How to Be Irish in Philly This Week

The weather’s going to be hot, but the action at the shore is even hotter, so that’s where you should go this weekend.

First, there’s rugby. The annual War at the Shore matches will be held at Dealy Field in Sea Isle City on Saturday, with the PA Bulls facing the Northern Raiders of New York, the New York Knights taking on the Northern Virginia Eagles, and the Bucks County Sharks (there are sharks in Bucks County?) vs. the Connecticut Wildcats.

The Msgr. Bonner high school rugby team from Drexel Hill will also take on the Salesianum School rugby team from Wilmington, DE.

There’s a free cookout, music and entertainment, kids’ activities, and a nearby beach. Plus, there’s no admission fee.

While you’re down the shore, pop over to Wildwood to catch Blackthorn on the beach. Really, right there in the sand. And Jamison Celtic Rock is at Casey’s in North Wildwood. Both on Saturday. Jamison will also be at Shenanigan’s in Sea Isle on Sunday.

There, your weekend—all planned.

If you’re in Pennsylvania, Timlin and Kane will performing at the Sands Casino in Bethlehem on Saturday.

On Sunday, Alex Boatright, a 2007 All Ireland harp champion and fiddler, and her husband. Duncan, a percussionist and composer, will be holding a weekend workshop in West Chester for students of Irish music, both big and small. There will be an opportunity to show off what you learn at the session at Molly Maguire’s in Phoenixville on Sunday. See our calendar for how to sign up.

On Monday, spend happy hour at Fergie’s on Sansom Street with members of the Inis Nua Theatre Company, who will be conducting their version of a British panel quiz show called “I Got it Off the Telly.” For your $10 cover, you get a complimentary drink and appetizers, plus a chance to win raffle prizes.

You can catch Blackthorn again this week at Hometown Heroes Night at Pennypack Park on Wednesday and a free summer concert in Collegeville on Friday.

On Wednesday, August 1, the Young Ireland and St. Patrick’s Gaelic football teams go head to head as the race to the finals comes to a close. Action starts at 6:30 PM at the very crispy Cardinal Dougherty fields.

And catch Jamison again this week—on Friday—at Curran’s Northeast.