Irish Massachusetts

Image of The Rock of Cashel, courtesy of Ireland.com The Rock of Cashel in County Tipperary has been included in Forbes Magazine 's Top Ten Coolest Places in the World in the Next Ten Years, along with other iconic destinations like the Galapagos in Ecuador,  Costa Rica and Thailand.   The Ten Coolest Places in the World story was published on December 14, 2021, and written by Ann Abel, who spoke with travel experts around the world to come up with the top ten list.  Here's the description of  Cashel, County Tipperary, Ireland:  “Next year marks the 100-year anniversary of the signing of the Irish Constitution, and along with it, “a new wave of elevated experiences and service are arriving,” notes Tom Marchant of the luxury travel company Black Tomato.  “The Rock of Cashel, one of the most spectacular and iconic landmarks in Ireland, is a sight to behold. While the locale has long held an appeal for tourists, it was rarely more than a day trip as part of a larger itinerary. But

(December 18, 2021) - Today, the U.S. Senate  by a voice vote approved Massachusetts State Representative  Claire D. Cronin  to become the next U.S. Ambassador to Ireland.   Cronin was nominated by The White House in June 2021 to hold the prestigious diplomatic position, and in October, the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee approved her nomination after its hearing. But the approval process was held hostage by Senator Ted Cruz until now. “I am deeply honored to be nominated by President Biden for ambassador to Ireland, especially given the President’s and my own Irish roots,” Cronin said in a statement released by the White House in June 2021. “If confirmed, I look forward to serving as ambassador and working with our partners in Ireland on both the challenges and opportunities ahead of us.” Cronin, whose maiden name is McLaughlin, has represented the Eleventh Plymouth District since November, 2012. A graduate of Stonehill College and Suffolk University Law School, Cronin is admi

  Today, President Joe Biden announced his intention to nominate Caroline Kennedy  daughter of President John F. Kennedy , as the next Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary to the Commonwealth of Australia.  The White House issued a statement, reading in part: Caroline Kennedy served as U.S. Ambassador to Japan from 2013-2017. She played a critical role in the commemoration of the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II culminating in the historic visits of President Obama to Hiroshima and Prime Minister Abe to Pearl Harbor. She advanced the realignment of U.S. Forces in Okinawa, promoted women’s empowerment in Japan, and increased student exchange between the U.S and Japan. In 2017, she founded the International Poetry Exchange Project to virtually connect students in Japan, Korea, the Philippines, and the Bronx through the power of the spoken word. In November 2021, she was awarded the Grand Cordon of the Rising Sun, the highest honor for which foreigners are eligible, f

  (BOSTON) -- The  Boston Irish Tourism Association  (BITA) has released its winter 2021-2022 issue of  Travel & Culture,  a compendium of Irish concerts, culinary, cultural and literary activities taking place in Massachusetts and throughout New England, as well as travel tips to Ireland.  The magazine is distributed FREE at visitor kiosks and cultural venues throughout Massachusetts and is available in digital format online on BITA’s home page.   Read the digital magazine here .    This issue features stories about Christmas and holiday concerts including shows at the Irish Cultural Centre, Blackstone River Theatre, Boston Symphony Hall, Shalin Liu Performance Center and various New England cultural venues. And it includes winter and St. Patrick’s Day activities leading up to March 2022, from parades and concerts to cultural events and dining specials.  The “Ireland” section has focuses on Tourism Ireland’s new “ Press the Green Button ” campaign to bring New Englanders and other

  Chloë Agnew Celtic music is popular in New England during the Christmas holidays, and no wonder, since the region boasts the largest Irish-American population in the United States, with nearly one in five residents claiming Irish ancestry.  Christmas and Celtic music form a perfect harmony during the holiday season, a magical time when memories of our childhood and family traditions come to the fore, accompanied by a spiritual renewal and seasonal joy that lifts our spirits. Ireland and New England are closely aligned in how they celebrate Christmastime, with a perfect blend of holiday and Celtic flavors.  Here are some highlights this season: Since opening its doors in 1989, the  Irish Cultural Centre  in Canton has been a gathering place for Christmas celebrations that bring families and friends together. This year is no exception!  The season kicks off on December 3 with the Annual Christmas Tree Lighting, with mulled wine and mince pies as treats. A Christmas Family Brunch takes