Discover France’s La Vendée Region, Part 3: Noirmoutier Island - 11 Great Reasons To Visit

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Noirmoutier Island (photo: @lenamrzl)

La Vendée is a wonderful area to explore in the Pays de la Loire region on France’s western coast. It’s known for its’ lovely, beach towns such as Les Sables-d'Olonne and its’ bucolic countryside, Le Bocage Vendéen. Then, there’s Noirmoutier—an island that’s about as idyllic as beach life could get: totally peaceful and extremely picturesque. The French and other Europeans like to vacation here, and you will too. There’s great food, beautiful beaches, and some of the friendliest locals you’re likely to meet in France! 

Great Reasons To Visit: Sun, Sand, Salt, Seafood & Little Potatoes!
Apart from by boat, for centuries, the only way to reach Noirmoutier Island was via the Passage du Gois, a tidal causeway only accessible at low tide. Finally, in 1971, a bridge was built making this vacation paradise more accessible. The best times to visit: April, May & June (to avoid the summer crowds) and September (if the weather is good).
1) Get Ready To Unwind: Complete Serenity
Maybe it’s the light or the microclimate (mild winters and temperate summers), but the moment you arrive, you relax. You’ll be charmed by the pretty surroundings, the lovely villages, the sunny weather, the crystal-blue water, the nice beaches, the simple, carefree lifestyle, the traditional white houses with blue shutters, the scent of mimosas…the food!
2) Explore The Island
It’s confusing, so just to be clear, the island is: l'Île de Noirmoutier. The main town is: Noirmoutier-en-l'île -- filled with cute, little shops, lots of great restaurants, and several historic sites.

Noirmoutier-en-ile (photo: @Trendz)

Office de Tourisme (Rue du Général Passaga, Noirmoutier-en-l’île &/or Rue de Polder, Barbâtre) - First, stop at the tourism office for some itinerary suggestions & to pick up a map. Then, drive around or, since the island is relatively flat, go exploring by bike.
Visit the Villages & Neighborhoods: Barbâtre, la Guérinière, l'Épine, l'Herbaudière & Noirmoutier-en-l'île. L'Herbaudière Port: A lively fishing port with a marina, souvenir shops, bars, and restaurants. Bois de la Chaise: An area of lovely villas and chalets surrounded by picturesque pines, mimosa & oak trees. See the Windmills – Since the 7th century, there have been windmills on the island. Of the 32 erected during the 19th century, 23 remain; several have been turned into unique, vacation homes.
3) Relax at The Beach

Plage des Dames (photo: J.Carnegie)

Noirmoutier is an island in the Bay of Biscay, so there are lovely beaches everywhere you turn. Some of the most popular: Plage des Dames, Plage des Sableaux, Anse Rouge & La Madeleine. Go to several and see which ones you like best!
4) Get A Refreshing Workout – Sports Galore
There are lots of water sports to enjoy: kitesurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, water skiing, scuba diving, sailing, etc.
In addition to biking around the island, there are beautiful places to stroll and hike: along the beaches, through the salt marshes, and on lovely trails in the woods: Forêt de la Frandière in Barbâtre, Bois des Eloux in L'Epine & Bois de la Chaise in Noirmoutier. Plus: Horseback riding, tennis, fishing, etc.
5) Discover The Island’s Food Heritage: Salt, Seafood & Little Potatoes
Noirmoutier’s year-round inhabitants are people who’ve lived off the land & sea for generations: mostly fisherman, potato farmers, and salt harvesters.
Salt: In the 7th century, Benedictine monks began transforming the island’s wetlands into salterns--basins where salt is cultivated. Today, there are about 100 salt harvesters (saunier) on the island, using traditional methods to harvest the “white gold” Fleur de sel.

