You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day. Airports around the US and Ireland donned their finest scally cap, poured a pint of Guinness and illuminated their hallways green in celebration. Let’s take a look at how some airports celebrated the day the Irish way.
Dublin Airport Goes Green
Dublin Airport was bathed in all green for St. Patrick’s Day. The outside of the airport was covered in Shamrock Green to the delighted of on lookers. This is the sixth year in a row the airport has gone green for the day. It is part of the Ireland Tourism Board Global Greening campaign to promote St. Patrick’s Day. Other notable participants were the Coliseum in Rome and the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville which also was decked out in Green.
Boston Logan Rocks
The local Boston Irish rock ban The Dropkicks Murphy’s held an unscheduled show at Boston Logan International terminal E. The band was set to fly out to Dublin to perform a couple of shows for their “Celtic Punk Invasion” in the Emerald Isle. Before they set off however they treated the international terminal E to a four song set. They played their big hit “Shipping up To Boston” but replaced the word Boston with Dublin.
Irish Dancing at Bradley
Bradley International Airport in Windsor Locks, CT took on a different look on Tuesday for St. Patrick ’s Day. A group of Irish dancers were invited to step their way into the hearts of travelers while they entered the airport. About a dozen Irish dancers from the Scoil Rince Luimni Dance Academy in South Windsor, CT got into rhythm just a few feet from the main security check point inside the terminal. Cameras flashed and passengers stop and gazed in amazement as the dancers performed their routine. The dancers also gave out dozens of green dyed carnations to unsuspecting and gracious travelers on the main level of the airport.
Leprechaun Photo Opp
Thanks to the Chicago Aviation Authority, on St. Patrick’s Day there were Leprechauns roaming the hallways of Chicago O’hare in search of lucky passengers looking to find their pot of gold. They will have various Irish entertainment features around the airports and if you do find the Leprechauns and snap a pic with him, you shall be rewarded with pot of gold candy. Also restaurants in the airport will be offering shamrock themed treat, like at McDonalds where you can get a shamrock shake.
Whisky Tasting at JFK
Traveling on St. Patrick’s day doesn’t mean you can drink and be merry. At JFK Tullamore D.E.W. provided their delicious whisky at Terminal 5 in JFK International Airport through March 17. Tullamore D.E.W. is doing their best to bring Dublin to America; there will be traditional Irish music and an opportunity to try your hand at playing the bodhrán, a traditional Irish hand drum, or make music with a xylophone made of partially filled bottles
As always be sure to sign up for the tripch beta and use tripchi whenever you are at the airport. Let us be your guide to a great layover.