My mother loved a holiday as much as I do!
She found any excuse to dress her daughters up and send us off to school.
For St. Patrick’s Day, we had a traditional pin that I looked forward to wearing (Pictured below)
Clearly, it meant something to me as I still have it some 60 years later. I’m even betting my sisters remember wearing this pin!
Oh look, it’s my sisters and me in NYC
The phrase “Erin go bragh,” translates to, Ireland forever!
My maiden name was McMahon so it made sense we would celebrate this holiday!
If you’re looking to celebrate Irish roots, please join us in New York City!
Below are some of my favorite places that you can feel Irish in New York! Want to visit St. Patrick’s Cathedral? Did you know funding for the cathedral came from the parishioners of who were mainly poor Irish immigrants? Many claim the cathedral as being constructed not of the superfluity of wealth, but for the most part out of the offerings of poverty. It is a short 10 minute walk from our hotel and it’s one of the most gorgeous churches in the world. I had the surprise joy of actually witnessing a wedding upon one visit
Walk to the Irish Hunger Memorial. It is in lower Manhattan – a short walk from the 911 Memorial. I’ve been there several times and it is literally a little piece of Ireland – in the middle of New York City. It is landscaped with stones, soil, and native vegetation transported from the western coast of Ireland — with stones from every Irish county.
Take a trip to the lower east side Tenement Museum – a great way to immerse yourself in immigrant history of all cultures. Visit an apartment recreated from an Irish immigrant family who came during the hunger famine.
No Irish immersion trip to New York City is complete without visiting McSorley’s Old Ale House. The oldest Irish saloon in Manhattan – it was one of the last of the Men Only pubs – admitting women only after legally being forced to do so in 1970. The men’s bathrooms still have clear glass in the shared walls with the bar – just to keep it interesting! You will notice the sawdust covering the floors, Irish waiters, and bartenders. Also, they only serve light & dark beer and you must buy 2 at a time – that’s the McSorley way!
I hope you enjoyed a little touch of Ireland – The Emerald Isle in this blog post.
We would to have you join one of our trips in 2025!