Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day in Boston

If no one has told you yet, St. Patrick’s Day in Boston is pretty crazy. 

From a city that has one of the largest Irish populations in the country, you can be sure that every Irish pub, nightclub and neighborhood goes all out for the celebration of Ireland’s patron saint. 

Pools are dyed green, people chug entire cans of Guinness, and everyone gets drunk. 

And if St. Patrick’s Day falls on a Friday, your weekend will feel like a never ending party, followed by a lovely hangover on Monday morning. 

So how does one survive this mass chaos of green insanity?

Well, you can stay in-doors to avoid whole weekend shenanigans all together.

Or, you can dig through of what remains in your pot of gold and purchase yourself some bright green clothes to wear as you hit up the town.

#1: Ned Devine’s!

As soon as work ends, you get yourself over to the nearest nightclub as soon as possible. It’s known that people on St. Patrick’s Day start drinking as early as 8 AM and don’t stop until 2 AM. Lines will be formed out the door at 5 o’clock, for young partiers seeking admission into the most popular nightclubs in Boston.

And the most sought after nightclub in all of Boston on St. Patrick’s Day is Ned Devine’s.

What’s not to love about Ned’s? Ned's reputation promises the vibrant authenticity of an Irish atmosphere. With live music, and a fantastic location in the Faneuil Hall and Quincy Market area, this triple threat establishment is the hottest spot to be when the sun goes down and the party really begins. 

If St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t fall on a workday, you can possibly stay and celebrate the whole time at Ned Devine’s. It’s a restaurant by day, and an amped up party destination at night.

Filled with dim lighting from the wrought iron chandeliers to create a laid-back ambiance, the third floor of Ned Devine’s is a sociable and eclectic watering hole, for partying up St. Patrick’s Day to the fullest.

​#2: The Southie St. Patrick’s Day Parade

If you’re not too hungover, the Sunday that follows St. Patrick’s Day, is the annual Southie St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Join the large crowds as they descend onto the street of South Boston to watch the parade take place. There’s no shortage of green clothing, shamrock headbands and someone dressed up as a leprechaun. The only downside is that the Boston police have a strict public drinking policy, so watching the parade outside with your green beer may not happen. 

But it’s not all bad. 

If you really want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day properly, there’s no better place than observing the holiday in Southie. House parties will be happening before, during and after the parade. And if there’s one thing that people love after standing and watching a parade, it's getting wasted. 

#3: Irish Pubs

Nothing is better on St. Patrick’s Day Party than a bar crawling to all of the best Irish pubs in Boston. Boston’s Irish pubs are ingrained into the city’s history, inviting an authentic feel for those who enter. Just to name a few:
​
The Banshee
934 Dorchester Ave.
Boston, MA 02125

A lively sports bar, the Banshee is the official home to watching international soccer. It’s also the most reliable place in town to catch Gaelic sports like rugby and hurling. Chances are that if you’re big into European sports, your game will most likely be broadcasted on one of the Banshee's 10 flat screen TVs.

McGreevy's
911 Boylston St.
Boston, MA 02115

Boston Red Sox fans will find a lot to love in McGreevy’s. For starters, this is the Boston bar where the first Red Sox's fan club began. Now given new life by local Celtic punk rockers, The Dropkick Murphys, McGreevy's also doubles as a Boston Irish pub and a popular sports bar. Better yet, McGreevy's is America's first documented sports-themed bar and is a big hit for baseball enthusiasts. 

The Black Rose
160 State St.
Boston, MA 02109

If you're seeking an Irish pub near Faneuil Hall (that isn’t Ned Devine’s) visit this spot that’s been serving pints in Boston for the past 40 years. Traditional Irish music happens there seven days a week, and the menu manages to combine the taste of New England with Irish treats. It really is the best of both worlds.

The L Street Tavern
658 E 8th St.
Boston, MA 02127

This corner bar has dark woodwork, stained glass details, and (often crowded) community atmosphere you’d expect from a classic Boston Irish pub. This is likely why the producers of Good Will Hunting chose to film some scenes from the Oscar-winning movie. It was here at The L Street Tavern that the first glass of legal suds was poured immediately after the repeal of Prohibition in 1933. That said, the establishment was most likely selling illegal alcohol when they operated as a speakeasies back in the day.

#4: Dropkick Murphys in Boston

While Boston's famous Celtic punk rock group spends most of their time touring around the states, they always return on St. Patrick’s Day to perform around the city. 

With Beantown anthems like “I’m Shipping Up to Boston” and “Tessie”, it goes without saying that the Dropkick Murphy’s performances sell out quickly. Their performances are now a St. Patrick’s Day tradition. They’ll play six shows around the holiday: four at the House of Blues, one at Agannis Arena, and one at a secret to-be-announced location.

But if you’re a huge fan and want to catch them in concert on St. Patrick’s Day, buy your tickets months in advance. 

#5: St. Patrick’s Day Celebration at Harpoon Brewery

St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t officially start until Harpoon throws its annual St. Patrick’s Day festival. Thousands of people gather, dancing to live music, enjoying beers, and the freshly homemade soft pretzels at Boston’s largest brewery. The Harpoon St. Patrick’s Day Festival traditionally takes place a couple of weeks before March 17th. 

So dance a jig to traditional Irish music while enjoying a nice freshly brewed Harpoon beer. Cover charge includes a souvenir pint glass and two free drink tickets. 

​So everybody is a little bit Irish this time of year around Boston. Whether you are looking at going hard and drinking from Friday to Sunday, enjoying the semi-warm weather outside to watch the parade, or getting together with friends to participate in all of the city’s festivities. 

You’ll have a lot to choose from in Massachusetts.

And remember, if all else fails, you can always dye your pool green.