Murphys Irish Day is a hugely popular St. Paddy’s Day celebration in honor of Murphys, California’s Irish beginnings. Here’s what keeps bringing folks back every year:
What We Love About Murphys Irish Day
- It can be a beautiful 65-degree day or snowing, but the party always goes on.
- It’s free. Unless you want to spend your pennies on green beer and Irish fare, that is.
- Singing and dancing to live Irish music in the middle of Main Street is not only encouraged, but expected.
- Where else can you drink green wine? It will be flowing until it runs out at Irish Vineyards.
- You can win a trip for two to Ireland. Really. Tickets will be available at local businesses so ask around.
And our friend Judy on Facebook says Murphys Irish Day is the best because, “You can be ‘flat-out’ silly and no one thinks you’re making a fool of yourself.” Cheers to that.
If you’re planning to come to the area for Murphys Irish Day, don’t forget to book your lodging in advance. Rooms fill up fast for this one.
Here’s the Murphys Business Association’s description of the event (we couldn’t put it better ourselves):
Each year on the third Saturday in March, thousands of people from Northern California and beyond gather in the historic gold rush town of Murphys to honor its Celtic heritage and to celebrate as only the Irish can. Its picturesque Main Street is filled with booths offering hand crafted items, original art, photographs, tasty food, wine, and other beverages.
The day begins with a pancake breakfast. At 11 a.m. the swirl of bagpipes heralds a parade of marching bands, classic cars, horses, community organizations, novelty entries, and some of the finest children in the land.
Throughout the day, there is continuous entertainment featuring singers, dancers, musicians, and jugglers. There are pony rides for the young ones and Renaissance actors encamped in the park. And some lucky raffle ticket buyer will win an exciting trip for two to Ireland!
All this in addition to the charming shops, fine restaurants, and wine tasting rooms that line historic Main Street and help create what is nationally recognized as one of the finest small towns in America.
So if you like big festive street parties, green beer, Irish music, wine and everything else that comes along with a perfect Irish celebration, then don’t miss Murphys Irish Day this year.
Some 100 vendors offering fine arts and crafts, home-baked delicacies, Irish Day t-shirts, souvenirs and many tasty things to eat and drink will line historic Main St. Live entertainment with a decidedly Irish theme will be presented on two stages and along Main Street. Bagpipe music by the White Hackle Pipe & Drums will fill the air. The Tommyknocker Cloggers will set everyone’s feet a-tapping. In addition, there will be many other musicians playing throughout the day.
