The Rockaway Irish Festival returns for an eighth year on September 18th and 19th at Saint Camillus on Beach 100th Street, Rockaway Beach, NY.
Typically held the first weekend of June, the pandemic nixed plans for June 2020, and conditions did not allow for the festival to return in June 2021. However, the festival organizers were eager to bring the tradition back and the return is much anticipated by the Irish of Rockaway and further afield.
The Rockaway Irish Festival was organized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 21 in 2013, in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy. Living up to their motto of “Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity”, the Rockaway Hibernians put the event together to raise money for their local community, which was particularly affected by the hurricane. A success from the very beginning, the event has only grown since its inception. Since 2013, the event has raised over $300,000 for local charities and organizations such as Saint Camillus Parish, Rockaway Rovers GAA, Rockaway Wish, Rockaway Knights of Columbus, St. Francis De Sales, Blessed Trinity Parish, St. Rose of Lima Parish, and the Rockaway Special Olympians.
The event is a family-friendly affair, with plenty of activities for children as the grown-ups can enjoy ice cold beverages. Live music plays throughout both days, and many vendors are present to get all your desired Irish goods, apparel, etc.
This year the lineup includes Niall and the Durty Nellys, the Highland Rovers, Maggies Clan, The Brooklyn Bards, Celtic Cross, Jeff Conlon, Walker and the Brotherhood of Grape, and The Knobz.
John P. Moroney, one of the event organizers, said, “We look forward to continuing New York City’s largest Outdoor Irish Festival. The COVID pandemic may have slowed us down, but we are back to celebrate the Irish Culture and Heritage in New York City. It will be a fantastic festival with great music and lots of craic. Looking forward to seeing you there.”
The gates will be open from 11am to 8pm, admission is $10. 50/50 tickets plus 10 $1,000 winners raffles and festival shirts are available.
If you are interested in joining AOH Division 21 Rockaway Beach / Breezy Point, contact contact John P. Moroney at 516-263-2373
