The Massachusetts State House joined some of the world’s most famous landmarks in ‘going green’ in honor of St Patrick’s day. Beginning on Friday, March 15th and continuing throughout St. Patrick’s weekend the State House marked Ireland’s National day by lighting up green, together with landmarks across the globe including the leaning tower of Pisa, Niagara Falls, the Sydney Opera House, and the Chrysler Building.

Niall Gibbons, chief executive of Tourism Ireland said: “Tourism Ireland is absolutely delighted that so many well-known sites and attractions like the State House in Boston are eager to come on board with us and join in our celebration of Ireland and St. Patrick’s Day. Some famous additions this year around the world include the Pyramids of Giza, The Christ the Redeemer statue in Brazil, the ‘Welcome’ sign in Las Vegas and the Little Mermaid in Copenhagen. The eagerness to take part underlines the strength of the deep spiritual connection that people everywhere feel to Ireland – a major boost in this special year of The Gathering Ireland. Over 44 million people in the US claim Irish heritage and St. Patrick’s Day is a truly unique opportunity to reconnect them with their heritage”.

Visiting Irish Government Minister for the Environment, Community and Local Government, Phil Hogan and the Irish Consul General in New England, Michael Lonergan expressed their thanks to President of the Senate, Therese Murray, and Speaker of the House, Robert DeLeo for making this happen and commented on how appropriate it is that the Capital of Irish-America will be joining world landmarks in turning green.