As we put the finishing touches on this issue, the sun’s shining in a baby-blue sky, and temps are warming. Hallelujah! It’s a welcome reprieve from our uncommonly frigid and gray January and a harbinger for beautiful spring days ahead. For me, March always marks a return of the city’s vibrancy with its plethora of events and celebrations—Charleston Wine + Food (March 5-9), Historic Charleston Foundation’s expansive Charleston Festival (March 13- April 13), and the many home and garden tours—luring me from hibernation to get out and explore.
In preparation for St. Patrick’s Day and its jubilant downtown parade (March 17), we decided to present a way for everyone to explore Charleston’s rich Irish history with a walking tour (page 100). Expanding on a fun concept I found at charlestonirish.com (thanks Darragh Doran for the idea!), the route begins at the stunning Gothic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist on Broad Street (founded by a bishop from Cork and designed by an architect born in County Tipperary), passes the Four Corners of Law (each building has Irish connections), and ends at the Irish Memorial overlooking the harbor, offering insight into the centuries of contributions Irish immigrants and their descendants have had on the Holy City. There’s even a stop at Tommy Condon’s Pub along the way.
I learned so much while working on this feature—did you know we have an Irish Consulate downtown and that the Hibernian Society and Ancient Order of the Hibernians are two distinct entities?—and am even more enthusiastic to participate in the festivities and embrace my own Irish heritage. Much more than green beer and shamrocks, St. Patrick’s is a holy feast day—complete with a mass; the parade of dignitaries, step dancers, pipe bands, and more; and the ceremonial raising of the Irish tricolor over City Hall—and a celebration for the entire community. Look for me there, I’ll be wearing green!
Enjoy.
Darcy Shankland
Editor in chief
dshankland@charlestonmag.com