From Irish music and dance performances to pub food paired with locally crafted beer, there are countless ways to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day here in Dutchess County. Only a 90-minute train ride from New York City via Metro-North or Amtrak, and just a four-hour drive from Boston and Philadelphia, Dutchess is the perfect destination for an unforgettable getaway in the heart of the Hudson Valley.
Use this list of the Top 10 Ways to Enjoy St. Patrick’s Day in Dutchess to help you plan your trip. Be sure to take lots of pictures, and feel free to share them here and tag @DestinationDutchess on social media.
For information about St. Patrick’s Day parades in Dutchess, click here.
.jpg)
Seven days a week at Juan Murphy’s, Poughkeepsie
This classic trivia spot in Poughkeepsie offers an unforgettable atmosphere with one-of-a-kind fusion. Famously, Juan Murphy’s is an Irish pub that serves Mexican grub. Corned beef reubens, Guinness-BBQ wings, and hot pastrami “Dubliners” join loaded nachos, fajita bowls, and pulled pork burritos. There’s something for everyone at this fun Dutchess County hangout, with live music every Friday and Saturday night along with game nights, karaoke and sports on the TV. Plus, catch Irish jam sessions every other Tuesday.
Related: A First-Timer's Guide to Dutchess County
March 11–15 at the Sloop Brewing Company at The Factory, Hopewell Junction
Why limit yourself to one St. Patrick’s Day when you can celebrate for a whole week? That’s what the folks at Sloop thought when they created their Five Days of St. Patrick’s Day. Enjoy an exclusive beer line-up, including draft pours of favorites like Juice Bomb and seasonal treats like (No) Green Beer. Be sure to snag special glassware that includes discounted pours throughout the week. Grab a bite to eat from the special St. Patrick’s Day menu, and on March 15, enjoy live Irish music by the Raggle-Taggle Gypsy-O’s. Click here for updates. Slainte!
Saturday, March 14, 3 p.m., at Staatsburgh State Historic Site, Staatsburg
Celebrate Irish heritage and the Mills family's connection to Ireland at this kid-friendly event. Participants will visit a replica of one of the Irish maids' bedrooms in the mansion, learn about the Mills' daughter who married the eighth Earl of Granard, an Irish aristocrat, and read an Irish-themed picture book. Plus, you'll collect in a jar all the ingredients you'll need to bake authentic Irish soda bread once you get home. Click here to register.
• The CENTER for Performing Arts at Rhinebeck (Saturday, March 14, 11 a.m.) — Do you have a young dancer in the family? Be sure to bring them to this show featuring Joan McGrenaghan, Meghan Craft, and their Celtic Heels Irish Dance Troupe, which has been performing for more than 40 years. This program is part of the CENTER's popular Saturday Morning Family Series, which for more than 25 years has provided a perfect way to introduce young children and their families to the world of theatre in a relaxed, non-judgmental environment.
• Stissing Center for Arts & Culture, Pine Plains (Sunday, March 22, 3 p.m.) — Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with the championship Irish dancers of Darrah Carr Dance. This spirited performance of Irish traditions features live music on the fiddle and accordion. Plus, lucky volunteers get a chance to join the excitement onstage!
Saturday, March 14, 6 p.m., at Curry Estate, Hopewell Junction
Rock out with The Carrie Zazz Band and enjoy a festive St. Patrick's Day buffet that can't be beat! The Carrie Zazz Band plays a variety of classic rock, country, and dance favorites. It's sure to be a fun night full of great food, great music and great company. Cash bar. Click here to reserve tickets and see the menu.
Saturday, March 14, 9 a.m., at J.H. Ketcham Memorial Park, Dover Plains
Lace up those sneakers and get ready to run (or walk) in the fourth annual St. Patrick’s 5k hosted by the Eastern Dutchess Road Runners Club. The race starts and finishes in J.H. Ketcham Memorial Park, and the course is on town roads with several small, rolling hills. Awards for the top three male, female and non-binary finishers, along with the age group leaders. Stick around for celebratory snacks and shamrock shakes. Click here to register.
Thursday, March 19, 8 p.m., at Daryl’s House, Pawling
Run by one-half of the legendary duo Hall & Oates, Daryl’s House Club in Pawling is an electric venue for live music. What better way to celebrate St. Patrick than with a Celtic rock concert? The Mighty Ploughboys, a five-piece, Connecticut-based power group, performs its own unique mix of classic rock and traditional Irish music. Doors open at 5 p.m., and the band starts shredding promptly at 8 p.m. To reserve tickets, click here. Not available that night? Daryl’s House hosts live music events four or five nights every week. Be sure to check out the schedule of upcoming shows.
Friday, March 20, 7:30 p.m., at the Bardavon 1869 Opera House, Poughkeepsie
Celtic Angels Ireland is a theatrical feast for all ages featuring the enchanting harmonies of the Celtic Angels accompanied by the Trinity Ensemble and the Celtic Knights Dancers. It'll be an impassioned homage to the Emerald Isle which is sure to captivate the Bardavon audience. Click here to purchase tickets.
Friday, March 20, 8:30 p.m., at the Towne Crier Cafe, Beacon
Cherish the Ladies, a Grammy-nominated Irish American super group, brings its captivating style of song and dance to the Towne Crier, which is located in the heart of Beacon's walkable Main Street corridor and is within walking distance of the Beacon Metro-North train station. Click here to purchase tickets. While you’re there, be sure to grab a decadent dessert made in-house by pastry chef Mary Ciganer. The Towne Crier, a Dutchess County icon for more than 50 years, hosts live music performances several nights each week. Check out their event calendar.
Wednesdays through Saturdays, 6 p.m.–12 a.m. at Traghaven Whiskey Pub, Tivoli
"Uisce breatha" is the Irish name for whiskey, translating literally to “water of life.” Named after the Traghaven Road in Cork, Ireland, Traghaven Whiskey Pub boasts a massive collection of booze from across the Atlantic. Browse the extensive whiskey menu by single-malt, blended, single-potstill, ryes, bourbons and Scotch. Then, snack on Irish staples like fish and chips, shepherd’s pie, and, of course, corned beef and cabbage. Check the Traghaven Facebook page for announcements, as Traghaven is known for all sorts of entertainment, including live jazz, trivia nights and traditional Hootenannys.
Saturday, Feb. 21, 10 a.m., on Broad Street, Pawling
The Village of Pawling is the place to be for those looking to get a head start on their St. Patrick’s Day revelry. Now in its 10th year, Pawling’s "Unofficial" St. Patrick’s Day Parade has become quite a popular event despite being held nearly a month ahead of its namesake holiday. Covering a mere 223 feet of Broad Street, it’s become known as “America’s Shortest Parade,” but there’s an awful lot of fun packed into every inch of it. Enjoy music by Mushmouth, Stephen Zenir, Kenny Bauer and DJ Silva, along with Irish step dancers, the Hudson Valley Regional Police Pipes and Drums and food from a variety of food trucks.
Saturday, March 7, 1 p.m., in Wappingers Falls
Dr. Dennis J. Murray will lead the way as the Grand Marshal for the 31st annual Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Parade. This is certain to be another fantastic event the whole family will enjoy, just as it has been year after year. Be sure to dress in green and head to Wappingers Falls for all the fun. For a map of the parade route, click here.
Saturday, March 14, 12 p.m., on Main Street, Beacon
Don your most festive green attire and head to the City of Beacon for the 11th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade of Green. After the parade, feel free to explore Beacon’s hottest bars, restaurants, breweries and art galleries.