Noirmoutier Potatoes (photo: Julien Gazeau)

Seafood: More than 100 fishing boats unload their catches here daily, including sole, sea bass, striped mullet, lobsters, etc. Locals also like to dig for clams & shrimp and harvest oysters & the delectable bouchot mussels.
Potatoes: Noirmoutier is famous for its’ potatoes--the Sirtema, the Lady Cristl, the Charlotte, but especially the Bonnotte. Planted by hand, grown in sandy soil, and fertilized with seaweed, which gives them their unique flavor.
Les Saveurs de l'ile de Noirmoutier - You can find these and other specialties such as cookies & pastries at little shops and at weekly “Farmers’ Markets” throughout the island. All local products are certified; look for the label Saveurs de l’île de Noirmoutier (Flavors of Noirmoutier Island).
6) Enjoy Some of The Most Delicious Meals You’ll Ever Eat
The chefs here benefit from the island’s bounty to create amazing dishes. Each restaurant offers its own take on Noirmoutier's cuisine. There are many to choose from; start with these: 
Le 11 (11 Quai Cassard, Noirmoutier-en-l'Île, Tel: +33 (0)2 28 10 11 11; https://le11denoirmoutier.com) - Right on the waterfront, a casual, very-friendly spot with tasty meals; try their special: Fish & Chips.

Bouchot Mussels (photo; @Trendz)

Le P’tit Noirmout (10 Rue du Marché, Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, Tel: +33 (0)2 28 10 79 52; https://www.le-ptit-noirmout.com) - Good food in a lively, fun atmosphere.
Le Petit Bouchot (3 Rue Saint-Louis, Noirmoutier-en-l'île, Tel: +33 (0)2 51 39 32 56; https://www.restaurant-noirmoutier.com) - Delicious meals in a very staid, traditional setting.
La Potinière (27 Ave Georges Clemenceau, Noirmoutier-en-l’Île, Tel: +33 (0)2 51 39 09 61; https://potinierenoirmoutier.com) – A very-modern fish & seafood place, right at the beach, Plage des Dames in Bois de la Chaise.
La Marine*** (5 Rue Marie Lemonnier, L'Herbaudière, Tel: +33 (0)2 51 39 23 09; https://www.alexandrecouillon.com) - Michelin 3-star restaurant, booked a year in advance. Chef Alexandre Couillon uses only the freshest, local ingredients: seafood right from the port across the street and herbs & vegetables from his own “kitchen garden.” His wife Céline also runs the more-casual, bistro next door La Table d'Elise. Can’t get into either, get some tasty goodies at their little pastry/grocery shop, Le Petit Couillon.
7) Go on a Guided Tour
Office de Tourisme (Rue du Général Passaga, Noirmoutier-en-l’ile; Tel: +33 (0)2 51 39 80 71) - The Tourism Office offers several interesting Tours (only in French), but some you could enjoy anyway such as a boating excursion. It’s worth checking out what they have to offer. In addition…

Marais Salants (photo: Simon Bourcier)

Visite des Marais Salants – Visit a salt basin to see how the Fleur de sel is harvested. (Marais de Bonne Pogne: May-Sept, tour in English.)
Visite de la Criée à L'Herbaudière Port – Tour the port and the “criée” (fish auction market) where all the fishing boats unload their daily catch. (Tour in French only.) 
8) Take Part In Unique Island Activities
La Fête de la Bonnotte (May) – On the 1st Saturday in May, Noirmoutier’s illustrious Bonnotte potato is feted with an elaborate, communal meal followed by a concert. In the morning, you can go into the fields to pick your own potatoes.
Les Foulées du Gois (June) – Athletes race across the Passage du Gois against the rising tide. Or, just consult the tide schedule and walk or bike across any time at your leisure.
9) Learn More About The Island’s Historic Heritage
Noirmoutier-en-l'île has several historic sites to visit:

Windmill house (photo: J.Carnegie)

Château de Noirmoutier (Place d'Armes) – This 12th century castle is now a museum. Climb to the top for a great panoramic view.

