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Celebrate Irish culture every day in Lexington

You don’t have to wait until St. Patrick’s Day to learn about Irish culture in Lexington, just head to Upper Street to shop, sip, and spend time at Irish-owned businesses.

LEX_Irish row mccarthys failte

Upper Street is filled with Irish-owned businesses. | Photo by LEXtoday

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Happy St. Patrick’s Day, Lexington. From the historical stone fences and the horse farms they surround, to a host of businesses on Upper Street — the Irish influence in Lexington is as deep as the Irish brogue is fast.

Today we’re taking a look at how we can celebrate Irish culture on this holiday + beyond.

Fun fact: City Editor Molly has dual citizenship with Ireland as her father was born + raised in Kilkenny.

The first-ever Lexington St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held downtown in 1980 and led by founder + longtime organizer Bill Enright. In September of that same year, the Bluegrass Irish Society was incorporated as a public, charitable, and educational organization.

Three boyscouts and a man carrying a green sign that says Bluegrass Irish Society walking through a downtown street.

The 40th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival was held in 2019. | Photo by Ed Roller

Picasa/Ed Roller/LFUCG

The group — now led by Megan Moloney + Liza Hendley Betz — has been in charge of planning our St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Festival for decades. And while this year’s festivities were moved indoors due to the weather, you can still celebrate today and beyond.

Honor the Irish every day

There’s plenty of places to enjoy Irish culture every day in Lexington.

  • Failte is your one-stop-shop for all things Ireland. Think: Sweets, sweaters, Irish soda bread mix, crisps, and themed gifts. Stop by today at 11 a.m. for a blessing by Bishop Stowe + performances from Bluegrass Ceili Academy. Plus, you’ll get 17% off your purchase of $40+.
  • Find live music, watch rugby, and grab a pint at McCarthy’s or Molly Brooke’s.
  • Take a tour and learn the rich horse history of Ashford Stud or Castleton Lyons.
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