It’s an emerald trail of St. Patrick’s Day celebrations across the Adirondack Park.
We may be far from the big city St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New York City and Boston, but Adirondack towns and villages plan to celebrate the Irish tradition with gusto the weekend of March 17, 2024.
A brief history of the Irish in the Adirondacks.
The history of Irish people in the Adirondacks is intertwined with the broader narrative of Irish immigration to the United States during the 19th century. Irish immigrants played a significant role in the development of the Adirondack region, particularly in the mid-to late-1800s.
Irishtown Church in Minerva, NY.
Irish immigrants came to the Adirondacks for various reasons, including economic opportunities, particularly in logging, mining, and railroad construction. During the 19th century, the region experienced a significant economic boom driven by the exploitation of its natural resources. Railroad construction and the development of logging and mining operations attracted many Irish immigrants seeking employment.
Additionally, the Irish Potato Famine of the mid-19th century led to a large influx of Irish immigrants to the United States. Many immigrants settled in areas where labor-intensive industries were thriving, such as the Adirondack Mountains.
Adirondack Communities show their Irish spirit with St. Patrick’s Day events.
Irish immigrants settled in communities throughout the Adirondacks, including towns like Keeseville, Minerva, Port Henry, Johnsburg, Mineville, and Saranac Lake. They often formed tight-knit communities, maintaining cultural traditions and establishing churches and social organizations.
St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are held annually in the Adirondack Park, where the legacy of Irish immigrants is still evident in the area's culture, traditions, and community life.
Central Adirondacks St. Patrick’s Day events include Irish Road Bowling, a Parade and a traditional Celtic Ceilidh.
Visit these towns' celebrations.
Old Forge: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 15
Indian Lake: Irish Road Bowling, March 16
Long Lake: Celtic Ceilidh at Town Hall, March 16
Road Bowling, an Irish country tradition, is alive and well in Indian Lake.
Tri-Lakes & High Peaks towns and villages celebrate with parades, live music performances, and the “party of the year.”
Mark your calendar for these events.
Paul Smith’s: Irish Music Over the Marsh at the VIC, March 16
Saranac Lake: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 16
Saranac Lake: Friends Union at BluSeed Studio, March 17
Tupper Lake: St. Patrick’s “Party of the Year” at P-2’s Irish Pub, March 17
Gore Mountain and Schroon Lake area events include Celtic-inspired folk and bluegrass performances, a parade and a leprechaun hunt.
Capture the Leprechauns at Gore Mountain.
Celebrate all week long.
North Creek: The McKrell’s at Tannery Pond Center, March 10
Chestertown: St. Patrick’s Day Parade, March 16
North River: ADK Mountain Bluegrass Band at Garnet Hill Lodge, March 17
Gore Mountain: Leprechaun Hunt, March 17
Lake George Area festivities include a block party and a different kind of “triathlon.”
Éire go Brách on the Queen of American Lakes.
Lake George Village: Sham" Rock” the Block at Duffy’s Tavern, March 16-17
Bolton Landing: 3rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Triathlon — Foosball, Darts, Pool — The Barrel, March 17
Sure and begorrah, the Adirondacks offer many ways to celebrate St. Patrick's Day and honor the area's Irish heritage. From parades to live music and traditional Irish food, there are plenty of events to choose from. So, put on your green and head out to enjoy the festivities. Sláinte!
Recent news and updates from the Adirondacks.
ADK Taste Instagram followers will immediately recognize our popular Loon Facts, which we share regularly. These factoids are now available on ceramic mugs, suitable for coffee, tea, hot cocoa, or even a hot toddy in front of the campfire.
These unique 11-oz hot beverage mugs feature an interesting fact about loons, such as “Fact #12: Loons are Not Ducks,” with an explanation. It's a great way to show off your love for the Common Loon, the Adirondacks, and random trivia.
This ceramic mug is perfect for coffee, tea, and hot chocolate. It also makes an excellent gift for nature lovers, bird watchers, and anyone who appreciates unique, trivia-inspired drinkware.
Material: White ceramic
Size: 11oz (0.33 l)
Uses: Coffee, tea, hot cocoa, hot toddy
Features: Durable, trivia-themed design, great gift idea