Hôtel Jacobsen (Rue Saint Louis) – Once the home of the influential Jacobsen family, it’s now a maritime-history museum.
Église Saint-Philbert (2 rue du Cheminet) – This 11th century church was built on the grounds of the former Benedictine Abbey, founded in 674 by the monk Saint-Philbert.
10) Be Entertained
Les Salorges (22 Quai Jean Bart, Noirmoutier-en-l'Île) - At this performance center, even if you don’t speak French, there are lots of dance & concert programs to enjoy as well as many programs for kids.
Several cafés in the various villages have live music in the evenings and/or go to the movies (always a few English-language films): Le Mimosa (73 Ave Joseph Pineau, Noirmoutier-en-l'Île). 
11) Be Welcomed Like Family
The people in all the shops, restaurants, and guesthouses are very welcoming—especially if you arrive off-season, in the spring or fall, as I’m recommending.
Where To Stay: There’s everything from hotels to Maison d'hôtes (guesthouses) to camping grounds and rental homes. Here’s a lovely place to start: 

The Corner

The Corner - Maison d'hôtes (2 rue du Général Leclerc, Noirmoutier-en-l’île;
Tel: +33 (0)6 09 86 17 79; https://www.thecorner-no.fr) - When traveling to some place you’ve never been before, it’s nice to be welcomed with open arms. The Corner, is owned by an American, Diane, and her French-chef husband, Raphael. It’s like staying with family you just never met before. Located in the center of lovely Noirmoutier-en-l’île, right by all the cute little shops, the house dates from 1814 and was the home of the former mayor. Completely renovated, today there are 5 beautifully-decorated guest rooms—perfect for romantic getaways. And, in the adjoining property, there are larger rooms great for families or groups of friends traveling together. The amount of thought and attention to detail that has gone into decorating & outfitting each guest room is truly amazing. That, plus Chef Raphael’s delicious meals makes The Corner the perfect place to start your vacation on Noirmoutier Island.
Getting Around: You can rent a car or a bike or hop on the little

Passage de Gois (photo: @alamoureux)

tourist train, Noirmout'Train. 

Getting There: From Paris: SNCF Train to Nantes with a connecting bus, Aléop coach #13 (2hrs & 1.5hrs). Airport: Nantes Atlantique (then an hour drive to the island). Or, consult the tide schedule and drive, bike or walk across the Passage du Gois!

Discover France’s La Vendée Region: Part I: Les Sables-d'Olonne - A Seaside Haven for Lovers of Sailing, Seafood & Sandy Beaches!

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Les Sables (photo: Alexandre Lamoureu)

La Vendée is a wonderful area to explore in the Pays de la Loire region on France’s western, Atlantic coast (below Nantes and above La Rochelle). While La Vendée is not as well-known to Americans as Provence or Normandy, it's a place where the French and other Europeans like to vacation. It's known for its long coastline, sandy beaches &Alex Noirmoutier Island as well as its’ bucolic countryside, Le Bocage Vendéen. There’s great food, plus plenty to see and do. Also, La Vendée has some of the friendliest locals you’re likely to meet in France!
SO MUCH TO “SEA” - LES SABLES-D'OLONNE: VILLE BALNEAIRE
Along La Vendée’s coastline, called France’s Côte de Lumière (Coast of Light), there are several lovely villes balnéaires (beach towns). Les Sables-d'Olonne is one of the most popular with so much to offer:
10+ UNIQUE THINGS TO DO IN SABLES-D'OLONNE
For centuries, Les Sables-d'Olonne has been home to sailors, seafarers, and fishermen. Today, these old-world traditions continue in a town enhanced by modern-day comforts and lots of enjoyable activities.

