Maine Stories

Irish immigrants helped settle and name some of Maine's earliest towns, and played a large part in the success of manufacturing industries that grew Maine's economy and population in the late 1800s. So each year St. Patrick's Day events in the state celebrate not only the culture of Ireland, but the history and traditions of Irish people in Maine. 

The city of Bath will have a full week of festivities during Bath Blarney Days March 11-17. Watch Maine's largest St. Patrick's Day parade, take part in the 5K Shamrock Sprint or Irish Soda Bread Baking Contest, enjoy Irish films and music, and shop at downtown stores during the Moonlight Madness Sale.  

Step dancers from The Stillson School of Irish Dance and live music will highlight "An Irish Evening" March 19 at the Dunaway Community Center in Ogunquit. Stillson School dancers have competed in regional, national and international competitions. The British film "Billy Elliot" will also be shown. Admission is $5.00. Call 207-646-6170 for more information.
Two international-touring traditional Irish music acts will visit Maine during the special week. The Saw Doctors, record holders of Ireland's top-selling single of all time will play Port City Music Hall in Portland on March 15. And veteran all-female group Cherish The Ladies will perform on St. Paddy's Day at Stone Mountain Arts Center in Brownfield.
Portland was home to Maine's largest population of Irish immigrants, and The Maine Irish Heritage Trail introduces visitors to 58 sites significant to the Irish community in the city. The trail includes former homes and businesses of well known residents, churches, cemeteries, schools and past and present social gathering spots. The trail website is the best resource for information about each site.

Maine Snowshoeing
It's affordable, easy for all ages and a quick way to exercise outside during winter. Snowshoeing is offered on groomed or backcountry trails at nearly 20 ski touring centers in Maine, and on thousands of acres of public land owned by the state Department of Conservation and community land trusts. Most of the larger ski touring centers rent snowshoes and some even have trails that dogs are allowed on. Trails wind over fields, through forests, and past lakes and rivers. Learn more about Maine snowshoeing locations here.