Can’t afford a trip to Ireland? Well, now you can experience the culture, food and entertainment – only a short T ride away.

Starting today, iFest is taking over the Boston scene with musicians, dancers, chefs, writers – all showcasing the best of Irish culture. But while there are plenty of Irish happenings in the Seaport this weekend, let’s start with the food and the Guinness.

Attendees are invited to head to Commonwealth Hall, where Jameson Irish Whiskey will offer tastings and a pop-up master cooperage experience, according to a release. But if Guinness is more your style, then we recommend heading to iFest’s Guinness 2020 Bar, where beer samples and tastings will be poured. In addition, attendees can expect to taste stout-based cocktails prepared by a Guinness mixologist. There will also be a Guinness Beer Garden located at the main outdoor festival stage. And considering the drop dead gorgeous weather we’re expected to have this weekend, there’s no excuse to be anywhere else.

If you’re hungry, expect to find plenty of contemporary Irish cuisine prepared by top Irish and American chefs including: Darina Allen, Kevin Dundon, Cathal Armstrong, Barbara Lynch, Lydia Shire, and Maura Kilpatrick.

Irish dance group Riverdance will also be kicking it up at this year’s iFest as well. The Irish dancers will be joined by several Irish performers including Jack L., Paddy Moloney, the Damien Mullane Trio (who perform a Gaelic version of Avicii’s “Wake Me Up”), and more.

And if you happen to have Irish roots yourself, then we suggest checking out one of the iFest’s many exhibitions. According to a release, iFest is giving Boston’s large Irish American population an opportunity to explore their heritage with exhibition and workshops. A special National Archives of Ireland exhibition will also be available to attendees.

That’s just the beginning of everything going on at iFest in the Seaport this weekend. Tickets for 5 hour sessions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday shows are buy one, get one free for $30. Each general admission ticket offers guests an all-access Irish experience. The event is open to the public on Friday, September 26 from 6:00 to 11:00 p.m., Saturday, September 27 from 11:00 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sunday, September 28 from noon to 5:00 p.m. For more information and updates on exhibitors and talent being showcased, please visit www.ifestboston.com.

 

Image via iFest and VanderWolf Images / Shutterstock.com