Raphael Toussaint "La Villa Blanche, Les Sables d'Olonne"

Explore the Town
- Go For A Promenade: Start your visit with a walk on Le Remblai, the oceanfront promenade, lined with restaurants, cafes, and shops.
- Stroll Through The Neighborhoods: This is a very walkable town with lots to see along the way. The narrow streets are lined with different types of houses from modest fishermen’s homes to fancy beach villas. La Chaume is the oldest section of town, still inhabited by fishermen. Les Sables' historic Le Passage district has old shipowners' houses and one of the narrowest streets in the world, Rue de l'Enfer. In the L'île Penotte neighborhood, local artist Danièle Arnaud Aubin has covered the walls with delightful, seashell mosaic murals.
- Check Out The Shopping: In the Centre-Ville (Town Center) around the
Notre Dame de Bon Port, one of Les Sables’ oldest churches from 1646, classified as a monument historique, there are “rues piétonnes” (pedestrian streets) lined with lovely boutiques: Rue de l’Hôtel de Ville, Rue des Halles & Rue Jean Moulin. Nearby, feast on a vast array of local produce 

Marché des Halles Centrales (photo: S. Bourcier)

in the Marché des Halles Centrales, a stunning, cast-iron & glass covered, food market, designed by local architect Charles Smolski in 1890.

Visites Guidées (Guided Tours in French & English): You can explore all these places on your own or go on a tour organized by Les Sables-d’Olonne Tourism Office (Tel: +33 2 51 96 85 85)

Take Advantage of All the Options
- Do Some Sunbathing: On the Grande Plage, the town beach, or go further up the coast to the magnificent Plage de Paracou, Plage d’Aubraie & Plage de Granges, where there’s a surf school.

Plage d’Aubraie (photo: J.Carnegie)

- Enjoy All The Culture: Go to the Musée de l'Abbaye Sainte-Croix (MASC) – a wonderful modern & contemporary art collection. For WWII history buffs, there’s the Musée Blockhaus Hôpital – a restored, German hospital bunker from 1943. Seashell collectors will lose their mind in the fabulous Musée du Coquillage. Plus, attend concerts and all-manner of events & happenings in season. This is a French, seaside town so, of course, there’s a casino; place your bets at the Casino des Atlantes or the Casino JOA Les Pins.

- Get Some Exercise: In addition to beachcombing, hiking and biking are popular activities here along with all the usual offerings: golf, tennis, swimming, etc.
- Fun for the Kids: There’s a zoo and an aquarium and a million other great activities for children.

Experience The Best: Sailing, Seafood & Salt
- Sail Away: Whether a novice or an experienced sailor, Les Sables’s Port Olona marina is the spot for you. The Sports Nautiques Sablais offers sailing for every level and at the Institut Sports Océan indulge in any number of nautical activities--sailing, surfing, windsurfing, kayaking, etc. 

(photo: Vendée Globe)

Vendée Globe: This is of special interest to sailing enthusiasts. The Vendée Globe is a prestigious, solo, unassisted, around-the-world, non-stop yacht race for the top sailors in the world. It takes place every four years (the 11th edition will be in 2028). The race starts & finishes in Les Sables-d'Olonne. There are usually around 40 international, world-class competitors. Start planning if you'd like to attend the next one as spectator or sailor! Get a ring-side seat in the Vendée Globe Village, this special area is set up on the Port Olona esplanade. There are also several “Hospitality Package” offerings.

- Feast On Sensational Seafood: Les Sables-d'Olonne’s Port de Pêche is one of France’s main fishing ports with catch such as sole, sea bass, hake, cuttlefish, tuna fish, crustaceans…and, a Vendéen specialty: sardines. This tasty, fresh-from-the-ocean seafood can be enjoyed at restaurants throughout town.
- Learn About “White Gold”: The Salt Of The Sea: In medieval times, Olonne salt was highly-prized and it’s still considered “white gold.” Today, you can visit the salt marshes--which look like a beautiful, tranquil nature sanctuary—on your own or on a tour (in French only). Salt forms when sea water, brought into the marsh basins, evaporates due to the sun & wind. Fine salt (fleur de sel) crystallizes on the surface of the basins and coarse salt on the bottom. By springtime, the salt is ready to be harvested and you can watch a demonstration.

