Montserrat: A Caribbean Island with an Irish Twist

"With its dramatic coastline, rolling green hills, warm hospitality and Afro- Irish heritage, the Caribbean island of Montserrat is often called ‘The Emerald Isle of the Caribbean’ for its resemblance to Ireland. This fascinating British Overseas Territory is just a short Winair flight from Sint Maarten or Antigua." By Rachel Barrett-Trangmar

Small and serene, Montserrat offers a host of experiences over its 39.5 square miles. These include scenic hiking trails winding through the verdant Centre Hills rainforest, which boasts over 100 species of birds; or a thrilling off-road jeep tour into the island’s rugged interior. While the tranquil beaches and crystal-clear waters can be explored independently or on turtle watching tours, kayaking and snorkeling adventures. Montserrat’s peaceful and safe environment allows visitors to restore a sense of calm and reconnect with nature, enhanced by rejuvenating spa therapies. A key feature of the island is the majestic Soufrière Hills Volcano – an awe-inspiring giant that is a reminder of Montserrat’s resilience. The Buried City Tour takes visitors close to the devastation of the former capital Plymouth. Likened to a modern-day Pompeii, it is now abandoned and frozen in time as a testimony to the island’s volcanic experience. In sharp contrast is Montserrat’s signature event every March: St. Patrick’s Festival. This 10-day Afro-Irish commemoration attracts thousands of visitors to honor both the island’s Irish roots and the enslaved Africans who rebelled for their freedom. Throughout the week there are lively masquerade performances, open-air concerts, j’ouvert (a pre-dawn street party), colourful parades, local food fairs and island tours. This all culminates on St. Patrick’s Day when residents and visitors proudly embrace the island’s dual heritage by dressing in green, white, African print or the national madras. Montserrat is the only place outside Ireland where St. Patrick’s Day is a national holiday, and where visitors to the island receive a shamrock stamp in their passport. The island’s creative spirit continues throughout the year with events such as the Calabash Festival in July, the Literary Festival in November, and Carnival in December – each celebrating Montserrat’s cultural heritage through artistic expression. Furthermore, music lovers will appreciate the history of Montserrat’s preeminent Air Studios. Founded by The Beatles’ producer Sir George Martin, this sadly defunct recording studio is where icons such as Sir Elton John, Sir Paul McCartney, Stevie Wonder, The Police and The Rolling Stones once recorded music, alongside Montserrat’s Alphonsus ‘Arrow’ Cassell known for his hit song ‘Feeling Hot, Hot, Hot’. Memorabilia of Air Studios and Arrow can be found at the Hill Top Lounge and Bar.

Visit Montserrat for the St. Patrick’s celebration, then stay for the serenity of an authentic Caribbean island waiting to be discovered.