"All things Irish", is the goal of the 47th Annual Newport Irish Heritage Month with family fun events, guided tours, the 68th Annual Newport St. Patrick's Day Parade and more Irish-themed happenings occurring all month long thanks to The Museum of Newport Irish History. 

Find all March events for embracing Irish culture in and around Newport below.

Newport Irish Heritage Month Events

All information provided courtesy of the Newport Irish Heritage Month calendar.

  1. St. Mary's Church Open
  2. Newport Celtic Players present “Irish Stew”
  3. Guided Tours of Fort Adams
  4. Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner
  5. “The Irish Hour”
  6. Traditional Irish Music Sessions
  7. Green Eggs & Ham Brunch
  8. Museum of Newport Irish History Interpretive Center
  9. An Evening of Irish Songs & Tunes with “Turas”
  10. Annual Trolley Tour of Irish Newport
  11. Parade Grand Marshal Roast
  12. Historic Irish Cemetery Tour
  13. St. Patrick’s Cèilidh in the Dining Room at Blithewold
  14. Leprechaun “Take & Make” Craft at the Newport Public Library
  15. The 7th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade Day Eve Celebration at Midtown Oyster Bar
  16. “Big Daddy” Award Ceremony & Pre-Parade Party
  17. Mass in Honor of St. Patrick & St. Brigid
  18. The 68th Annual Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade
  19. St Patrick's Parade Day Breakfast Buffet
  20. The 16th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Family Celebration
  21. St. Patrick’s Parade Day Celebration
  22. Post-Parade Celebration
  23. Turas St. Patrick's Day Eve Concert
  24. The 65th Annual “Irish Night”
  25. Mass in Honor of St. Patrick
  26. Traditional Irish Brunch Buffet
  27. Irish History Lecture by Museum of Newport Irish History
  28. Dancing at the Forty Steps
  29. “Gaelic & Garlic” Celebration Supper

St. Mary's Church Open

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Where:
Corner Spring Street & Memorial Blvd. West
When:
Monday - Fridays from 12:00 - 2:00 PM

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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St. Mary's Church, Newport

 

Newport Celtic Players present “Irish Stew”

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Where:
St. Mary’s Parish Center
When:
March 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 17, 22, 23
Cost:
$20

Enjoy the production of “First Confession” with Mike Healy and “A Galway Girl” with Deb McGowen at 7:00 pm on eight March evenings (March, 1, 2, 8, 9, 15, 17, 22, 23). A portion of the proceeds will benefit the St. Mary's Hot Lunch Program, serving the Newport neighbors in need three Wednesdays each month.

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Guided Tours of Fort Adams

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Where:
Fort Adams State Park, 90 Fort Adams Drive, Newport
When:
Saturdays & Sundays at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM & 3:00 PM except Sat. March 16/Parade Day—weather permitting
Cost:
$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.

Take a guided tour of the historic Newport fort constructed with Irish labor between 1824-1857. Hour-long tours will be offered at 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM and 3:00 PM, on Saturdays and Sundays in March—*except Saturday, March 16th/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 16th due to the Newport St. Patrick's Day Parade!

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Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner

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Where:
St. Augustin’s Church Hall
When:
Saturday, March 2nd at 5:00 PM
Cost:
$40, Kids aged 10 and under: $10. All reservations must be pre-paid.

Enjoy Irish step-dancing, AOH Pipe Band, Silent Auction, Raffles, desserts, and Irish coffee station. 

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“The Irish Hour”

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Where:
1540AM WADK in Newport (FM101.1)
When:
Sunday's in March at 8:00 AM and 6:00 PM

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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Traditional Irish Music Sessions

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Where:
The Fastnet Pub
When:
Sundays in March

Live traditional Irish music. Hosted by A.O. Gutierrez, Tim May and Jack Wright. Family-friendly. Arrive early if you’d like a table.

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Fastnet Restaurant & Bar

 

Green Eggs & Ham Brunch

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Where:
Hibernian Hall, 2 Wellington Ave
When:
Sunday, March 3rd from 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM

Enjoy a large spread of Irish fare at this fun family event and fundraiser for the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

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Museum of Newport Irish History Interpretive Center

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Where:
648 Thames St., Newport
When:
March 8th - 10th, 15th - 17th, 22nd - 24th, 31st
Cost:
Admission by donation. MNIH Members and children under 16 are free.

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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Irish History Museum

 

An Evening of Irish Songs & Tunes with “Turas”

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Where:
Linden Place, Bristol
When:
Friday, March 8th
Cost:
General Admission $20, Linden Place members $15, Free for Colt Circle Members

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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Annual Trolley Tour of Irish Newport

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Where:
Departs from Hibernian Hall, 2 Wellington Ave., Newport.
When:
Saturday, March 9th at 10:00 AM and 12:30 PM
Cost:
Free, but donations are gratefully accepted.

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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Parade Grand Marshal Roast

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Where:
St. Augustin’s Church Hall, corner of Carroll Ave. & Harrison Ave., Newport
When:
Saturday, March 9th at 5:30 PM
Cost:
$30, includes hors d’oeuvres and music by Rhode to Dublin

A night of laughs, and honoring someone special. The roast will honor the 2024 Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, Rev. Francis A. O’Loughlin (“Father Frank”). Indugle in heavy hors d’oeuvres and music by “Rhode to Dublin.” 

