Irish Massachusetts

(October 29, 2024) U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken and Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo gave an upbeat assessment on the State Department 's ongoing efforts to strengthen its ability to issue visas to Americans and foreign visitors, in anticipation of a "mega decade" for sports tourism in the United States. As a result of these efforts, "more people are traveling to the United States than ever before; more Americans are traveling the world than ever before," Blinken said, stating that in FY24, "we issued 11.5 million visas, and that’s a world record for us, breaking all previous records."  In addition, Blinken said, wait times to get a visa have gone down 60% "since the acute phase of the pandemic...Today, the median wait time is under 60 days for a first-time-visitor visa interview." These efforts will prepare the United States to accommodate major sporting events in the coming months and years, Blinken said.  "We’ve got

The popular and delicious Newport Restaurant Week takes place this year from November 1-10, 2024. The annual fall event features the flavors of nine coastal communities, all rolled up into 10 savory days. The moveable feast offers a variety of options for diners at dozens of restaurants, hotels, cafes and pubs, including prix-fixe menus for lunch and dinner. Indoor and outdoor dining, seafood, gluten free and other options are available. Here is a list of all participating restaurants . November is a perfect time to explore one of New England's favorite coastal areas. Known as The Classic Coast, this area consists of nine vibrant and historic towns along the New England coastline. Check out places to stay and things to do in this fall. DiscoverNewport, you won't regret it.

Photo Courtesy of Pure Cork Cork City in Ireland was named one of the 25 best places in the world to travel to in 2025 by National Geographic. The much anticipated announcement comes out annually each year and is often a boom for destinations who make the competitive list. The list is handpicked by National Geographic’s explorers, photographers, and editors. There are a number of exotic destinations on the National Geographic list, such as Indonesia’s Raja Ampat archipelago, Cenobitic monasteries in Italy, the medieval city of Brasov in Romania, and Tunisia. Writing about Cork City,  National Geographic tells readers to“Immerse yourself in an emerging urban renaissance," then describes the city’s new development plan, part of a $128 billion Project Ireland initiative.  Set to be completed in 2028, the plan “will redevelop the port and docklands, refurbish the Crawford Art Gallery , and enhance the Cork Event Centre so it can host new concerts, festivals, and exhibitions. "In

The  Charitable Irish Society  of Boston is bestowing its  Silver Key Award  on two women from leading Irish-American organizations on Wednesday, October 23, 2024. The awards reception takes place at the UMass Boston Club at 6 p.m. Tickets are $175 and  reservations are required . Funds from the event are used to aid immigrants in need. This year’s award winners are Immigration Coordinator Maryann Casavant of the  Irish Pastoral Centre  of Boston, who has been helping people with immigration advice and applications since 2017, and Executive Director Mary Sugrue of the  Irish American Partnership , who has raised needed funds for educational and community programs in Ireland since 1989. The  Charitable Irish Society  was formed on March 17, 1737 by "Gentlemen, Merchants and Others of the Irish Nation." Its role has always remained the same: to help alleviate the suffering of Irish immigrants settling in Boston, and to create a spirit of fellowship among those of Irish birth an

A new exhibit at the John F. Kennedy Hyannis Museum entitled, “ From Here to There ,” featuring 19 works from legendary Cape Cod Artists. The exhibit is presented in collaboration with the Cape Cod Museum of Art (CCMOA), where docents selected artworks from the permanent collection of more than 2000 pieces of art on a unifying theme of travel and adventure. Corresponding wall text for each artwork was researched and authored by the docents. The exhibit, at the Scudder Family Center for Civic Engagement at the JFK Museum, runs through January 2025. According to JFK Museum officials, "President John F. Kennedy and First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy worked to make the arts part of their life in the White House and at home. Both dabbled in painting during their days in Hyannis Port. Both loved books, music, and architecture. And as President, JFK created the position of Special Consultant on the Arts, to include artistic dimension in areas where public policy could benefit from it, such

Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival  October 19 - 20 Discover Newport Presents: Bowen's Wharf Seafood Festival 13 Bowen's Wharf, Newport, RI 02840 discovernewport.org Historic Bowen’s Wharf in downtown Newport, RI  hosts the 33rd annual Bowen’s Wharf Seafood Festival. Named one of the “10 Fabulous Fall Festivals on the Coast,” by Coastal Living Magazine, this event is an open invitation for all to come back to the waterfront after the rush of the summer season! Honoring the harvest of the sea, this Festival offers fresh local seafood, continuous live music and family fun.  Admission is free, and attendees can purchase food and beverages at the vendor booths.  Rain or shine under the festival tents! I CC's Boston Irish Beer Fest October 19 Irish Cultural Centre Presents  5th Annual Boston Irish Beer Fest Irish Cultural Centre of Greater Boston   200 New Boston Drive, Canton  FThe all-day event on the spacious Centre grounds features live music and singing, children's acti