Photo Credit: Hawk Mountain Sanctuary and Michelle DiNicola
You may not find a pot a gold at the end of the rainbow, but you will find lots of ways to honor Irish heritage in Pennsylvania’s Americana Region. Many area residents share ties to Irish culture and traditions and look forward to our region’s many festivities this March. If you’re looking for way to pay tribute to Irish ancestry, head to Berks County for world-class musical performances, traditional food options, and cozy spots to enjoy a Guinness (or two) with friends. Let’s take a closer look at some of the best ways to celebrate Irish American Heritage Month throughout Reading and Berks County:
Mosaic Celtic Cross at Hawk Mountain
What could be more traditionally Irish than making a mosaic Celtic cross? For two weekends in March, visit the beautiful Hawk Mountain Sanctuary for a fun lesson on how to make a mosaic Celtic cross. With plenty of guidance, you’ll use colored glass to create that signature Celtic style over the course of two sessions, on Saturday 03/05/22 at 1pm, and the following Saturday 03/12/22 at 4:00pm. Don’t miss out on the fun way to observe Irish heritage of the month!
Celtic Thunder at Santander
Celtic Thunder is widely considered one of the greatest Irish bands of all time, winning the Top World Album in 2008, 2009, 2011 and 2015. They regularly use Irish influences in their songwriting and stage performances. Their lighting, set designs, and choreography are known to reference Celtic lore in engaging and inspiring ways. Lucky for us, Celtic Thunder is performing at Santander Performing Arts Center in Reading, PA, on March 5, 2022 at 7:30 p.m. Known for their ensemble songs and remarkable performances, don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy this band live!
Tartan Terror at Miller Center for the Arts
The Tartan Terrors are their own Celtic Invasion, mixing music energy with traditional folklore, dance, and humor. With an arsenal featuring classic bagpipes and fiddle, driving drum tones, and signature guitar styles, it’s no wonder the band performs to standing-room only audiences. The Terrors use their sonic blitz to underscore award-winning Step and Highland Dancers and internationally recognized comedic performers alike. Catch their performance on March 18th at
7:30pm - 9:30pm at Miller Center for the Arts.
St. Patrick's Day Meals & Celebrations
You can't go wrong with a great St. Patrick's Day meal to bring friends and family together. Whether your plans include Corned Beef and Cabbage, Bangers and Mash, or a hearty Irish breakfast, head to our local farmers' markets for the freshest ingredients. Shop Leesport Farmers Market and Renningers Kutztown Antiques and Farmers Market for cabbage, potatoes, corned beef, sausage, and Irish teas and coffee blends. Flower vendors and confection stands are sure to offer the perfect trimmings for your celebratory table.
Of course, you may want to let someone else do the cooking. In that case, join the party at The Speckled Hen Cottage Pub & Alehouse. Although The Hen has been temporarily closed, it offers a pop-up event from 5pm - 10pm on St. Patrick's Day. The cozy log building will be alive with food, fun, and live music! Reservations can be made by calling 610-374-8511🍀
Another favorite great way to celebrate St. Patrick's Day is at The Peanut Bar. The restaurant has long been known for fabulous St. Patrick's Day parties, complete with sing-alongs, drinks, Guinness on tap and traditional food. This year, enjoy the music of Karl Hausman at lunch and The Shanachians Irish Folk Band at dinner. Reservations are highly recommended. Call (610) 376-8500 today.
Colebrookdale Railroad
In Boyertown, PA, you can board the Colebrookdale Railroad’s Molly Maguire’s Irish Lunch Excursion on March 12 and celebrate Irish heritage with traditional fare. Those who purchase seats in the Dining Class car will enjoy colcannon potato balls w/ chipotle dipping sauce (mashed potato with cabbage, cheddar cheese, rolled in panko bread crumbs and fried), shepherds pie, and bread pudding from Molly Maguire's Irish Restaurant & Pub of Phoenixville.
Can’t make the excursion on March 12? Board the St. Patrick’s Day Expedition on March 17 instead! A traditional Irish dinner will be served in the dining class cars and beer and Irish coffee will be available for purchase. Don’t forget to don your kelly green attire and shamrock accessories! Slainte!