6 Ways to Celebrate and Learn Irish Culture

There are many activities families can do to celebrate Irish culture in NYC this month

By Oceane Goriou March 2, 2022

We’re entering March which means that it’s Irish Heritage Month! Many Irish immigrants made this country their home centuries back and continue to do so. It’s important to recognize the history that comes from the holidays we celebrate every year. From visiting Ellis Island to exploring museums, take your family around NYC to appreciate Irish history and contribution to our nation. If you’re looking for ways to celebrate your Irish roots or just want to learn more about the culture, we’ve compiled a list of things for you to do in NYC!

Looking for some fun activities to do with your kids this St. Patrick’s Day? Check out Activities to Enjoy With Your Kids This St Patrick’s Day

Tour Ellis Island

The first immigrant to ever enter Ellis Island was Annie Moore who came overseas from Ireland. Take a ferry ride and learn about her and the millions of immigrants who came through the island between 1892 and 1954. You can also visit the Ellis Island Immigration Museum to learn more about its history and why so many immigrants decided to settle in America.

The Tenement Museum

103 Orchard St, New York, NY 10002

The Tenement Museum gives the public an opportunity to explore historically restored apartments as well as the immigrant families who lived there. One of their tours includes the apartment of Joseph and Bridget Moore who were Irish immigrants raising three children in 1869. Through this tour, you’ll be able to see how they lived as well as learn about their experiences in a mostly German neighborhood and how they maintained their Irish identity even while suffering discrimination. Tickets are $30 per person and check out their website to book a tour!

St. Patrick’s Old Cathedral

263 Mulberry St New York, NY 10012

This Cathedral was built between 1809 and 1815. There is a lot of Irish history that accompanies this cathedral as the church largely accepted and catered towards Irish immigrants who were poor and in the working class. Visit the cathedral and take a moment to appreciate the beauty of the structure and the history that it encompasses inside its walls!

Little Ireland in Woodlawn

4329-4311 Katonah Ave, Bronx, NY 10470

Visit Little Ireland in the northern Bronx to get a little taste of Ireland! Woodlawn has become predominantly Irish and the inhabitants have brought a tiny bit of their home and culture to the neighborhood. Take your family and friends to Little Ireland where they have Irish cafés and restaurants for you to experience. They also have shops that specialize in authentic Irish imported goods and gifts for you to enjoy and cherish!

Irish Hunger Memorial

North End Ave &, Vesey St, New York, NY 10280

If you’re looking to get in touch with the past and what the Irish have experienced and suffered, the Irish Hunger Memorial may be worth a visit. Located within Battery Park City, this memorial is devoted to raising public awareness of the historical events that led to the Irish Famine and Migration. This memorial houses stones from each of Ireland’s 32 counties with texts talking about the Great Famine as well as reports of world hunger. Take the time to visit the memorial this month and pay your respects to those that lost their lives during this historical tragedy.

Irish Arts Center

726 11th Ave. (bet. 51st & 52nd), New York, NY 10019

Storytelling is a very important aspect of Irish culture and heritage. The Irish Arts Center is a space where a community of different artists and art forms perform in order to preserve Irish traditions. You can even take classes on the Irish Language or take dance classes on Irish step dancing. Check out the website to see what productions and classes they are putting on this month!