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Historic Irish Cemetery Tour

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Where:
Saint Joseph Cemetery, corner of Barney and Mt. Vernon Streets, Newport
When:
Sunday March 10th and Saturday, March 23rd

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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St. Patrick’s Cèilidh in the Dining Room at Blithewold

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Where:
Blithewold Mansion, Gardens and Arboretum, Bristol
When:
Sunday, March 10th
Cost:
SOLD OUT. $45 Members/$60 non-Members

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 by Failte while you enjoy traditional fare from the Emerald Isle. Wear your green and join the fun

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Leprechaun “Take & Make” Craft at the Newport Public Library

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Where:
Newport Public Library, 300 Spring Street, Newport
When:
Monday, March 11th
Cost:
No Registration is Required

Head to the Newport Public Library for a "Take & Make" Leprechaun craft. You will get everything you need, including instructions, to make your lucky new friend. 

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The 7th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade Day Eve Celebration at Midtown Oyster Bar

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Where:
Midtown Oyster Bar, 345 Thames Street, Newport
When:
Friday, March 15th from 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM

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.

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“Big Daddy” Award Ceremony & Pre-Parade Party

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Where:
Hibernian Hall, 2 Wellington Ave., Newport
When:
Friday, March 15th at 6:00 PM
Cost:
Free

Honoring the largest financial supporter of the 2024 parade for their generosity. Complimentary hors d’oeuvres and entertainment to include bagpipe bands, along with a DJ.

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Mass in Honor of St. Patrick & St. Brigid

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Where:
St. Joseph’s Catholic Church, Broadway & Mann Ave., Newport
When:
Saturday, March 16th at 9:00 AM

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: Rev. Francis A. O’Loughlin, Pastor of Jesus Saviour Church and chaplain of the Newport Ancient Order of Hibernians and 2024 Parade Grand Marshal..

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The 68th Annual Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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Where:
BEGINS NEWPORT CITY HALL, PROCEEDS DOWN THAMES ST. TO CARROLL AVE. THE FIFTH WARD
When:
Saturday, March 16th at 11:00 AM

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 Thomas “Tom” N. Kelly, III. Grand Marshal is Rev. Francis A. O’Loughlin. 

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

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Saint Patrick's Day Parade

 

Related: Live Radio Coverage of the 68th 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.

 

St Patrick's Parade Day Breakfast Buffet

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Where:
Brick Alley Pub, 140 Thames Street, Newport.
When:
Saturday, March 16th at 8:00 AM, Regular Menu at 11:00 AM

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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The 16th Annual Saint Patrick’s Day Family Celebration

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Where:
MARTIN RECREATION CENTER “THE HUT” - 35 GOLDEN HILL STREET
When:
SATURDAY, MARCH 16th FROM 1:00PM TO 4:00PM
Cost:
FREE

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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St. Patrick’s Parade Day Celebration

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Where:
La Forge Casino Restaurant, 186 Bellevue Ave., Newport
When:
SATURDAY, MARCH 16th

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

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Post-Parade Celebration

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Where:
Hibernian Hall, 2 Wellington Ave. Newport
When:
SATURDAY, MARCH 16th, at 12:00 PM
Cost:
Advance tickets: $25. Cash bar.

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.

Not yet confirmed—full details TBD.

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Turas St. Patrick's Day Eve Concert

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Where:
Jane Pickens Theatre & Event Center
When:
SATURDAY, MARCH 16th from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Cost:
JPT Special Event Member: $20, General Admission: $22

Local favorites “Turas” will perform an intimate showcase at the Jane Pickens Theater starting at 5:30 PM, with two 45-minute sets spaced by a 15-minute intermission. The band will play traditional Irish songs and tunes, including selections from their recently released album “Ride On”.

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The 65th Annual “Irish Night”

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Where:
Knights of Columbus, Middletown
When:
Saturday, March 16th
Cost:
$25

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

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Mass in Honor of St. Patrick

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Where:
St. Mary’s Church, Spring Street and Memorial Boulevard, Newport
When:
Sunday, March 17th at 11:00 AM

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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Traditional Irish Brunch Buffet

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Where:
La Forge Casino Restaurant, 186 Bellevue Ave., Newport
When:
Sunday, March 17th from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM

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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Irish History Lecture by Museum of Newport Irish History

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Where:
Wyndham Newport Hotel, 240 Aquidneck Ave., Middletown (Also available on Zoom)
When:
Wednesday, March 20th
Cost:
$5 fee/donation at the door. No fee for Zoom participation.

Steve Marino will present a talk titled, “The Great Cutter Race of 1905: An Irish Tale of Newport’s Gilded Age.”

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Dancing at the Forty Steps

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Where:
Cliff Walk, east end of Narragansett Avenue
When:
Sunday, March 24th at 3:00 PM
Cost:
Free, outdoor event.

Join the official closing event of the 47th 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. 

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“Gaelic & Garlic” Celebration Supper

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Where:
Vasco da Gama Hall, 15 Fenner Ave., Newport
When:
Monday, March 25th
Cost:
$30

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. Tickets $30. Dinner will feature corned beef and potatoes, pasta and sausage, bread and desserts and beverages (cash bar). 

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