How to Be Irish in Philly

Break out the Celtic-strength sunscreen. You’re gonna need it. Lots of Irish doings happening outdoors this weekend.

Here’s what’s on.

Saturday, July 24

It’s a full day of Gaelic athletics at the Philadelphia Gaelic Athletic Association’s field, up in the shadow of the Limerick cooling towers. (For GPS purposes, the address is 945 Longview Road, Pottstown.) The day starts with hurling at 10:30 a.m., followed by ladies’ football, developmental football and men’s games from 1:30 p.m. onward. $10 to get in.

Down the shore, Jamison Celtic Rock brings some of the Christmas spirit to Wildwood Crest’s Christmas in July Celebration, at Sunset Lake along New Jersey Avenue from Farragut to Miami Avenues. That particular gig runs from 6 to 8:45 p.m. Details of the event here.

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We have lots of Irish-ness to keep you happy this week, including music, dance and probably some adult beverages along the line.

Here’s what’s on:

Friday, July 16

The John Byrne Band takes the stage for a drive-in concert sponsored by People’s Light and Point Entertainment tonight at 39 Conestoga Road in Malvern, starting at 6:30 p.m. The band will be performing the music of Shane MacGowan and The Pogues.

This is one hot ticket: Which is to say you can no longer buy tickets online, but if you move fast you can still score them by phone at 610-644-3500. (Or so the ticket office told us at noon.)

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Summer’s here. Time for dancing in the streets. Or in the pubs. Wherever the spirit moves you. All you need is music. 

There’s plenty of that this week and in coming weeks, so strap on your dancing shoes. And maybe that tacky Hawaiian shirt. 

Here’s what’s on. 

Friday, July 9

Jamison Celtic Rock continues its residency at the Shore. You can see the band at North Shore Bar and Kitchen, 301-303 New York Avenue, in North Wildwood, starting at 6 p.m. $3 beers!

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You might want to pack your sunscreen and head down the shore. Plenty of live tunes there. Or you can stick closer to home and check out some traditional Irish music in Bucks County. Plus, more excitement to come.

Here’s what’s on:

Friday, June 25

Jamison Celtic Rock will rock the house at Seaport Pier in North Wildwood, starting at 6 p.m. You’ll find Seaport Pier at 2201 Boardwalk. You could hardly ask for a more summer-y location, down along the Irish Riviera.

Saturday, June 26

Jamison Celtic Rock is back, this time at The Inlet, 101 East Walnut Avenue, North Wildwood. The show begins at 6 p.m. 

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Several ways to celebrate your heritage this week, from live Irish tunes to an event honoring the literature of Irish author James Joyce. 

But we begin with a bittersweet remembrance.

Friday, June 18

Philadelphia-area Gaelic athletes will be honoring the memory of one of their own tonight as the Young Irelands play the Kevin Barrys at the Philly Gaelic Athletic Association field, 485 Longview Road in Limerick.

Sean Hughes, 27, who recently passed away after being hospitalized several months ago for injuries sustained in a job site accident, was a native of County Armagh, a beloved member of the Young Irelands Gaelic Football Club and a former member of the Kevin Barrys. He leaves behind wife Emily O’Neill and young son Sean-Paul. 

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It’s a relatively short week, but expect more opportunities to get out there and be Irish in weeks to come—a lot of it down at the beaches.

For now:

Friday, June 11

Down the shore? While you’re there catching rays (OK, yeah, we know it’s rainy, but still), take the opportunity to catch Jamison Celtic Rock at North Shore, 301-303 New York Ave., Wildwood, starting at 6 p.m.

Saturday, June 12

Enjoy a good cocktail? Interested in James Joyce’s “Ulysses?” (Bear with us, there’s a connection.) Head to The Rosenbach, 2008-2010 Delancey Place in Philadelphia, for “The Spirit of Bloom Cocktail Mixing Workshop.” It takes place in The Rosenbach Garden. 

A mixologist from “Art in the Age” will be on hand to help you learn the fundamentals of creating a special Bloomsday cocktail, using a bottle of Tamworth Garden Gin. (You can take it home with you!)

The event includes an opportunity to check out Joyce’s manuscript of “Ulysses,” which is in The Rosenbach’s collection. Space is limited in each one-hour workshop time slot. It all takes place at 4, 5:30 and 7 p.m. $85 per couple. Learn more and register here.

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Get ready for the weekend. We have all the upcoming fun listed out for you. 

As before, there are more opportunities to hear live Irish tunes. But more than that … we’re starting a monthlong celebration of James Joyce’s “Ulysses.” 

Here’s what’s happening.

Friday, June 4

Celebrate an extended happy hour with Round Tower at Hanrahan’s Irish Pub, 690 Burmont Road in Upper Darby, starting at 6 p.m.

Down the shore, Wee Neil Mac Thiarnáin and Moira will be playing tunes at the Anglesea Pub, 116 West 1^stAvenue in North Wildwood, from 6 to 10 p.m. Drop by if you’re lucky enough to be at the beach.

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Memorial Day Weekend is upon us, and it looks like one of the best places to be is at the Jersey shore. You’ll find music in a few other places, but the beach is the hot spot.

Friday, May 28

Starting at 7:30 p.m., Neil Mac Thiarnáin and Moira will perform at the Anglesea Pub, 116 West 1^st Avenue in North Wildwood, starting at 7:30 p.m.

Jamison Celtic Rock appears at The Wharf, 708 West Burk Avenue in Wildwood, from 8 to 11 p.m. 

Saturday, May 29

It’s worth getting up a little early to hear one of the best in the business—County Kerry singer Mary Courtney, appearing on Facebook Live for the East Durham Irish Festival, presented by Irish Music Magazine. Her set begins at 9:39 a.m. All details here. 

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