The Gothic Revival style church is home to R.I.’s oldest Catholic parish, established in 1828 to serve Newport's growing Irish immigrant population, many of whom worked on the construction of Fort Adams. Present church designed by Irish-born architect, Patrick C. Keely and dedicated in 1852 to "The Holy Name of Mary, Our Lady of the Isle." Site of the 1953 wedding of the future president, John F. Kennedy, and Jaqueline Lee Bouvier. Added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2008. 

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Honoring Mark Woods as AOH Newport, Dennis E. Collins Division 1 Hibernian of the Year. Cocktails 6:00 p.m., Dinner at 7:00 p.m. Tickets $50 a person (cash bar), available at AOH Hall. Tickets are limited and will sell out quickly. For info, call AOH Hall at: (401) 847-8671.

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Take a guided tour of the historic Newport fort constructed with Irish labor between 1824-1857. Hour-long tours will be offered at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m., on Saturdays and Sundays in March—*except Saturday, March 11th/Parade Day—weather permitting. Tickets are $20 for adults, $10 for Youth (ages 6-17), Free for Children 5 and under. $5 off individual tickets when mentioning Irish Heritage Month. Free for members of Fort Adams Trust.

*Fort Adams is closed on Saturday, March 11th due to the Newport St. Patrick's Day Parade!

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Saturday, March 4th

Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street, Newport (Friends Program Room, lower level), 2:30 – 3:30 p.m. Featuring the group, “The Irish In America,” with Mary King (harp), Ed Sweeney (guitar, banjo and vocals) and Cathy Clasper-Torch (fiddle and vocals). Free. Seating is first-come, first-served. Registration not required. For more information: https://newportlibraryri.libcal.com/event/9658569 or phone the library at (401) 847-8720.

Wednesday, March 8th

Portsmouth Public Library, 2658 E. Main Road, Portsmouth, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Featuring the “The Irish In America,” with Mary King (harp), Ed Sweeney (guitar, banjo and vocals) and Cathy Clasper-Torch (fiddle and vocals). Free and open to all ages, but registration is required as space is limited. Mary King, a renowned musician and instructor, will also lead a beginner’s lesson on an Irish jig before the program starts, inviting the audience to join in the fun. To reserve, call the Library at (401) 683-9457 or sign up online using this link.

Thursday, March 9th

George Hail Free Library, 530 Main Street, Warren, R.I, 6:30–7:30 p.m. Featuring the group, “The Irish In America,” with Mary King (harp), Ed Sweeney (guitar, banjo and vocals) and Cathy Clasper-Torch (fiddle and vocals). Free. Light refreshments served. For more information, click here, or phone the library at (401) 245-7686.

A night of laughs, and honoring someone special. The roast will honor the 2023 Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, Humphrey J. "Harp" Donnelly IV. Indugle in heavy hors d’oeuvres and music by “Rhode to Dublin.”  Sponsored by the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.

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Listen to the best in traditional and contemporary Irish or Irish-influenced music. Hosted by Rick Kelly for over 30 years.  FM101.1, AM1540, or online at WADK.com, Sunday mornings at 8:00 AM and repeated Sunday evenings at 6:00 PM.

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Take a tour of the historic Saint Joseph Cemetery (known locally as the Barney Street Cemetery). Located at the corner of Barney and Mt. Vernon Streets in Newport, is the oldest Catholic cemetery in Rhode Island, and the site of the state’s first Catholic church (1828), which served Newport’s growing Irish immigrant community. The outdoor tour of approximately 30 minutes, given by a historian/guide, Steve Marino, and sponsored by Museum of Newport Irish History, is held, weather permitting, at 12:30 PM.

Reservations required, More info and to reserve click here or call Ann at 401-841-5493.

MORE WAYS TO EXPLORE:

• Take a virtual tour of the Cemetery here.
• Watch lecture "Newport's Early Irish Community and Rhode Island’s First Catholic Church," presented by Steve Marino (from September 2020), here.

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Live traditional Irish music. Hosted by A.O. Gutierrez, Tim May and Jack Wright. Family-friendly. Tables fill up fast, arrive early if you’d like a seat.

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The Jane Pickens Theater & Event Center, 49 Touro Street, Newport, will present a special encore screening of Oscar favorite “The Banshees of Inisherin,” featuring a concert by Irish band Turas before the film. Concert at 6:30 p.m., movie starts at 7:30 p.m.. Reacquaint yourself with this atmospheric tale from the coasts of Ireland and treat your ears to some authentically awesome tunes all in time for the Academy Awards and St. Patrick's Day. Jane Pickens Special Event Member $13, General Admission $15. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.

