Our seafaring village is abuzz with excitement as the Mystic Irish Parade is set to return on Sunday, March 19th! The parade will make its way along the scenic Mystic River route, bringing a vibrant energy to town.
2023 promises to be bigger and better than ever, with colorful floats, live Irish music, dancing, and more. Whether you’re a local or visiting from out of town, come join us for a unique and memorable experience.
Stay in the Heart of the Action
Whaler’s is the perfect place to stay for this beloved event. Our warm and welcoming inn offers a unique and charming stay located conveniently in the heart of historic downtown. Prefer a quieter setting than being in the heart of it all?
Our comfortable rooms provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of the parade with select views of the action. Read on to check out what’s happening parade weekend and for helpful info to make the most out of your getaway.
Mystic Irish Parade Day Brunch at The Shipwright’s Daughter
What’s better than celebrating St. Patrick’s Day season in Mystic, CT? Enjoying a delicious gourmet brunch at The Shipwright’s Daughter while watching the parade of course! It will be the best top o’ the mornin’ you could ask for.
Dine on your favorite Irish classics at this farm-to-fork restaurant. Enjoy all the festivities from the comfort of your seat. It’s the perfect setting to delight your tastebuds with gourmet bites and savor every sip of delicious mimosas.
This experience will help you fuel up for a full day of parade activities. Reservations can be made via OpenTable or by giving the restaurant a call at 860-536-7605.
Celebrating Irish Heritage
The Mystic Irish Parade is a fantastic local event that is organized and run entirely by volunteers. It’s a great way to celebrate Irish heritage and bring together the community in a fun and exciting atmosphere.
Sherrie Mello, manager of North Swell says, “The parade is a little bit of everything for everyone. There is the history of the parade and the excitement of the young kids seeing the Irish wolfhounds and the performers. As a store manager, it amazes me how many parade goers come out so early that morning. And it’s even better to have a front-row view from our store windows.”
Celebrating Community
It provides them with the opportunity to showcase their talent to thousands of attendees that come out to enjoy this lively day. It’s an excellent way to kick off the busy spring and summer seasons and get a taste of what the region has to offer.
“The festivities are a great opportunity to celebrate goodwill in our community. At Mystic Seaport Museum we use our float as a platform to give our neighbors a sneak peek into upcoming exhibitions. This year we’re celebrating our fisheries which connects to our current exhibit Fish & Forrest and our upcoming exhibit, Alexis Rockman: Oceanus, opening Memorial Day Weekend! Keep an eye out for a fishing leprechaun on this year’s float!” -Sophia Matsas, Mystic Seaport Museum.
Many businesses support the parade by joining in the fun and offering themed items like the famous, green, freshly-baked croissants from Sift Bakeshop.
“Having grown up in Stonington, I’ve been coming to the Mystic Irish Parade for years… So it’s such an honor to now have a business in Downtown Mystic and see our children get to enjoy this very special community tradition. The energy and excitement of parade day is like no other. It’s contagious!” – Ebbie Young, Sift Bakeshop
Celebrating Passion & Dedication
The volunteers are an incredible group of people who deserve to be celebrated. They work tirelessly to make sure that the parade is a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone. They help organize the floats, make sure the route is clear and safe, and cheer on the participants as they march.
Their enthusiasm and dedication make it a special event each year, and it wouldn’t be the same without them. The Whaler’s Inn team thanks them for their hard work to put on this wonderful event. It’s a grand day for locals as well as visitors drawn to the magic of the Mystic Irish Parade.
What to Expect from the Mystic Irish Parade
When does the parade start?
The scenic route kicks off at 1 p.m. and extends from the Mystic Seaport Museum to the Mystic Museum of Art.
Where should I park for the Mystic Irish Parade?
Our guests receive one parking pass for one car, per room, upon check-in. If you’re looking for additional parking, please read on for some helpful tips to find a spot.
Downtown parking can also be found at the Mystic Museum of Art parking lot on 9 Water Street. This is where the parade ends but is first come, first serve, and is also paid parking.
Plenty of additional smaller parking lots can also be found along the parade route or on the many side streets along the route. Please reference the map on the parade website for locations of side streets. Parking is also plentiful in the Olde Mistick Village parking lot; however, keep in mind that it’s a mile walk from there to the parade route.
Will the weather impact the parade?
The parade will go on rain or shine. Please be sure to dress appropriately or watch from the comfort of our select hotel rooms with parade views.
Are there other events taking place throughout the weekend I should attend?
The Mystic Irish 5K is a great way to get in the spirit of the parade! It’s a fun and festive way to get some exercise. The course starts and ends in Downtown Mystic and travels along scenic River Road and the banks of the Mystic River. The race winners have a reserved spot to march in the Mystic Irish Parade the next day!
Plan your Parade Day Getaway at The Whaler’s Inn
Don’t miss out on this perfect way to enhance your Mystic Irish Parade experience – book your stay at The Whaler’s Inn today!
As always, if you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our friendly, knowledgeable 24/7 Front Desk Team at 860-536-1506.
