New Hampshire: The Granite State Goes Green For St. Patrick's Day 2011


The Irish-American community in New Hampshire is going green this St. Patrick's Day season with a host of concerts and family events for residents and tourists to enjoy.

The granite state’s concert season kicks off in style with Celtic Woman: Songs of the Heart show (picture left) coming to the Verizon Wireless Arena in Manchester on Tuesday, March 15, 2011 at 7:00 p.m.  The show, which is seen frequently on PBS stations around the country, features Ireland’s best woman singers, dancers and musicians performing a blend of classic Irish melodies.

On Wednesday, March 16, top Irish traditional ensemble Dervish is performing at the Palace Theatre in Manchester, starting at 7:30 p.m.  Led by vocalist Cathy Jordan, the band’s virtuosity on the fiddle, flute and accordion elevate the music to its highest level.

On March 17, St. Patrick’s Day itself, families can enjoy the “Luck of the Irish” ski race at Loon Mountain in Lincoln, or the “Shamrock Hunt” at Mt. Sunapee Resort in Newbury.  And in the event, check out the 18th annual St. Patrick’s Day Dinner at Manadnock Congressional Church in Colebrook.

On Sunday, March 20, the Children’s Museum of New Hampshire, located in Dover, is celebrating its 2nd annual Irish Heritage Celebration, featuring live Irish step dancing, music and stories, plus traditional Irish crafts.

And all month long, you can hear great traditional Irish music nightly at the Shaskeen Pub & Restaurant in Manchester, run by Irish flutist Peter Molloy. 

And finally, the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade takes place in Manchester on Sunday, March 27.  It's a great family event sponsored by the state's Ancient Order of Hibernians.

According to the US Census, nearly 20% of the state's residents claim Irish ancestry, making it the most Irish state in the USA after Massachusetts, where 24% of residents have Irish heritage.

 You can find more information on these and other activities by visiting the New Hampshire Division of Travel & Tourism.

For year round information  Irish cultural activities in Massachusetts and the New England region, visit IrishMassachusetts.com.

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