Baltimore’s biggest wave of Irish settlers came in the mid-19th century and their presence can still be felt today. Social clubs, music and dance lessons, and museums make it possible to celebrate the resilient Irish spirit all year long. And this is also the only US city where legendary Irish beer Guinness is brewed. Taste the iconic Guinness Stout and assorted experimental beers made at Guinness Open Gate Brewery. And, of course, St. Patrick’s Day offers plenty of opportunities to unleash your Irish pride. Choose from a parade, two 5K races, and a bar crawl. Slainte!
A tradition for more than 60 years, Baltimore’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade attracts thousands eager to celebrate Irish culture with music, dance, and merriment. The parade starts in the afternoon near the Washington Monument in Mount Vernon and makes its way downtown before traversing the city’s main thoroughfare, Pratt Street. Expect bagpipes, festive floats, and lots of green, white, and orange flags throughout the day on March 13.
Taking place the same day as the parade, the Under Armour Kelly Benefits Shamrock 5K attracts Baltimore’s athletic revelers who sport green as they race through the city. It also starts in Mount Vernon and ends downtown, but not before making a loop through the city’s Federal Hill neighborhood. Arrive early to secure the best parking spot.
Why go to one bar when you can go to many? The downtown entertainment district Power Plant Live’s Shamrocks & Shenanigans March 12 event will feature a concert and access to all of its nightclubs and bars, which include Angel’s Rock Bar, Mosaic, and Leinie Lodge & Beer Garden. Lucky partiers receive one free beverage and drink specials.
Baltimore’s commitment to fun and fitness is so strong that it features not one but two St. Patrick’s Day races. And since they’re held on different days, runners can take part in both. The Baltimore Road Runners Club is hosting the 4th St. Patrick’s Day 5K race on March 18 in Patterson Park — a neighborhood so steeped in Irish history that it’s home to an area dubbed Little Dublin. Don your green workout clothes and finish the race with some beer.
Spend a weekend soaking up Irish music and dance at an Irish Arts Festival April 8-10. The schedule includes several performances by leading musicians as well as workshops where you can learn to play the flute or the steps of traditional Irish dance. The highlight is a Saturday evening concert at the Creative Alliance featuring top performers of Irish music and dance.
Baltimore’s Emerald Isle Club has been hosting dances, book clubs, live music, and other events celebrating Irish culture since 1956. Become a member to participate in these year-round activities and receive a newsletter that highlights local Irish news.
Imagine toasting St. Patrick’s Day in the fall. That’s exactly what you’ll experience at the Maryland Irish Festival, held in November at the Maryland State Fairgrounds in Timonium. Rock out to Irish bands and enjoy the melodious sounds of harps and bagpipes at the three-day event. And if that’s not enough entertainment, take part in a Celtic tattoo, limerick or red hair and freckles competition.
Exhibits at this museum honor Irish immigrants who arrived in Baltimore during the 19th century and worked in the Baltimore & Ohio Railroad. It’s located in two rowhomes that once housed Irish workers and across the street from the B&O Railroad Museum, where you can pick up more historical knowledge. Check the calendar for in-person and zoom events during which you can learn Gaelic or more about Irish history.
One can easily spend the day at this Halethorpe brewery, located 20 minutes from downtown Baltimore. Take a tour to learn about the history of the iconic Irish beer brand, grab some Maryland-Irish merch, and sit down for a meal and some Guinness in the taproom. Check the calendar for an array of food and drink events, including St. Patrick’s Day beer celebrations.
Baltimore area firemen of Irish heritage formed a group that supports Irish culture in 1985 and hosts events that are open to the community. In March, the firemen are holding their annual bull and oyster roast featuring steamed shrimp, a taco bar, and plenty of beer.
The Baltimore-Washington Academy of Irish Culture brings high-level instructors to teach children and teens how to play Irish tunes on musical instruments. The school also hosts workshops on Irish language and dance.
The Timonium pub feels like a traditional Irish watering hole straight from Dublin with its dark wood-rich interior full of historic detail. The bar hosts live bands belting out Irish tunes so check the schedule before heading out.
Stained glass and intricately carved wood give this Inner Harbor restaurant an authentic Irish feel. Stop for a bite or rent out the dining room or whisky bar to add a dash of Gaelic spirit to your next party or event. Or rent the patio to give your guests a prime view of the waterfront.
Delia Foley’s award-winning smoked wings come in 40 varieties, including several that pack the heat. You also can’t go wrong with the Guinness-battered fish tacos. Stop in to watch a Baltimore Ravens game or test your skills with a trivia or bingo game.
Kent House Irish Pub features exposed brick and wood booths for a cozy atmosphere, especially during the colder months when the fireplace is lit. Shepherd’s pie, fish and chips, and Guinness and beef stew are among the traditional Irish fare you’ll find here.
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