Minister Browne previously served as Minister of State with the Department of Justice, with responsibility for International Law, Law Reform, and Youth Justice. He was first elected to Dáil Éireann in 2016 as a representative of Wexford. He has served as the Fianna Fáil Spokesperson on Mental Health, leading initiatives to reform mental health services in Ireland. This year’s guest speaker is NFL kicker for the New Orleans Saints, Charlie Smyth. A former standout in Gaelic football, Charlie successfully transitioned to American football, bringing athleticism and composure to the professional stage. Charlie has trained extensively with Leader Kicking, an organization that creates and supports a pathway for young Irish athletes to access a United States college education
weekly
Friday
8:00 AM
March 15
South Boston St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026
The South Boston St. Patrick’s Day/Evacuation Day Parade is one of the largest Irish celebrations in the United States. Held annually in South Boston (“Southie”), the parade celebrates both Irish heritage and Evacuation Day, commemorating the British evacuation of Boston in 1776. The event features marching bands, Irish cultural groups, military units, and community organizations, drawing hundreds of thousands of spectators for a lively day of tradition, music, and Irish pride.
Sunday
11:30 AM

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Irish Pubs in Boston, MA

Biddy Early's

141 Pearl Street

THE BEST DAMN DIVE BAR IN BOSTON All roads lead to Biddy’s...

Broadside Tavern

99 Broad St

Pull up a stool at Broadside Tavern, where Boston meets the best of Irish banter! With pints flowing, sports showing, and the warm buzz of craic in the air, it's the perfect spot to gather your clan, cheer on your team, or just soak in the good vibes - Irish style.

Emmet's Irish Pub

6 Beacon St

Step into Emmet’s Irish Pub in Beacon Hill and you’ll swear you’ve crossed the Atlantic. With a pint of Guinness in hand, a plate of shepherd’s pie on the table, and the hum of lively conversation all around, it’s Boston’s own corner of Ireland - where the craic is mighty and the welcome’s even warmer.

Emmets Pub & Restaurant

Irish Village

224 Market St

A neighborhood staple, the Irish Village has been a Brighton landmark since the early 1970’s. Originally owned by Peter Lee, a Galway native new to America, the Irish Village offered other Irish immigrants a taste of home. The warm and welcoming atmosphere quickly drew in others of non-Irish descent, turning the Irish Village into a neighborhood pub in the truest sense.

Ned Devine's Irish Pub

1 Commercial St

Ned Devine's Irish Pub in Boston's historic Faneuil Hall is where Irish charm meets New England flair. By day, it's a cozy spot to savor award-winning clam chowder and hearty pub fare. By night, it transforms into a lively venue with live music and dancing. Whether you're catching a game or enjoying a night out, Ned Devine's offers a warm welcome and a pint of cheer.

Sullivan’s Public House

85 Main St

Sullivan’s Public House in Charlestown is where Irish soul meets Boston charm. Tucked into the historic gaslight district, this neighborhood spot blends old world warmth with modern flair. Grab a pint, dig into some Irish eats or even try their Town Taqueria twist - it’s all good craic and great company.

Sweeney'd On Boylston

710 Boylston St

Sweeney’s on Boylston is where Back Bay gets its Irish swagger. Tucked inside the Lenox Hotel, it’s got Guinness flowing, stew that warms your soul, and just the right dose of cheek. Whether you’re popping in for a pint, a match, or the craic - Sweeney’s has your back, lad.

The Black Rose

160 State St

The Black Rose is Boston’s OG Irish pub, slinging pints and playing tunes since 1976. Right in the heart of Faneuil Hall, it’s where the Guinness is cold, the music’s live every night, and the vibes are pure Irish magic. Come for the shepherd’s pie, stay for the singalong.

The Dubliner

2 Center Plz

The Dubliner is downtown Boston’s slice of modern Ireland - think Michelin-level grub, trad tunes midweek, and Guinness poured like a prayer. Right across from City Hall, it’s where you come to feast, sing, sip whiskey, and feel a wee bit closer to home.

Irish Organizations in Boston, MA

Éire Society of Boston

Founded in 1937, the Éire Society of Boston promotes Irish culture, arts, language, and history. Open to all, it's a non-political, non-sectarian group that honors contributions by Irish and Irish-Americans through events, lectures, and its prestigious Gold Medal Award.

South Boston Parade

The Irish American Partnership

15 Broad St suite 210

The Irish American Partnership empowers Ireland's youth and communities through targeted investments in education, arts, and cultural heritage, fostering peace and prosperity while strengthening global Irish connections.

The Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston

200 New Boston Drive

The Irish Cultural Centre in Canton, MA is a 61-acre hub for all things Irish, built with love by the local Irish and Irish American community. Since 1989, it’s been bringing people together to celebrate Irish culture—think live music, dance, sports, great food and pints, and classes for everything from language to history. Backed in part by the Irish government, it's one of the biggest Irish centers in the U.S., open year-round and welcoming to anyone who wants a proper taste of Ireland.

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