Dine In Style: At these restaurants, the fish is so fresh it’s as if it leapt from the ocean onto your plate:

(photo: StudioBCarre)

Le Poisson Rouge (20 Quai Guiné) – Delicious dining.
Restaurant Le Port (24 Quai George V) – The freshest seafood & friendliest service.
La Suite SVP (20 Bd Roosevelt) - Nouvelle cuisine by chef Mélanie Sire.
La Pendule (67 Promenade Georges Clemenceau) – Crêperie right on Le Remblai.
Where To Stay: There is every kind of accommodation: hotels, bed & breakfasts, vacation rentals, etc. Hotel Coeur Marin (8 Bd Franklin Roosevelt) – A pleasant, conveniently-located option with a friendly staff.
Getting There: By train: TGV, Paris - Les Sables d'Olonne (about 3½ hrs).
By plane: Nantes-Atlantique airport or La Rochelle/Ile de Ré airport (1½ hrs).

10 Artsy & Cool Reasons To Visit Cork City, Ireland

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Cork City (photo: George Kabus)

Everything you’ve ever heard about Ireland is true: The hills are green, the Guinness is flowing, the wind is ever at your back. The pubs are filled with colorful characters and traditional music. You could go anywhere in Ireland and have a great time, but County Cork, on the south-western coast, is a wonderful place to start.

CORK CITY: START WITH A STROLL
Cork City is the second largest after Dublin. Set along the River Lee, its’ picturesque charm is inviting. Like the rest of Ireland, it’s a very, pretty place with super-friendly people, and it’s also really easy to get around. So, start with a stroll through the center of town:

Cork City (photo: ©Fáilte Ireland)

St. Patrick's Street - This long and winding road has been Cork's main shopping drag (“Pana” in local slang) since the 18th century with fine shops, trendy brands, and practical places like banks and cell phone shops. At the end, you might want to pop into the popular, upmarket department store Brown Thomas. 

Exploring Cork City Is Easy: Walks - You can download the Cork App; Follow Cork City Walks curated walking tours; Create your own self-guided walks; or take a Free Cork Walking Tour. Bike – Do a bikeshare ride that comes with an App & a 3-day pass. Bus – Get a Leap Card for public buses. 

PUB LIFE
One of the great joys of a trip to Ireland is hanging out in terrific pubs and Cork City has its fair share. In addition to the Guinness, enjoy a selection of local brews, the “craic”--great company and lively conversation, and “trad”—traditional Irish music. 

Sin É 

Pubs: Check out the Cork Heritage Pub Trail. This should be your first stop:
Sin É Pub (8 Coburg St) - This place is renowned for its’ welcoming atmosphere and great trad music. In Irish, Sin É means “That’s it” referring to the funeral parlor next door.
Some other worthy pubs to try, known for their brews & music nights:
The Gables (31-32 Douglas St); Clancy’s (15-16 Princes St); Charlie’s (2 Union Quay) & An Spailpín Fánach (28 South Main St). 
Breweries & Distilleries:
Rising Sons Brewery (Cornmarket St) - Try some craft beers or craft gin at this micro-brewery/sports bar, with a traditional Irish pub atmosphere. You can also book a Brewery Tour & Beer Tasting experience.

Franciscan Well

Franciscan Well Brewery (14 No. Mall) - Take a Tastings Tour at this brewpub, known for its’ delicious craft beers, on the site of a former, medieval monastery. Then, nosh on a wood-fired pizza in the beer garden.
Rebel City Distillery (Marina Commercial Park, Centre Park Rd) - Check out this newly-opened distillery housed in the renovated, former Ford car factory. Take a Distillery Tour to see how a range of spirits are crafted & distilled, then bottled on-site.

