PITTSBURGH IRISH FESTIVAL

EVENTS & ACTIVITIES

Events and Activities subject to change

THE IRISH EXTREME (presented by Best Buy)

Get your Irish up while experiencing competitive and non-competitive activities in our newest activity area for young adults! Climb the “Cliffs of Moher” climbing wall and try your hand at our Irish cornhole game (also known as “soft horseshoes.”), Irish Dance Dance Revolution, Madden, Irish Rock Band and Guitar Hero.

PITTSBURGH IRISH FESTIVAL "GOES GREENER"

The Irish know their green! This year we are focusing on our green with tips and practices that contribute to a more environmentally and ecologically responsible festival! Purchase a Festival Pint Glass at any beverage station and save the environment by using less throw-away plastic cups. Our brochure and program books are printed on recycled paper and are certified by the Forest Stewardship Council. Please recycle your program at the exit if you are done with it. Inexpensive souvenir totes are available at the Merchandise Booth. Less plastic that is used for shopping – the more “green” our world. We are also working with Pennsylvanie Resources Council's Zero Waste Pittsburgh on an enormous recylving effort to reduce our footprint and with ReFuel Pittsburgh to recycle all of our used cooking oil. And we are thrilled to be donating all of our leftover food to the Rainbow Kitchen, courtesy of the Pittsburgh Chapter of Friends of St. Patrick.

DISCOVER YOUR IRISH FAMILY TREE

Trace that elusive Irish ancestor by visiting the new Genealogy Pavilion. Learn how to search locally and online for long-lost family here and on the Auld Sod. Forms and reference books are on-site to guide you as you begin or restart the process of climbing your Family Tree.

IRISH DOG AREA

Visit with the dogs native to Ireland! Meet all Irish breeds: Irish Setter, Irish Wolfhounds, Irish Water Spaniel, Irish Terrier, Glen of Imaal, Irish Red and White Setter, Kerry Beagle, Kerry Blue Terrier, and the Soft-coated Wheaten Terrier.

GAELIC SPORTS

We are pleased to present one of Ireland’s favorite traditional sports –curragh racing. Presented by Pittsburgh Irish Rowing Club, it is an outdoor sport of ancient Celtic origins. The curragh, or rowboat, will be demonstrated in NACA exhibition races on the Mon River. Fast, rough, exciting and not to be missed Saturday and Sunday!

TIR na nOg (CHILDREN'S AREA/IRISH ARTS AND CRAFTS)

For our wee folk! Take home a hand-made souvenir, enjoy an Irish story, sing-a-long and even dance an Irish jig!

IRISH MARKETPLACE

A favorite area of the Festival is the Irish Marketplace where unique shopping booths display a panorama of Irish items for sale. Take home a specialized clothing article, piece of art, interesting trinket or souvenir. Guaranteed Irish, we feature over 30 specialty booths. Don’t forget to visit our Festival’s award-winning t-shirt booth!

HEDGE SCHOOL (WATCH IRISH ARTISANS AND HISTORIANS AT WORK)

Learn about Ireland’s geography, history, sports, tourism, music and more as our outreach participants demonstrate their unique skills passed along from generation to generation and display their creative work. You can even make a piece of Irish art to take home at our continuous demonstration and craft area.

MEET PITTSBURGH’S IRISH ORGANIZATIONS

Members will be on hand with lots of information and an invitation to join them!

BLARNEY BINGO

Bring your daubers and good luck charms as you try your hand at Irish Bingo!

The Irish Living History Society of Central Ohio

The Irish Living History Society of Central Ohio is a non-profit, educational
group which uses crafts such as blacksmithing, wood-turning, cooking and
textile dyeing to demonstrate life in 11th century Ireland. History comes
alive at High King Brian Boru's Ireland. Hear our herbalist talk about the
medicinal uses of herbs or visit the abbey to learn about illuminated
manuscripts. Try on some chain mail and learn about handling ancient
weaponry. ilhsco.org

"When Johnny Comes Marching Home: The Irish in the American Civil War" (Special Traveling Exhibit)

Presented by the Ward Irish Music Archives, Milwaukee, WI.

http://irishfest.com/Music-Archives/Exhibits/When-Johnny-Comes-Marching-Hom.htm