Search
Resorts & LodgesVacation RentalsDeals & PackagesTravel Guides
List Your Property

St. Patrick's Festival at Kells Irish Pub: Portland's Largest Winter Festival

If you're looking for unique and fun location for your next vacation, look no further than Portland, Oregon. The city was discovered and founded by William Overton and Asa Lovejoy in 1843. After a few years of clearing trees and building infrastructure, Overton sold his share of the city to Francis Pettygrove. Soon after the city was named Portland (determined by a coin flip), a post office and lumber mill were established and people began to flock. By 1850, the city was approaching a thousand residents and it was home to multiple industries including milling, logging, fishing, agriculture and cattle farming. Portland never looked back and is now a bustling center of commerce and culture, while boasting over 600,000 residents.

 

Not only is Portland an exciting city filled with attractions, shops, and fun activities, but the natural surrounding will leave you in awe. With majestic mountains at your back, a stunning coastline in front and lush wilderness in between, you won’t find anywhere else like Portland. Outdoor enthusiasts will also enjoy the ample opportunities for hiking, geocaching, hunting, fishing, boating and the list goes on. You can't talk about Portland without mentioning its vibrant and diverse culture. There are plenty of art shows, live entertainment venues, galleries, museums and community gatherings that will give you a taste of the city’s culture. A community gathering that is marked on many calendars all over the Northwest is the St. Patrick's Irish Festival at Kells Irish Pub.

 

For over 25 years, the St. Patrick's Irish Festival has been a major draw. In fact, it is one of the largest festivals in Portland. Held over three days and at two different Kells locations, this festival is the perfect way to experience Irish culture. You’ll find authentic Celtic music and dance during the initial day of the festival (St. Patrick's Day). This is followed by the ever popular “Black Tie Smoker” boxing event and a family oriented day filled with great activities for all ages. No matter if you're Irish or not, there is something for you at the festival. ResortsandLodges.com got the opportutity to interview Lucille McAleese, Co-owner of Kells Irish Pub, to talk about this great event.

 

RAL: Tell me a little bit about the event.

LM: We have been hosting this event since 1990, when we came to Portland and opened up the second Kells Irish Pub (first is in Seattle). We host the event at our tent which is behind the pub and can hold approximately 1,500 to 2,000 people at one time. Over the course of the event we are expecting between 5,000 and 10,000 people in attendance. Demographically we see a wide selection of people in attendance, but we encourage everyone to come out and experience Irish heritage. Even if you're not Irish, this is a fun way to learn about Irish heritage.

 

RAL: What makes the festival unique?

LM: Aside from being one of the largest celebrations in Portland in the late winter, our building is a unique and iconic destination by itself. The beautiful architecture was constructed back in 1889 and it’s on the National Historic Registry. People come from all over the Northwest to participate in our Irish celebration. This is not just an American twist on an Irish celebration.  Jared, my husband and Kells co-owner, is from Ireland and brings a level of authenticity to the festival. The origins of the festival are deeply rooted in Ireland, but we draw a lot of inspiration from the Northwest as well. This year is special because it’s the hundredth anniversary of Irish Independence. We will have the Ancient Order of the Hibernian’s on hand to help us celebrate this meaningful anniversary.

 

RAL: Take me through what attendees will experience at the festival.

LM: The festival kicks off on St. Patrick's Day (March 17th) and takes place at Kells Irish Pub. We will have festivities at both of our Portland locations that include live music, bagpipes and dancing.

 

The day after St. Patrick's day we will be hosting the 6th Annual Black Tie Smoker, which is a sanctioned Golden Glove Boxing event. We have been holding the boxing event for six years. It takes five amateur boxers apiece from America and Ireland and pits them against each other. It's a black tie event and it really is a big hit in the community.

 

On Saturday will be be hosting our big family day. We will have live entertainment, games and something for just about everyone in the family to enjoy. We clear out the tent and fill it with cultural activities while live music is performed on two stages (one in tent and one in pub). We will have live Irish Wolf Hounds on-hand for kids to interact with, Irish dance troops, face painting, vendors selling Celtic themed wares and more.

 

Throughout the festival we will be serving a wide selection of Celtic-influenced dishes and snacks, that are all prepared by our staff. You won't find any outside food vendors at our festival.  

 

RAL: What can attendees expect to find for local lodging?

LM: This is the first year we haven’t partnered with a local lodging provider for the festival. That being said, there are many local lodging options to choose from. Regardless of the size of your group or your budget, you’ll easily find the lodging for you in Portland.

 

RAL: What does the festival mean to the community.

LM: People of all backgrounds love our Irish Festival. It's a great place to gather and have fun, while meeting new people in a friendly environment. We bring extra foot traffic to the area’s hotels, shops, restaurants and attractions. Typically during this season, business can be a little slow so the extra people in the community are welcomed.

 

For the past 22 years we have been raising money for the Providence Child Center with our “Money on the Ceiling Program”, also known as “Irish Magic”. We take all the cash donations from our patrons, pin them to the ceiling and we match the total amount on the day before St. Patrick's Day. To date we have proudly raised over $265,000 for this great cause.

 

RAL: Why should people come to the festival?

LM: This is a highly anticipated local event. People set their schedules in March just so they can attend the festival. With the wide range of fun activities and authentic Irish entertainment, you're in for a one-of a kind experience.


For more information about the St. Patrick's Festival at Kells Irish Pub, please visit their website.