Backgrounder

A Bit O' Ireland In Philadelphia

The Plough and the Stars in Old City

Photo by G. Widman for GPTMC

PHILADELPHIA, March 1, 2004 - Visitors looking to add a bit o' Irish culture into their trip to Philadelphia can explore these unique Irish attractions:

Cultural Attractions

• The Rosenbach Museum & Library preserves the original, 800-page manuscript of James Joyce's Ulysses, which tops the list of the most influential books in modern literature. In addition to its world-renowned collection of rare books and manuscripts, the Museum also houses 18th- and 19th-century furniture, silver and works of art. 2008-10 Delancey Place, (215) 732-1600, www.rosenbach.org
• The newly dedicated Irish Memorial National Monument marks the sesquicentennial anniversary of the Irish Famine. Sculptor Glenna Goodacre's 30-foot by 12-foot bronze sculpture includes 35 life-sized figures in a 1.75-acre dedicated park. The Memorial honors the more than one million victims of the tragic event, in addition to the journey taken by a million more Irish immigrants in search of freedom and prosperity in America. Front & Chestnut Streets at Penn's Landing, www.irishmemorial.org
• Brat Productions specializes in the works of Irish playwright Conor O'Brien, presented in the intimate setting of the upstairs bar of Fergie's Pub. Brat presents no-holds-barred productions of edgy contemporary plays that appeal to younger audiences. 1214 Sansom Street, (215) 413-0975, www.bratproductions.org
• Visitors and residents alike can explore their Irish roots at the Historical Society of Pennsylvania. Along with research on nearly any topic in American history, this century-old, brick and marble building houses Irish manuscripts, photographs, maps and prints, as well as relevant books dealing with the history of Irish populations in Philadelphia. 1300 Locust Street, (215) 732-2680, www.hsp.org

Events

• The St. Patrick's Day Observance Association hosts the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, continuing a long tradition of St. Patty's Day celebrations in the city. In one of the largest Philadelphia parades, about 20,000 participants process through Philadelphia each March in celebration of more than two centuries of Irish culture. March 14, 2004; March 13, 2005. From Broad Street & Washington Avenue to 20th Street & the Benjamin Franklin Parkway, (215) 945- 0563, (610) 449-4320, http://www.stpatricksparadephila.com
• Every June 16, Philadelphians celebrate Bloomsday, recognizing the day that Leopold Bloom, the quirky hero from James Joyce's famed Ulysses, walked the streets of Dublin. The Rosenbach Museum and Library displays the original manuscript while prominent Philadelphians give a voice to its pages. 2008-10 Delancey Place, (215) 732-1600, www.rosenbach.org
• Youngsters from the Irish National Boxing Team help kick off the Irish Festival at Penn's Landing. Highlights of this annual event, taking place from June 25-27, 2004, include authentic Irish food and vendors. This year, step dancers and the authentic Irish band the WolfeTones will journey from Ireland to join local Irish band the Hooligans for this charity event. (215) 574-9240

• Those craving more than pub fries and poppers can check out The Bards, a cozy pub with a fireplace that serves jazzed up Irish fare. Menu highlights include warm goat cheese salad with roasted walnuts, barbecued salmon and potato pancakes filled with ham and cabbage or broccoli and cheese. The Bards also hosts traditional Irish musicians every Sunday night. 2013 Walnut Street, (215) 569-9585
• The Black Sheep is an Irish-owned bar in a polished Center City townhouse, serving great food (the corn-dusted calamari is a winner) and a large selection of beer. The multi-floor venue features darts, a juke box and several televisions. 247 S. 17th Street, (215) 545-9473, www.theblacksheeppub.com
• Fado is a Dublin-based pub chain known for its Guinness and Irish home-cooking like boxties, grilled salmon sandwiches and shepherd's pie. The Philadelphia outpost is particularly cozy with many of its tables situated around a large fireplace. 15th & Locust Streets, (215) 893-9700, www.fadoirishpub.com/philadelphia.html
• For traditional Irish pub fare and rousing conversation, try Fergie's Pub. With no distracting televisions, visitors are free to concentrate on the Old Dublin charm and the popular burger menu. 1214 Sansom Street, (215) 928-8118, www.fergies.com
• Billed as the largest Irish pub and entertainment complex on the East Coast, Finnegan's Wake attracts enormous crowds on the weekends. The four-level complex hosts a variety of live entertainment, including Irish musicians and Top 40 cover bands. Finnegan's is also home to a small gift shop selling Irish clothing, trinkets and crafts. 537 N. 3rd Street, (215) 574-9240, www.finnigans.com
• At both locations of The Irish Pub, a regular crowd of students, business types and locals enjoy imported beers and hearty pub fare. 1123 Walnut Street, (215) 925-3311; 2007 Walnut Street, (215) 568-5603, www.irishpubphilly.com
• McFadden's, an Irish pub chain with locations in Baltimore and New York, is one of Philadelphia's newest Irish establishments. Two bars, large televisions, a separate dining room and DJ entertainment make McFadden's a popular hangout for the after-work crowd. 461 N. 3rd Street, (215) 928-0640, www.mcfaddensphilly.com
• The oldest Irish watering hole in town is McGillin's Olde Ale House, popular with the City Hall crowd for straightforward comfort food and brews. The pub has been named "Best McBar" in town by Philadelphia City Search.com. 1310 Drury Lane, (215) 735-5562, www.mcgillins.com
• Join generations of college students at New Deck Tavern, an authentic Irish restaurant and pub in University City. This Irish tavern has a friendly atmosphere, with pub games, a large single malt scotch collection and a unique draught beer system producing what they claim is "the best pint in the City." 3408 Sansom Street, (215) 386-4600, www.newdecktavern.com
• At the Plough & the Stars, an upscale Irish hotspot in Old City, the mussels in sherry, duck pate and broiled salmon topped with crabmeat are among the most popular items on the sophisticated menu. Plough hosts a popular brunch and live entertainment on the weekends. 123 Chestnut Street, (215) 733-0300, www.ploughstars.com
• Located in the base of the Phoenix Building, Tir na Nog is a popular hangout for American and Irish citizens alike. Serving modern Irish American cuisine amidst traditional pub charm, Tir na Nog is perfect for a sophisticated night out or a Saturday watching the football-rather, soccer-game. 1600 Arch Street, (267) 514-1700, www.tirnanogphilly.com

The Greater Philadelphia Tourism Marketing Corporation (GPTMC), Philadelphia's regional tourism marketing agency, is a private, non-profit organization dedicated to building the region's economy and positive image through tourism and destination marketing. For more information about travel to Philadelphia, call the new Independence Visitor Center, located in Independence National Historical Park, at (800) 537-7676, or visit www.gophila.com.

CONTACT:

Cara Schneider, GPTMC
(215) 599-0789, cara@gptmc.com