CORK’S FOODIE SCENE
Cork is known for gourmet food and Irish sports—an interesting combo! Take a cooking course at Ballymaloe, one of the top “cookery” schools, with a side trip to lovely Kinsale, the “gourmet capital.” And, do whiskey tastings at the world-renowned Jameson Distillery in Midleton. In Cork City:

English Market (photo: Chris Hill)

English Market (Princes Street) - Created in 1788, it’s the oldest market of its kind in Europe where locals shop for freshly-caught seafood, just-butchered meats, local cheeses, breads, and fresh fruits & veggies, etc. Grab a coffee and sample traditional-yet-innovative, homemade fare at the Farmgate Café, or at any one of the many stalls selling freshly-prepared meals and snacks.
Marina Market (Centre Park Rd) - This is more of a Food Court than a market per se with vendors offering an eclectic mix of international favorites such as Mexican burritos, Japanese sushi, and Irish Prátaí (potatoes). Craft & Farmers’ Market on the weekends.
Cork Butter Museum (O’Connell Square) - Now you know: In the 19th century, Cork was the largest exporter of butter in the world! The exhibits illuminate Cork’s dairy history at the center of Europe's important butter trade.

BE A SPORT

Hurling
(photo: Inpho/Oisín Keniry)

The Irish have a passion for sports. In Cork, experience a Rugby match and other uniquely Irish sports such as Hurling or Gaelic football. Then, go to the Races—horses (Cork Racecourse Mallow) and/or dogs (Curraheen Park Greyhound Stadium).

A TOWN STEEPED IN HISTORY
Nano Nagle Place (Douglas St) - In this beautifully-restored complex of historic buildings, learn all about the 18th-century nun, Nano Nagle, who founded: seven schools for poor children in Cork, an almshouse for women, and the order of Presentation Sisters to carry on her work. The interactive exhibits in the museum depict the life of impoverished Catholics under British rule and Nano Nagle tireless efforts to help the disadvantaged. While this might sound a bit grim, it’s fascinating history and the site is just beautiful, with walled gardens and the tasty Good Day Deli café serving local, seasonal, organic offerings. 

Nano Nagle Place

St. Fin Barre's Cathedral (Bishop St) - Named after Cork's patron saint, St. Finbarr, the Cathedral was built in the 1870s and is a beautiful example of Gothic Revival-style architecture with stunning, stained-glass windows.

ARTS & CULTURE
Crawford Art Gallery (Emmet Place) - The museum's collection, with over 3,000 works, ranges from 18th-century Irish and European painting and sculpture to contemporary video installations. There’s also a café. (Currently closed for renovation until 2028.)

Crawford Art Gallery (photo: Brian Morrison)

St Peter's Cork (87A North Main St) - St. Peter's is one of Cork's oldest standing churches, dating back to 1270. Now, deconsecrated, it serves as an arts exhibit space celebrating Cork’s heritage and culture. Plus, a nice café.
The Glucksman - University College Cork (College Rd) - The University’s art collection focuses on modern and contemporary Irish art. These works are placed throughout the campus to give students and visitors a first-hand experience with original works of art. (Book a UCC campus tour to see all the artworks.) The Glucksman highlights contemporary art with changing exhibits in a stunning, museum setting. There’s also a lovely café.

UCC artwork on campus (photo: William Murphy)

Ardú – Street Art Project - Several of Ireland’s well-known street artists were invited to create murals inspired by the memory of the 1920 Burning of Cork. The Ardú (Irish for “Rise”) Art Trail can be explored on a self-guided tour with an audio guide & downloadable map on the website.

Festivals: Guinness Cork Jazz Festival (Oct); Cork International Film Festival (Nov). 
Where To Stay: Lots of lovely places to stay from friendly Guesthouses to Lodges and Hotels, all in good locations with friendly staff & great breakfasts.

NEARBY JUANTS
Country Cork is an absolutely beautiful region, so factor in time for day trips or an even longer stay. Some great West Cork stops:

John Kelly “Cow Up A Tree”, Reen Farm

Clonakilty - Even Scally's, the local supermarket, is impressive.
Skibbereen – The Uillinn: West Cork Arts Centre is just terrific.
Reen Farm (Union Hall, Skibbereen) - The brilliant artist John Kelly and his talented wife Christina Todesco-Kelly have created a sculpture park featuring John’s work and a memorial to the Famine devastation on the South Reen peninsula. (Visits during the West Cork History Festival in August.) 
Of course, there’s always kissing the stone at Blarney Castle.

