March and St. Patricks Day are the perfect times to explore The Best Places to be Irish in America! Grab your shalalee! It’s time to get green!
Irish in Early America
Did you know the Irish have been here since before America was America? Yup, there is a particular Irish man I’m thinking of, Hercules Mulligan, who was an Irish tailor who was critical to the American Revolution. Up until the fame of Hamilton (Broadway musical of 2015) he was all but unknown…spies are like that…at least the good ones are š
Are you singing that line from Hamilton now? I totally am…100%
Hercules Mulligan in Hamilton 
Hercules Mulligan in real life
The Irish have been contributing to the building of this country since they arrived. They haven’t always been treated well but that hasn’t seem to stop them. In matters big and small, the Irish have shaped the United States and likely will continue that tradition.
Since so many Americans have a bit of Irish descent it’s no wonder St. Patrick’s Day has taken on the role as the day to display Irish pride.
Read on to discover The Best Places to be Irish in America, celebrate St.Patricks Day and the fascinating stories behind each location.
Boston, Massachusetts
No great surprise Boston tops the list of The Best Places to be Irish in America. As you might expect, people of Irish descent make the largest ethnic group in the city of Boston. (Just shy of 16%) The Great Irish Famine was the catalyst for many seeking a better life for themselves and their families. Years later, the city would become one of the most famous Irish enclaves in the world.
For the Irish in Boston, discrimination was rampant (think āNo Irish Need Applyā signs posted everywhere). It wasn’t until the American Civil War that their reputation improved. Shortly after that, the Boston Irish effectively reshaped the electoral politics of the city. In 1914, David Ignatius Walsh became the first Irish Catholic Governor of Massachusetts, and began a long tradition of Irish American public figures characterizing much of its history. Today, Boston Irish heritage sites include the Irish Famine Memorial, Bunker Hill Catholic Cemetery, and Hibernian Hall, an early hub of Irish American life in Boston that now serves as an arts center in Roxbury.
Boston has more to celebrate than just St. Patrick’s Day. On March 17th, many Bostonians commemorate Evacuation Day, the anniversary of departure of British army on March 17, 1776. It was the first and monumental victory for the colonial army and the memory of that win would sustain colonial spirits through the ugly of the American Revolution that was to follow. Many Irish Catholics were involved in this defeat of British soldiers.
It’s a public holiday so no school but activities on the day may include Evacuation Day re-enactments, essay contests, and visits to historically significant sites as well as the Boston Marathon and the St. Patricks Day events you would expect.
Plan It!
Breezy Point, New York
Breezy Point is located in Queens and has long been known as the āIrish Rivieraā. It boasts the highest concentration of people claiming Irish ancestry of any urban neighborhood in the U.S. (over 60%) For generations it was a secluded place and a summer getaway for New York residents.
When Hurricane Sandy struck it all but devastated the area. The Emerald Guild, a New York City-based group of Irish builders and superintendents, rose to the occasion and distributed life-saving supplies through Long Island. Then a group of Irish construction workers from Navillus Contracting Company also stepped up to respond to the emergency, helping over 100 families in the two days that followed the storm. Two weeks after the disaster, they had dug out a grand total of 300 homes. and in doing so, providing a fine example of the dauntless community care for which the Irish people are known.
Breezy Point hosts a parade for St. Patrick’s Day of course but it also hosts some other community events at that same time. But most of all, Breezy Point made this list because it is a testament to the culture of Irish America, community minded, hard working, and generous. The Irish spirit is alive and well in Breezy Point!
Plan It!
Woodside, New York
Known as “Irishtown” because of the Significant growth in Irish population in the 1800’s through the 1900’s, one of the biggest signs the Irish had come to stay was in 1901, when the Greater New York Irish Athletic Association opened a large athletic complex and called it Celtic Park. By the early 1930s, the area was 80% Irish.
Now a days Woodside is quite a melting pot with over 49 languages currently spoken there. Their St. Patrickās Day celebrations, however, are significant. Woodside hosts the St. Pat’s for All Parade and it is the only St. Patrickās Day parade in New York that welcomes members of the LGBT community to march. Often well known politicians will partake in the festivities. Alumni include former New York City mayors Rudy Giuliani and Michael Bloomberg, and former U.S. senator and secretary of State, Hillary Clinton.
Plan It!
Butte, Montana
WAYS TO HAVE AN ALL AMERICAN SPRING
Here’s a surprise! Butte has the largest population of Irish Americans of any city in the United States. Over 1/4 of the city claims Irish descent! Since 1882 St. Patrickās Day celebrations center around the parade led by the Ancient Order of Hibernians. It draws 30,000+ locals and more because it’s a full on festival with dancers, bag pipers, pot luck, and even a limerick reading. It’s a dynamic celebration that involves the whole city.
COWBOY UP AT A CHUCKWAGON DINNER
Plan It!
