iFest - a Celebration of Ireland's Culture, Cuisine, Sports and Fashion - Comes to Boston in September

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The Heathers 

Boston is welcoming a new Irish festival to town this fall, as iFest makes its North American debut at the Seaport World Trade Center on September 26-28, 2014. 

Described as a premium showcase of contemporary Irish culture, entertainment and innovation, iFest features an all-star cast of culinary innovators, leading musicians and dancers, fashion designers and athletes to present a taste of modern Ireland.

Among iFest's supporters are Tourism Ireland, Irish Food Board, Aer Lingus, Greater Boston Convention & Visitors Bureau Guinness and Jameson Irish Whiskey, so patrons will be treated to plenty of cooking demonstrations and food displays, along with whiskey and beer tastings.  Literally, iFest is going to offer a taste of Ireland.

On the culinary front, iFest has engaged top Irish chefs Darina Allen, Kevin Dundon and Catherine Fulvio to showcase their respective culinary work and also have teamed up with Boston’s grand chef Barbara Lynch for some cooking demonstrations.  And Maura Kilpatrick of Oleana Restaurant, named Greater Boston’s “Best Pastry Chef” several years running, is organizing afternoon teas with Bewley’s Irish Tea of Dublin. 

On the cultural front, iFest is presenting a literary salon, a genealogy master-class, film screenings, stand-up comedy, theater and a display of contemporary and classic art and heritage pieces from Ireland’s major museums.

As always with an Irish gathering, there is plenty of music.  On the traditional music side, uilleann piping master Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains performs along with accordion maestro Damien Mullane.  Ireland’s Indi-Pop band the Heathers, featuring twin sisters Louise and Ellie Macnamara, is performing, plus the break-out rock band Riptide Movement, whose single “Getting Through,” was Number One on the Irish charts this spring.    

The world-famous Riverdance  troupe is planning a special ceili dance for the Boston audience. 

Irish designer Louise Kennedy has put together a top Irish Fashion & Design Catwalk, and nearby is a Shop Ireland Mall complete with the latest Irish fashions.

Irish sports get a showing at iFest, with a traveling exhibit on the Gaelic Athletic Association and film highlights of some of Ireland’s classic matches over the years. 

And finally, you’ll have a chance to see what Irish hospitality is all about, as Tourism Ireland staff showcase holiday and travel opportunities that will inspire you to take a trip to Ireland.

For local information on Irish cultural events year round, visit IrishBoston.org. 

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