St. Fin Barre (photo: George Karbus)

Getting Around Locally: It's easy to get around by Bus Éireann & Trains.
Getting There: Depending on where you're coming from, there’s flights into nearby Shannon airport and direct flights to Cork airport.
So, start planning your trip. As the Irish say, Céad míle fáilte romhat!--"a hundred thousand welcomes"—and they mean it!

DANCE COMPANIES YOU NEED TO SEE

BODYTRAFFIC, Mayday (photo: Kevin Parry)

By Jacquelin Carnegie

Maybe you're not into dance because you just haven't seen the right company yet!
Start with these:

BODYTRAFFIC
When my favorite dance troupe Doug Elkins Dance disbanded, I was bereft. Seeing BODYTRAFFIC was the first time I've been that excited watching dance since then! BODYTRAFFIC is a Los Angeles-based, contemporary dance company with a dynamic repertoire that derives inspiration from LA’s diverse, cultural scene. Founded in 2007 by Artistic Director Tina Finkelman Berkett, BODYTRAFFIC has become known for its’ bold, innovative choreography and brilliant dancers. While the pieces are conceived by a global mix of acclaimed choreographers, Los Angeles’ unique, urban vibe is always championed. With their exciting repertoire and powerful performances, BODYTRAFFIC brings the vibrant, creative spirit of Los Angeles to audiences worldwide.
Yet the company is also deeply committed to its’ own LA community by bringing dance workshops to folks of all ages and abilities: mentoring over 700 students annually and partnering with local senior centers—with the goal of connecting people of vastly different life experiences through dance.
Find out when BODYTRAFFIC is coming to a city near you (tour).

BALLET HISPANICO 

Ballet Hispánico Sombrerisimo

This New York-based company blends contemporary ballet with Latino cultural influences. It’s always a thrill to see the varied pieces in the company’s repertoire. Founded in 1970 by Tina Ramirez, Eduardo Vilaro is the current Artistic Director & CEO, a former Ballet Hispánico dancer and an innovative choreographer who believes in preserving tradition while fostering innovation. The company draws on the wide range of cultural influences in the Latin American experience to create compelling works that explore themes of identity, resilience, and joy through movement that represent all aspects of the dynamic Latinx culture. The company is also lauded for the Ballet Hispánico School, training young dancers for the future, as well as its’ programs for schools and the community. Through their programs and performances, Ballet Hispánico brings the joy of dance and Hispanic culture to the world! Find out where to see Ballet Hispánico (tour).

BATTERY DANCE 
Battery Dance is unique in that it is not just a contemporary dance company presenting works. It’s a global “ambassador” for dance—connecting with peoples around the world through the universal language of movement by way of its’ Dancing to Connect

Battery Dance, Frontiers (photo: Claudio Rodriguez)

program. In addition to offering programs in New York City schools, Battery Dance has held dance workshops in countries in crisis, with peoples in conflict, and across stigmatized communities. Since 1976, Founder and Artistic Director Jonathan Hollander has guided the company to make dance accessible to everyone. 

Their annual Battery Dance Festival showcases both local and international dance companies from around the world in a free, week-long presentation in a beautiful outdoor setting in Battery Park at the tip of Manhattan. All are welcome! (August, New York, but available to view thru video streaming.)

NYC Dance Venues
The Joyce - New York’s premier location for dance, presenting an outstanding, variety of national and international dance companies.
New York City Center - Annual, dance events at City Center: Flamenco Festival, Fall for Dance, the Alvin Ailey residency every December; in the spring: Ballet Hispanico, Dance Theater of Harlem, & the Martha Graham Company. 