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Learn about Irish immigration to the Newport area and of the contributions to the community by individuals of Irish descent from the 1600s to the present through various exhibits, including photographs, artifacts and more.

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What’sUpNewp’s annual St. Patrick’s Parade Day Eve Celebration featuring the Ancient Order of Hibernian’s (AOH) Pipes & Drums and the AOH Men’s Singers. No cover, but funds raised will go directly to the AOH Pipes & Drums band. A collection bucket makes its way around the room during this “Party for a Purpose.” Details, including a schedule of events/performances, click here.

Enjoy, fireside in the Linden Place ballroom, traditional Irish and Celtic music as well as modern compositions. The band Turas, which means "journey" in Gaelic, features Bob Drouin, Josh Kane, Rob McConegh and Dean Robinson. Together they will bring the sounds of Ireland to Bristol.

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This year’s winner is IHOP Middletown. Owners Bill & Karen Cardinal will be honored as the largest financial supporter of the 2023 parade and for their ongoing generosity to the Parade Committee. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and entertainment to include bagpipe bands, along with a DJ.

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Offered in memory of the deceased members of the Newport Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernian and deceased members of the former Newport Irish Heritage Association. Officiant: Very Rev. Francis A. O’Loughlin, Pastor of Jesus Saviour Church and chaplain of the Newport Ancient Order of Hibernians.

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Named one of the best St. Patrick’s Day Parades and Celebrations in New England by USA Today and Yankee Magazine, Newport’s first parade took place in 1956. Today, thousands of people line the streets of downtown to enjoy the two-hour parade featuring pipe and marching bands, fife and drum corps, reenactment units, and a host of local, state, and regional organizations including police and fire units, social/fraternal organizations, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Schools, and non-profits. This year’s parade is dedicated to the memory of Steven M. O’Brien. Grand Marshal is Humphrey J. "Harp" Donnelly, IV.

The parade will be followed by celebrations throughout town, family events, live music and more. 

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Related: Live Radio Coverage of the 67th annual Parade in Honor of St. Patrick

Can't make the parade? Enjoy live Parade coverage on FM101.1, AM1540, or online at WADK.com. Broadcast begins around 11:30 am as Rick Kelly and Bobb Angel bring you the sights, as they describe them, and the sounds, of one of the longest running St. Patrick's parades in the country.

Need to refuel and want to be in the center of downtown before or during the parade? Head to Brick Alley Pub who is opening at 8:00 AM for pre-parade eats, and serving up their regular menu beginning at parade time, 11:00 AM.

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Make your way to "the Hut" for a classic good time at no cost and a chance to win prizes and money. There will be entertainment with; Bag Pipers, Irish step dancers, pirates, face painting, and more. Entry is free, but please note this is a non-alcohol event.

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Head to La Forge for live piano all day Featuring Dave Manuel.

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Corned Beef sandwiches and plenty of Irish Music by the McMurphy’s and DJ Murph complete this post-parade party hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. Tickets available from the bartender at Hibernian Hall via check, credit card or cash.

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Live Irish Music featuring Jack Wright, Jamie Lawton and Tom Perrotti and fresh wine from Greenvale Vineyards. 

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This annual service at St. Mary's Church is in memory of deceased members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, and the victims of the Great Famine. The church was designed by Irish American architect Patrick C. Keeley. Construction began in 1847, and it was dedicated in 1852 to “The Holy Name of Mary, Our Lady of the Isle.”

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Enjoy a classic Traditional Irish Brunch Buffet at La Forge Casino Restaurant from 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM. Reservations requested,

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Children are invited to visit the library any timed during open hours of 9:00 a.m.- 8:30 p.m. on Monday, March 13th to pick up a craft to take home and make. We’ll give you a bag filled with all the supplies needed and instructions. No registration is required.

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What better way to spend St. Patrick's Day than with boiled potatoes, carrots, boiled onions, beets, with Traditional Irish music by “Rhode to Dublin” playing in the background .Hosted by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, enjoy a night of fun from 4:00 - 8:00 PM, with live music from 6:00 - 8:00 PM)

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RELATED: Lady Hibernians Corned Beef & Cabbage “Grab & Go”

Deadline to pre-order: March 18th
Pick-up: March 25th

This "grab & go" Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner is sponsored by the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LAOH). It begins immediately following the 4:00 PM Mass at St. Augustin’s Church and ends at 6:30 PM. 

