iFest, Boston

What better place to celebrate Irish culture in the United States than Boston? Whether it's Riverdance, Jameson tastings, or explorations of Gaelic genealogy, the events at iFest help locals connect, or, in some cases, reconnect with the Emerald Isle. In the Literary Salon, for example, readers hear from such acclaimed authors as Donal Ryan and Christine Hickey, while elsewhere, chefs of Irish heritage, including Barbara Lynch and Kevin Dundon, perform cooking demos. Guests can watch Irish folk musician Paddy Moloney of the Chieftains perform on stage, and enjoy a pint at the Guinness bar. The most exciting activity, however, might be in the Irish Sporting Heritage section, where attendees can belt a sliotar, or "hurling ball" at a simulator, or watch the GAA All Ireland Hurling replay between Kilkenny and Tipperary on the big screen.