BECKLEY, WV (LOOTPRESS) – The City of Beckley will host an Irish/Celtic Heritage Weekend from March 15 to 17, 2025, featuring a variety of activities, including a craft event, Irish road bowling, a concert, and food specials at local restaurants.
The festivities begin on Saturday, March 15, at the Raleigh County Library, where a shamrock-themed craft event will take place at noon. Later that afternoon, participants can try their hand at Irish road bowling at New River Park at 2 p.m.
This traditional sport involves rolling a small iron and steel cannonball, called a “bowl,” along a lane.
Teams of two will compete to complete a circuit around the park’s paved circle, with the fastest team declared the winner. The event is free and open to the public.
On Sunday, March 16, The Raleigh Playhouse and Theatre will host an Irish/Celtic concert featuring musician Patrick O’Flaherty.
Sponsored by the Irish Heritage Festival grant through the WV Division of Culture & History, the concert offers free admission. Doors open at 1:30 p.m., with concessions available. The concert begins at 2 p.m., featuring traditional Irish, Scottish, and Celtic tunes.
O’Flaherty, a native of Ireland now residing in Lewisburg, has had a professional music career spanning more than three decades.
A highly respected player of the mandolin, harmonica, button accordion, banjo, and bouzouki, he performs both original and traditional songs and speaks Gaelic.
Attendees are encouraged to sing along, with song sheets provided.
The celebration continues on Monday, March 17, as local restaurants offer Irish/Celtic food specials. Uptown Dish and Beckley’s Historic Black Knight will feature themed lunch specials, while McDonald’s will serve Shamrock Shakes and McFlurries.
Fosters on Main Street plans to offer Irish dishes on both Sunday and Monday in honor of St. Patrick’s Day.
Other area restaurants and bars will also have Irish-themed food and drink specials throughout the holiday weekend.
“We are excited to offer some fun, Irish/Celtic-themed activities in March,” said Jill Moorefield of Beckley Events. “We are also working on details for the Rhododendron Festival with numerous events planned during the month of May, along with other events.”
For more information, contact Beckley Events at 304-256-1776, follow “Beckley Events” on Facebook, or visit the community calendar at Beckley.Events.