All dinners must be pre-ordered by March 18th. To order, find more details here. 

Explore “Irish Newport” on this narrated tour presented by the Museum of Newport Irish History. These 2-hour tours will include stops at sites connected with Newport’s Irish heritage, including Forty Steps and the Barney Street Cemetery. Tours include an introductory visit to the Museum’s Interpretive Center on Lower Thames Street. Sponsored by Viking Tours of Newport in memory of Karen A. Oakley.

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Head to Middletown for a night of traditional corned beef and cabbage dinner and entertainment.

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The luck of the Irish will shine upon you as you savor an Irish Brunch in Blithewold’s elegant Dining Room! Dance a jig or tap your toes to live, Irish music while you enjoy traditional fare from the Emerald Isle. Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, so wear your green and join the fun!

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A fundraiser in memory of Ralph J. Gizzi to benefit Forum Lodge #391, Sons & Daughters of Italy in America. Vasco da Gama Hall, 15 Fenner Ave., Newport. Doors open 2:30 p.m. Tickets $30. Dinner will feature corned beef and potatoes, pasta and sausage, bread and desserts and beverages (cash bar). For tickets, contact Greg Gizzi at (401) 226-3705.

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Book Launch & Lecture re. distinguished Newport Irish-American, after whom Newport’s courthouse is named. Book title: Island Girl: The Life of Justice Florence Kerins Murray: Patriot, Public Servant, Esteemed Jurist,” by Marian Mathison Desrosiers. Redwood Library & Athenæum, 50 Bellevue Ave., Newport. 5:00 p.m. Lecture followed by books sales and signing. No fee for lecture. For more information, and for reservations, click here. 

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Join us for a musical journey with the "Irish in America," featuring Mary King (harp), Dan Lanier (guitar, banjo and vocals) and Cathy Clasper-Torch (fiddle and vocals). Irish immigrants captured the heart of the nation with their mix of Irish jigs, ballads, folk songs, storytelling and humor. Get your green on, warm up your voices and enjoy the warmth, spirit and hilarity of the "Irish in America." $5 suggested donation. Registration is required.

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Historian Dr. Scott Molloy, Award-Winning Writer of “Irish Titan, Irish Toilers: Joseph Banigan and Nineteenth-Century New England Labor” will discuss the relationship between Joseph Banigan and Samuel P Colt. The Clan Lir Academy Step Dancers will be performing. Free and open to the public, thanks to funding from the Rhode Island Council for the Humanities. Space is limited. Reservations required. 

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Join the official closing event of the 45th Annual Newport Irish Heritage Month by commemorating the informal dances held there by the Irish who made Newport their home in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Sponsored by the Museum of Newport Irish History, the annual event will feature live traditional Irish music, demonstrations of Irish set dancing led by Donal and Mary Lehane, and the Ancient Order of Hibernian Men Singers. Weather permitting.

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A 70-minute play by Sandra Laub is described as a “romp” with the famous Irish playwright George Bernard Shaw and his muse and paramour, the gilded age actress, Mrs. Patrick Campbell. Featuring Sandra Laub and Mike Healy. Tickets will be available in advance for $10, for more information, click here.

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Museum of Newport Irish History presents a lecture by Guest speaker, Mike Slein, who will present an illustrated talk titled, “A Virtual Tour of Irish Newport: Connecting the Dots.”  Enjoy a reception with light hors d'oeuvres to follow, with a cash bar. Final talk of the 21st Annual Lecture Series. Reservations required for both in-person and virtual participation. $5 fee/donation at the door. No fee for Zoom participation. For details and reservations, click here, or call Ann at (401) 841-5493.

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A special literature event featuring the words of Irish-born local actor and raconteur, Michael Healy, and the music of harpist Mary King. Mike Healy studied drama and acting at Fordham University and at the American Academy of Dramatic Art In New York, where he appeared off Broadway and off-off Broadway, most notably with the Irish arts center and the Irish Repertory theater. In Rhode Island he appeared with the Gamm Theatre, The Rhode Island Center for the Performing Arts, The Courthouse Center for the Arts and the Firehouse Theater. Celtic harpist Mary King specializes in performing for Irish programs and special events and is a recipient of three grants from the southern New England apprenticeship program as a Master Celtic harpist from 2019 to 2021. Both her parents are from Ireland and gave her a real love of Celtic music. 

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