St. Patrick’s Day is celebrated on March 17th and is known for its association with Irish culture and the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. While the day is often associated with festivities and parades, there are also outstanding educational aspects related to Irish history, customs, and culture and many excellent student tour inclusions. Educators can include these in their school trips to Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Washington, allowing students to experience the significance of St. Patrick and Irish Americans’ journies and contributions to our rich history.

St. Patrick’s Day commemorates St. Patrick, a missionary and bishop credited with bringing Christianity to Ireland. He is believed to have died on March 17th, around the year 461 AD. While many legends surround St. Patrick, one of the most famous is that he used the three-leafed shamrock to explain the concept of the Holy Trinity (Father, Son, and Holy Spirit) in his teachings.

Engaging and fun St. Patrick’s Day Themed school lessons:

  • History of St. Patrick’s Day: Provide an overview of the history and origin of St. Patrick’s Day, including the life of St. Patrick and the evolution of the celebration over time.
  • Geography and Culture: Explore Ireland’s geography and culture. Discuss the traditions, music, dance, and food associated with Ireland. You can even incorporate a mini virtual tour of important Irish landmarks.
  • Literary Connections: Explore Irish literature or literature related to St. Patrick’s Day. Read excerpts from Irish authors or discuss poems, short stories, or novels set in Ireland.
  • Language Arts Activities: Create a St. Patrick’s Day-themed word search or crossword puzzle using Irish-related words. Encourage students to write short stories or poems inspired by the holiday.
  • Math Challenges: Design math problems related to St. Patrick’s Day. For example, calculate the probability of finding a four-leaf clover or create math puzzles incorporating shamrocks and leprechauns.
  • Science and Nature: Explore the science behind rainbows and use it as an opportunity to discuss the physics of light. You can also discuss the importance of agriculture and the symbolism of green in connection with St. Patrick’s Day.

Top Historic East Coast Tour Inclusions that Celebrate Irish Heritage, Irish Americans, or St. Patrick:

Washington, D.C. Student Tour Attractions:

  • The Irish Famine Memorial: Located on the grounds of the old GAO Building, this memorial commemorates the Irish victims of the Great Famine.
  • Reagan National Airport and the Reagan Building Celebrate our 40th President 
  • Kennedy Center 

Philadelphia Student Tour Attractions:

  • Philadelphia Irish Memorial: Located in Penn’s Landing, this memorial honors the contributions and sacrifices of Irish immigrants in Philadelphia. The site includes statues and plaques that tell the story of Irish immigration.

New York City:

  • St. Patrick’s Cathedral: Visit this iconic cathedral on Fifth Avenue, a prominent symbol of Irish Catholicism in the city.

Boston:

  • Incorporating Cultural Significance and Ideas into Lesson Plans and School Trips for Celebrating St. Patrick and Irish Americans

    The Boston Irish Famine Memorial: Located in downtown Boston, this memorial pays tribute to the victims of the Irish Potato Famine and reminds visitors of the contributions of Irish immigrants.

  • The John F. Kennedy Presidential Library includes exhibits and interactive opportunities for your students to learn more about the impact of our first Irish-American president. 
  • The Edward M. Kennedy Institute reinforces the importance of the Senate in our Democracy by including a Senate Immersion Module that employs role-play and a simulated Senate session to immerse students in learning about the legislative process and key legislative issues. We highly recommend that you investigate this as an amazing hands-on learning experience for your students on your tour of Boston. 

These destinations offer a mix of historical landmarks, memorials, and cultural events highlighting the rich Irish heritage and contributions of Irish Americans to explore on your next student tour. 

Here is a sample itinerary for school trips to Washington, DC, Philadelphia, New York City, and Boston. Explore St. Patrick’s journey and Irish-Americans’ legacy through our enriching lesson plans and travel suggestions. Ignite your students’ curiosity and celebrate cultural diversity with us!

Nations Classroom