St. Patrick’s Day 2012 in Southern Maine

There is a strong Irish heritage in Maine. Irish immigrants came before the Potato Famine; many from Canada, according to an article by Paula Gibbs in the “Lewiston Sun Journal” on March 14, 2011. There are many activities marking Saint Patrick’s Day. If you’re planning to make a visit to Maine over between the 10th and 19th of March, here are some ideas to whet your appetite.

Danu, a leading Irish Ensemble, hails from County Waterford and will perform Celtic music ancient and new on March 15, 2012, at 7:30 PM at The Merrill Auditorium in Portland (20 Myrtle Street, Portland PortTIX 207.842.0800 http://www.portlandovations.org).

In Portland, the Maine Irish Heritage Center offers the Maine Irish Heritage Trail – a list of places important to Irish heritage. Check out the statue of film director and Portland native John Ford at Gorham’s Corner and then have a pint at nearby Brian Boru (Brian Boru 57-59 Center Street). Boru’s also has extensive celebratory events occurring from an Irish Breakfast to Irish Dancers: BrianBoruPortland.com.

About a half-hour north of Portland on Route 295, the City of Bath celebrates Bath Blarney Days from March 10 to 17, 2012. Events such at the March Madness Sale in downtown Bath, and a fun run and 5-K sprint followed by Maine’s largest Saint Patrick’s Day Parade at 11 AM will be offered. Byrnes Irish Pub (38 Centre St, Bath – (207) 443-6776) will feature bag-pipers and a day-long celebration, and Now You’re Cooking (49 Front Street, Bath – 443-1402) has an Irish Soda Bread contest. See website above for more information.

There are several Irish-themed pubs and restaurants in Portland, Maine. They and most local restaurants and bars will be offering dinner and drink specials. Bull Feeney’s at 375 Fore Street (207.773.7210) serves steaks and Irish Fare and has extensive list of beers, scotch, and whiskey. At this time, they have a Facebook page.

Rí Rá, a chain of pubs across the East and extending to Indiana and Las Vegas, offers pubs furnished with antique pub fixtures rescued from Ireland. In Portland, Maine, they are located on the historic waterfront near the Ferry Building at 72 Commercial Street. They offer pub fare and upscale dining.

In Maine, we enjoy celebrations around Saint Patrick’s Day and throughout the year. Check out all we have to offer at VisitMaine.com.


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