Festivals: 92NY Harkness Dance Center – Women Move The World; La MaMa Moves! Dance Festival; CUNY Dance Initiative 
See Dance Wherever You Live: You don’t have to be in New York City to see great dance. Find dance events throughout the US: Dance/USA

Marvelous Mosaic: 5+ Great Ways to Celebrate Irish Culture & St. Paddy’s Day in NYC

By Jacquelin Carnegie – (New York, NY)

Every March, it’s time to dig out that bright green sweater and brace yourself for gallons of green beer, rowdy teenagers, and lousy weather--it's Saint Paddy’s Day in New York! But, Irish culture is so rich and varied, it should be celebrated for more than just one day! Here are some great ways to do so all year long in New York:

Come for The Craic

Irish Arts Center 

Celtic AppalachianCelebration II 

(photo: Brandilyn Davidson & Erin Baiano)

726 11th Ave (btw 51-52 St), Tel: 212/757-3318; www.irishartscenter.org

The IAC is a treasure-trove of Irish cultural activities. Throughout the year, attend concerts, dance performances, plays, films, lectures or readings, and be sure to enjoy “the craic” (great conversation). If you’re bitten by the Irish bug, the IAC also offers classes for children and adults in Irish music, dance, language, and history. Great annual events include: St. Patrick's Day Open House (Free): Celebrate Irish music & dance with performances and craft workshops for the whole family. Book Day: Snag a free book by a great Irish or Irish-American author.

Discover Irish Playwrights

Donnybrook! (photo: Carol Rosegg)

The Irish Repertory Theatre

132 West 22nd St; Tel: 212/727-2737; www.irishrep.org

The Irish Rep features plays and musicals by well-known and emerging Irish and Irish-American playwrights. 

Get Some Culture

American Irish Historical Society

991 Fifth Ave., at 80th St.; Tel: 212/288-2263, www.aihs.org 

Founded in 1897, the AIHS celebrates the Irish-American experience with a focus on contemporary Irish culture. Events range from talks to art exhibits to readings and concerts on the harp, piano, penny whistle, and bodhrán. All take place in AIHS’ magnificent Beaux-Arts townhouse.
Thrill to the Music

In New York, there are Irish musicians playing everything from traditional, to rock to pop. No matter what your taste, there’s a band for you.
Paddy Reilly's Music Bar (519 2^nd Ave., at 29^th St.; Tel: 212/686-1210; www.paddyreillysmusicbar.us): In NYC, there’s an Irish pub on almost every corner, but this is one of the best with great Irish music; Black 47 got their start here.

New Fave: Emmet Cahill the hottest Irish tenor and lead singer of the fab Celtic Thunder group.

Old Favorites: For 25 years, Black 47 was “Rockin’ The Bronx,” giving voice to the joy and the sorrow of all the Irish immigrants who’ve found a second home on Bainbridge Avenue and in other New York boroughs. Band leader Larry Kirwan now does occasional solo gigs. Some years, The Celtic Tenors, doing traditional songs, and The Saw Doctors, with their folk-rock vibe, roll into town. 

Larry Kirwan of Black 47

Sober St. Patrick’s Day® - This is a wonderful way to enjoy the sprit of the day with great Irish entertainment--acclaimed musicians, dancers, singers, comedians--but without the rowdy drunks.

Worship in Gaelic

The Basilica of St. Patrick's Old Cathedral

263 Mulberry St, corner of Mott & Prince, Tel: 212-226-8075; www.oldcathedral.org
Long before people worshiped at Saint Patrick's Cathedral (1879), on Fifth Avenue and 50^th St., they came here to the city's first Cathedral Church, founded in 1809. Today, Mass is given in English, Spanish, Chinese, and, on occasion, in the Irish language, Gaelic. Throughout the year, there are lovely concerts and other cultural offerings.

 (photo: Laura_Mexico)

Saint Patrick's Day Parade

The first St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York was held in 1762, when Irish ex-patriots and Irish soldiers marched through the city. Every year, the Parade heads up Fifth Avenue, from 44th St to 86th St.

Did you know that there are other regions, referred to as "Celtic Nations," that share this heritage with Ireland: Brittany, France; Wales; Scotland; the Isle of Man & Cornwall.

(Often, Brittany's BZH NY society invites musicians from Brittany to perform and celebrate St. Patrick's Day in New York.)