Erin, Tennesse
Erin, otherwise known as āIrish Town, Tennesseeā, is named for the female personification of Ireland. There is another theory that the name may have come from the phrase, āErin go bragh!ā This was used by rebel Irish in their revolution of 1798 from England. The saying translates to āIreland forever,ā so either way it works and you’ll hear both theories at the Erin Irish Day Parade, traditionally held on the third Saturday of every March.
Erin makes it to the National Register of Historic Places with the Twin Lime kilns. This is due to their significance to the lime industry in the county that brought so many Irish to Tennessee.
Plan It!
O’Neill, Nebraska
Known as Nebraska’s Irish capital, citizens of this town are loud and proud when it comes to their ancestry. The town is named after founder John Charles O’Neill, soldier in the Civil War as First Cavalry and later, the Fifth Indiana Cavalry. He emigrated when the Great Famine began to take its toll on his homeland.
Not surprisingly, O’Neill does St. Patricks Day with all the fervor you would hope for in an Irish celebration. On that day, the city doubles its population as people swarm in to partake in the Grand Parade and Green Eggs and Ham, a children’s breakfast that features green scrambled eggs.
In the town center is the painting of the worldās largest permanent shamrock on record. It is gigantic and is the heart of the town.
Plan It
New London, Wisconsin
St. Patrickās Day officially begins in New London when the Shamrock Club, a group of residents dressed as leprechauns, sneakily changes highway signs to read New Dublin.
Although German immigrants originally settled the town, an influx of Irish residents in the 19th century forever changed the townās traditions. Now, every March, corned beef and cabbage appear on the menu at local restaurants, Irish carolers sing at the senior citizens’ home and Shamrock Club members a.k.a. leprechauns, visit hospitals and schools.
The parade draws 30,000 people to the town of 7,000. In addition to a staged Finneganās Wake (a shout-out to the final work of Irish author James Joyce, in which a green-painted hearse drives down the parade route), bagpipe players and the high school band march down the street, following a trail of shamrocks painted on the pavement. The grand finale is āIrish Fest,ā which brings Celtic bands.
Plan It!
Dublin, Ohio
Hopewell, Adenas, Delaware, Shawnee and Wyandot were the first inhabitants of the countryside that was to become Dublin. The Hopewell left several mounds, one of which is part of a City of Dublin park/education center. Todayās Historic Dublin includes a section or about 800 acres of land given to Lieutenant James Holt by the Commonwealth of Virginia as payment for service in the Revolutionary War. This part of what became Ohio was known as the Virginia Military District.
DISCOVER NATIVE AMERICA
Despite Dublinās name, very few Irish families were among those finding a home in early Dublin. But…the name of the town was chosen by John Shields, who did hail from Ireland. He wrote, āIf I have the honor conferred upon me to name your village, with the brightness of the morn, and the gleaming of the sun on the hills and dales surrounding this beautiful valley, it would give me great pleasure to name your new town after my birthplace, Dublin, Ireland.ā
Dublin proudly hosts annual Dublin Irish Festival, boasting the largest three-day Irish Festival on the planet. It’s every August.
DISCOVER SCOTTISH AMERICAN EVENTS AND HIGHLAND GAMES
Plan It!
Hot Springs, Arkansas
Appropriately enough, the Worldās Shortest St. Patrickās Day Parade history begins with an Arkansan of Irish descent sharing a few pints of malted beverage with some friends. As the pub where they had gathered was situated on the Worldās Shortest Street in Everyday Use ā Hot Springs National Park, Arkansasā, Bridge Street, the conversation evolved into a question of how to use Bridge Streetās 98-foot length to attract visitors to Hot Springs.
Naturally, it was the Irish descendant who suggested organizing the shortest St. Patrickās Day parade on the street.
That was 2003, and The First Ever First Annual Worldās Shortest St. Patrickās Day Parade was held on March 17, 2004 and it made St. Patrick’s Day Parade history. A few thousand people gathered for fun and frivolity in the heart of Americaās First Resort and it became a St. Patrick’s Day tradition in Hot Springs.
(information courtesy of shortestpats.com)
This festival truly celebrates the Irish sense of humor and that is what secures its place as one of The Best Places to be Irish in America.
Plan It!
Chicago, Illinois
In the city of Chicago, the Irish population is well known, especially in the fire and police departments. It should be noted that for 80 years straight, the city elected consecutive Irish American mayors (12 in all). The Irish community also founded Loyola University Chicago and DePaul University. Aaaaannnnddd Irish dancer Michael Flatley, of Riverdance fame hails from Chicago. So yeah, definitely one of The Best Places to be Irish in America!
Surprisingly it wasn’t until 1979, members of the Irish community congregated for the cityās first St. Patrickās Day parade. Today, the South Side Irish is one of the largest and most prominent ethnic communities in Chicago, and the parade is known world wide, along with one other iconic St Patrick’s Day event…dying the Chicago River itself green. It’s freaking amazing.
