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Discover What Truly Makes Us Irish
Two years ago, we launched one of the most defining campaigns in our history: “This Is Not Us.” The campaign took us back to the real lives of 19th century emigrants, by contrasting modern-day St. Patrick’s Day attire with historical images of Irish people. The campaign wasn’t about raining on anyone’s parade, but rather encouraging tourists and locals alike to dig a little bit deeper and discover what it truly means to be Irish and how that meaning is forever tied to the people who have left these shores.
Whether you’re planning a visit to Ireland or a local looking for a great way to spend Patrick’s Day, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum is a unique and innovative way to discover what Irishness is really all about.
Ps. Don’t worry – visitors wearing leprechaun hats, shamrock glasses and other St. Patrick’s attire will be welcomed with open arms.
What’s happening at EPIC this St. Patrick’s Day
Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hannan
Paddy Hannan, born in County Clare, Ireland, ventured to Western Australia in search of opportunity, ultimately making a historic gold discovery in 1893. Their find, known as the “Golden Mile,” triggered a gold rush, transforming the remote region into the bustling town of Kalgoorlie. However, this era also brought a heap of controvery among Indigenous Australians.
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Frances Moloney (aka Sister Mary Patrick)
Frances Moloney’s journey from wealthy aristocrat to dedicated missionary exemplifies a profound commitment to service. After her husband’s passing, she felt a religious calling to embark on challenging missionary work in China despite significant obstacles. Her legacy includes pioneering efforts in healthcare and education, leaving a lasting impact on communities she served.
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Celebrating Irish Heritage At Home & Beyond the Border
Amidst the seas of green on St. Patrick’s Day, one Irish Patrick shines, but what about the others?
St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a global celebration, inviting people from every corner of the planet to partake in Irish traditions and festivities, regardless of their heritage. It’s a day to reconnect with friends, dance to live music in the streets, and toast to the spirited way of Irish living.
But this St.Patrick’s Day, we also remember the ‘Other Patricks’ significant to the history of other places in the world like Japan, Australia, Paris, and New York.
Join us as we unveil the stories of Olympians, Missionaries, Musicians, and Gold Hunters whose legacies have left an indelible mark on cities and cultures worldwide.
The ‘Other’ Patricks
From missionaires to pioneering musicians, these Six Patricks made significant contributions to the development of communities and industries that stretched around the globe. This St. Patrick’s Day, we remember the stories of other Irish emigrants who made their mark, wherever their jouney brought them.
Patrick ‘Paddy’ Hannan
Paddy Hannan, born in County Clare, Ireland, ventured to Western Australia in search of opportunity, ultimately making a historic gold discovery in 1893. Their find, known as the “Golden Mile,” triggered a gold rush, transforming the remote region into the bustling town of Kalgoorlie. However, this era also brought a heap of controvery among Indigenous Australians.
Read More
Frances Moloney (aka Sister Mary Patrick)
Frances Moloney’s journey from wealthy aristocrat to dedicated missionary exemplifies a profound commitment to service. After her husband’s passing, she felt a religious calling to embark on challenging missionary work in China despite significant obstacles. Her legacy includes pioneering efforts in healthcare and education, leaving a lasting impact on communities she served.
Read More
Patrick Lafcadio Hearn
Born to an Anglo-Irish father, Patrick’s journey, from birth on the Greek island of Lefkada to becoming Yakumo Koizumi in Japan was marked by adversity. Despite facing partial blindness and discrimination, Hearn’s transformative journey led him to become a prolific writer and cultural interpreter, leaving a lasting legacy that bridges Eastern and Western perspectives.
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Patrick Leahy
Patrick Leahy, a forgotten hero of the 1900 Paris Olympics, hailed from Creggane, Co. Limerick, destined for athletic greatness alongside his Olympian brother, Con. That year his remarkable resilience and endurance characterized the event of the year. He earned both silver and bronze medals in high jump and long jump, respectively. But despite his achievements, Leahy’s legacy faded into obscurity.
