The spirit of St. Patrick’s Day continues to live in Carbon County as the 2nd Annual Irish Fest makes its way to the streets of historic Jim Thorpe. Jim Thorpe has been the hub of Irish spirit for many years, famously hosting the Carbon County St. Patty’s Day Parade. Revelers continue to don their green and gold and convene downtown, participating in the many events that celebrate the Irish culture.
The 2nd Annual Irish Fest takes over Jim Thorpe Saturday, March 14 and Sunday, March 15. This year, the Jim Thorpe Tourism Agency and Mauch Chunk Events, LLC welcomes the partnership of the Pocono’s ShawneeCraft Brewery, who will take over several Jim Thorpe hot spots as the official brewer of the Jim Thorpe Irish Fest Ale Trail.
Tickets for this year’s Ale Trail are now available online, and entitle the holder to a souvenir glass, seven 5 oz pours of Shawnee’s finest brews, and a few other Irish goodies. New this year, for those more inclined to celebrate St. Patty with a sip of whiskey, festival visitors can attend the inaugural Whiskey Trail on either Saturday or Sunday, treating ticket holders to 6 pours of whiskey in a keepsake glass, including local options from Silverback Distillery of the Poconos. Tickets for the Ale Trail and Whiskey Trail are limited. Advance tickets are $30. Tickets, on the day of the event, will be $40 at the Mauch Chunk Ballroom, but only while supplies last. Ticket sales on March 14 and 15 are not guaranteed and likely to sell out.
Drink in the Irish culture all weekend with a full schedule of events from a Friday night private whiskey tasting at Harry Packer Mansion, to a weekend packed with concerts, shopping specials, historical tours, and Irish eats. Some accommodations even offer Irish Fest packages for those who want to enjoy Irish Fest from start to finish.
For the full schedule of Irish Fest events or to get your Ale Trail or Whiskey Trail discounted tickets, visit JimThorpe.org/irish and follow Jim Thorpe Irish Fest on Facebook.
Ale Trail
Historic District of Jim Thorpe
Saturday 3/14 or Sunday 3/15 1-6pm
The Irish Fest Ale Trail treats you to 7 stops that will satisfy your need for hops and barley. Tickets are limited, so grab yours in advance. Your ticket gets you a limited edition, souvenir glass and an Irish Trail of Ale like no other.
Whiskey Trail
Historic District of Jim Thorpe
Saturday 3/14 or
Sunday 3/15 1-6pm
Enjoy several stops as you stroll the downtown festival, taking in the shenanigans that only happen here once a year. Be one of the very first to participate in the Jim Thorpe Irish Fest Whiskey Trail by grabbing one of the very limited tickets.
Irish Brunch
St. Marks Church
Saturday, March 14th – 9am – 1pm
Get your belly full and your Irish on before walking around town during Jim Thorpe Irish Fest! An Irish buffet-style brunch will be served as a fundraiser to preserve the St. Mark’s National Historic Landmark. Reserve your seats in advance to ensure availability.
Kilmaine Saints
Mauch Chunk Opera House
Friday, March 14th – doors open at 7pm
Kilmaine Saints is a band formed on good whiskey and bad intentions. Since 2009 they have continued to pound through blistering, high-energy live sets that keep people singing along, stomping their feet, lifting their pints and shouting for more.
The Tartan Terrors
Mauch Chunk Opera House
Saturday, March 14th – doors open at 7pm
Taking the Celtic scene by storm, the Tartan Terrors, North America’s premiere Celtic Event, features the best in music, comedy and dance. Bolstered by the blistering piping of a Two Time World Champion Bagpiper, the driving tones of drums from around the world, and a guitar played unlike any you’ve ever heard.
Live Blacksmith Demonstration
Outside of the Mauch Chunk Opera House
Saturday & Sunday, March 14th & 15th
See authentic blacksmithing works of art created before your eyes. Samples of his work will be displayed and available for purchase,
Second Annual Youth Celtic Fiddle Contest Calling All Young Fiddlers to the Jim Thorpe Irish Fest’s Second Annual Youth Celtic Fiddle Contest. The winner of each division will open for the Internationally acclaimed Tartan Terrors to a sold out crowd at the Mauch Chunk Opera House at 8 p.m. the evening of the competition.
Youth Celtic Fiddle Competition
Cafe Arielle
Saturday, March 14th – 3 – 5pm
Celtic Musical Brunch
Cafe Arielle
Sunday, March 15th – 11:30 – 2pm
Come and enjoy live Celtic music at Café Arielle with Stephanie, Jim & Ethan performing traditional Irish, Scottish and Cape Breton music while you dine.
St. Paddy’s Irish High Tea
Stone Row Pub & Eatery
Saturday & Sunday,
March 14th & 15th
11:30 – 3:30pm
House made scones, savories & petite sweets for $22. Bonus beverage is an Irish Hot Toddy with Jameson Whiskey, Bailey’s Irish Cream and honey.
Tullamore Dew Tasting
Broadway Bar & Grille
Saturday, March 14th – 1-5pm
Join us for an afternoon of Tullamore Dew tastings, Tully drink specials and St. Paddy’s swag (jerseys, flasks, bags, hats, etc) … plus our Irish food specials!
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