Discover an emerald gem on your doorstep to celebrate St Patrick’s Day in the US
St Patrick’s Day is firmly marked on the calendars of many people across the US and the world. To support travelers on their quest to find the perfect spot to enjoy their very own St Patrick’s Day festivities, when it’s safe to do so, leading digital travel platform Booking.com has hand-picked five destinations across the US, where Americans can celebrate and discover their own slice of Ireland without having to leave home soil.
Boston, Massachusetts
For the last 150+ years the sons and daughters of Irish immigrants have interwoven their Irish culture, history, and heritage in Boston. Now home to one of the largest populations of Irish descendants in America, it is hard to picture Boston without a Celtic twist. Just by wandering around the streets, travelers will discover memorials, monuments, and other reminders of the Irish influence. Even the city’s high-flying basketball team is aptly named the Boston Celtics and features an Irish leprechaun in its logo.
Where to stay: Ideally set in the Back Bay district which is located in the heart of Boston, is No.284, an inviting guest house that features elegant interiors and spacious bedrooms. Once outside, the property is just steps away from some of the city’s finest and authentic Irish taverns.
Dublin, Ohio
Irish by name and Irish by nature, the Emerald Isle’s capital’s namesake is a great destination for those looking to find a taste of Ireland closer to home. This midwestern town embraces its Irish heritage, from the small, with its green hydrants, to the big, as it is home to the largest 3-day Irish festival in the world, which usually takes place in August. And even when the festival isn’t taking place, this destination is still an emerald gem the other 362 days of the year, with its quaint old town streets lined with tearooms, Irish pubs and souvenir shops adjacent to the Scioto River.
Where to stay: The Marriott Columbus Northwest is just a short drive from Coffman Park, making it the ideal base to visit the Irish festivities and explore Dublin itself. Just on the outskirts of Dublin, this hotel offers modern and sleek accommodation, with great facilities on site, including a fitness center, lap pool and restaurant.
Kansas City, Missouri
Kansas City really is a green gem of a destination. From its thriving jazz scene to its more than 200 eye catching fountains and its metropolitan foodie scene, Kansas City offers enriching cultural experiences for residents and travelers alike. In terms of seeking out an Irish experience, visitors will be spoiled for choice, with shops that sell bespoke goods bursting with Irish pride, as well as plenty of Irish pubs, to clinch their thirst after a day of exploring. In fact, nestled away on Country Club Plaza is the O'Dowd's Little Dublin, which is so authentic it has been recognized as one of the top 10 Irish pubs in America.
Where to stay: Just a stone’s throw away from Country Club Plaza is The Fontaine, a luxurious hotel that provides guests with a peaceful oasis, thanks to its relaxing outdoor pool area, away from the hustle and bustle of Kansas City’s shopping district.
Galena, Illinois
Galena, a sleepy town in Illinois that boasts beautifully preserved 19th-century buildings, is the home of the Irish Cottage Inn. As soon as guests walk through its distinctively Irish looking doors, they will feel like they have been transported to a different time and land. The characterful interiors, artwork throughout the hotel that captures the stunning Irish landscapes and the Celtic nuances will make anyone who has visited Ireland before feel nostalgic. Outside of the hotel, the rolling hills that surround Galena have been cited as being reminiscent of the Irish countryside.
Where to stay: If you’re visiting Galena, you will be very tempted to stay at the Irish Cottage Inn & Suites, where guests will think they have woken up on Irish soil thanks to the Gaelic inspired interiors. To satisfy those cravings for home-cooked Irish cuisine, head to the hotel’s restaurant and pub Frank O’Dowd’s, which is serving up a traditional menu and, on the weekends, guests are treated to live music.
Albany, New York
Just north of New York City is Albany, the state’s capital, which boasts strong Irish roots. Known for its rich history and culture, Albany is home to the Irish American Heritage Museum, which aims to “preserve and tell the story of the contributions of the Irish people and their culture in America”. Once visitors have quenched their history-thirst at the museum, there are a plethora of other sights waiting to be explored, such as Washington Park, Empire State Plaza and Pearl Street Pub.
Where to stay: Those searching for a luxurious stay in Albany should look no further than the Renaissance Albany Hotel. The beautifully designed hotel is perfectly located close to Albany City Hall and The Egg Center for the Performing Arts, making it the perfect starting point for those looking to explore the city and all it has to offer.