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Patrick ‘Patsy’ Touhey
Patrick ‘Patsy’ Touhey, renowned for his mastery of the Uilleann pipes, led a life filled with musical brilliance and controversy. Born in Galway in 1865 but raised in Boston, Touhey was praised for his performances at a young age but soon faced criticism for perpetuating stereotypes of Irish people in his performances. Still, you can’t talk about the popularization of Irish pipe music in North America without mentioning his name.
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Patrick McGoohan
Born to Irish parents in New York in 1928 but raised Catholic in Ireland and England, Hollywood Legen Patrick McGoohan rose to fame as an actor known for his charisma and unconventional roles. His portrayal of John Drake in “Danger Man” and “The Prisoner” solidified his status as a cultural icon. But it was McGoohan’s refusal to conform to industry norms, combined with his artistic vision, that set him apart from his contemporaries.
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St Patrick’s Day History-at-home Pack
Download our free History-at-home pack to discover the history of St. Patrick, and how the arrival of Spring heralded new beginnings for the Celts. Learn all about the traditions enjoyed on the day through word searches, trivia quizzes and activities and such as making your own Brigid’s Cross. What better way to celebrate St. Brigid and women around the world this St. Brigid’s Day!
SEANCHOÍCHE – REVIVING THE IRISH STORYTELLING TRADITION
At EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum we like to remind everyone who’ll listen that the Irish are, and always have been, a lot more than worn out stereotypes of drinking, fighting, and green garb.
We are a nation and diaspora of inventors, creators, and indeed, storytellers. Eighteen months ago, Ciaran Gaffney set out to re-establish the ancient tradition of live storytelling in the imaginaries of a new generation of Irish people when he founded SEANCHOÍCHE. The storytelling event has taken Ireland – and the world – by storm.
EPIC PERSPECTIVES: ST. PATRICK’S DAY IN TOKYO
Did you know that Asia’s oldest and biggest St. Patrick’s Day Parade takes place in Tokyo?
Despite having a diaspora community of less than 2,000 Irish people, Japan has been embracing St. Patrick’s Day since the early 1990s. EPIC reached out to the Irish community in Tokyo to find out why…
SHOP IRISH, SHOP SUSTAINABLE
New Story 1
The London Irish Centre brings back our annual St Brigid’s Day concert, celebrating the first day of spring and Irish women! Hosted by the wonderful Tara Flynn, expect music, film, conversation and laughter with live music from Megan O’Neill, Evon Brennan, Linda Moylan and harpist Tara Viscardi.
New Story 2
Irish Film London is delighted to bring you six of the best new short films by Irish women filmmakers in this specially curated programme for St Brigid’s Day 2023. If you can’t attend this event in person, this event can be watched on Irish Film From Home online.
New Story 3
The Embassy of Ireland in Madrid is delighted to invite you to a special concert to celebrate St. Brigid´s Day this year, and are honoured to have the internationally renowned Irish uilleann piper Louise Mulcahy here to perform alongside Madrid based dance group Irish Treble.
MORE IRISH ST. PATRICK’S DAY STORIES
Browse through our online collection and follow the fascinating stories of the Irish around the world, both past and present and learn how St. Patrick’s Day has been celebrated for centuries throughout our island and the world. Discover the many ways our cultural traditions have evolved over time.
St. Patrick: Ireland’s most celebrated immigrant
March 17th is the feast day of Ireland’s patron saint – Saint Patrick. But over the years it has evolved into a celebration of Ireland and its people, so many forget that Patrick wasn’t actually Irish…
How March became Irish-American Heritage Month
Back in 1991, the US Congress designated March as Irish-American Heritage Month – a month dedicated to recognising the contribution that Irish immigrants and their descendants have made to American society.
The Rise of the St Patrick’s Day Parade
Although St. Patrick’s Day has long been celebrated in Ireland, the tradition of holding a parade on March 17th didn’t begin here. It actually developed among those who left Ireland and settled in faraway places.