Plan It!
St. Patrick, Missouri
Originally settled by Irish immigrants, it is still predominantly an Irish Catholic town. The Shrine of St. Patrick, a medieval-inspired Catholic church, is a focal point. Legend has it homemade bricks for the church were forged in a kiln located east of the local cemetery. Local masons thought the bricks too soft so the clergy got a great price. The rectory was built from these bricks in 1861 and stood tall for nearly one hundred years before rebuilding was necessary.
The beautiful church isn’t the only unique thing about this town. The post office of St. Patrick, Missouri issues a postage stamp thatās not available for sale anywhere else in the world. Seriously. It bears a green shamrock symbol, an Irish-style hat and pipe, and the words āSt. Patrick, Missouri: The Only One in the World.ā Uh…that’s awesome!
Plan It!
Final Notes
With so many Americans boasting Irish descent, it’s difficult to narrow down The Best Places to be Irish in America but this list is where Irish pride is celebrated the loudest…for a day, a month, always!
The Irish spirit is known for tenacity and great humor in the face of difficulty. It is no wonder these have become trademarks of Americans as well.
So celebrate the Emerald Isle…from sea to shining sea with these places full of history and culture worth more than any pot of gold!!
Do you have a contribution for The Best Places to be Irish in America? Let me know and I’ll be happy to add it! Irish American pride right here!
This is the best St Patrick’s day bucket list of places to visit! The closest place to us is Savannah to celebrate in a big way.
What a fun post! I went to Ireland last year, primarily because I’m 25% Irish. I’m bookmarking this article for future travel plans. Thanks!
Fantastic! I’d like to get to Ireland someday as we have a healthy chunk of Irish in our family lineage as well. I think the Irish American connection is deep and what once was very common is very forgotten these days so it was a particularly fun adventure to sleuth out where the green is so celebrated! Enjoy!
Who knew Nebraska was a hotspot for the Irish? I immediately thought of Boston and NYC but not Nebraska.
Yeah, I thought the same exact thing! I love it when America surprises me! Always something new to learn…
So many great places to check out! Who knew there was so much Irish influence all over. We loved Butte Montana!
Butte is cool for sure! Yes Irish roots run deep throughout America. A wee bit forgotten these days but still there š
This is a fantastic comprehensive list! I am from Cleveland where they hold one of the biggest St Paddys Day parades but I didn’t realize that about Dublin. Maybe I can check it out.
I am familiar with Cleveland’s festivities as well! It’s an Irish hot spot in that whole area I think š
Mike did a 2 year mission in Ireland and have a soft spot for the Irish. So sad many traditions like the river dye on Chi was canceled this year.
It is a wee sad BUT the Irish have a long history of enduring far worse and this will be just another story to tell…and they tell GREAT stories š
Being from Michigan, I was familiar with Chicago and a couple others. This is such a fun list! Thanks for putting it together!
Glad you enjoyed!!!! Thank you for reading!
I knew Boston and Chicago, but not the other places. It’s amazing how many unique places the US has! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you for taking the time to read all about it! Fun eh?
Awesome roundup of St. Patrickās Day Festivities to celebrate next year.
and some of these places celebrate all year long! The Irish do like to celebrate!! š
That is an awesome list. I have forward it to my mother who’s grandparents are from Ireland.
Thank you! I hope they get a kick out of it. Our Irish roots run very very deep here in America š
What a fun, fun post! I remember the green river from the years we lived in Chicago, but I had no idea about any of the other places. Very informative and enjoyable read! š
Glad you enjoyed! Always happy to spread a little knowledge and a lot of fun!
It’s really fun to hear all of the history of these towns! My husband is Irish. We live just north of Chicago, but unfortunately, they canceled all of the festivities this year. They did that here in Wisconsin too. Milwaukee usually has a decent sized celebration as well. It was a really big deal for Chicago to have canceled their plans.
Oh I’m so glad you enjoyed! Yes a bummer things were cancelled but far from the worst the Irish have endured. My experience is things will right themselves and celebrations will happen again!!!
Such a fun post! I had no idea the US had such a variety of Irish spirit!
Our Irish roots run deep! Slainte!
I think (or maybe I just wish, LOL) that I have some Irish heritage. Regardless, I’ve always enjoyed celebrating St. Patrick’s day. I love this list you’ve put together. Might be fun to make it a bucket list challenge to visit as many of these as possible…
oh shucks…everyone is Irish in America at least for one day! š Yeah, GREAT bucket list!
I’ve always loved St. Patrick’s Day….the only time I ever drink Bailey’s Irish Cream….My Irish friend makes something with coffee and while watching a parade…..We didn’t parade this year, but she still made the drink. LOL
Perfect! The Irish will always find a way to celebrate!
What a great list of places to visit! Thank you for sharing.
Thank you for taking the time to read! I’m glad you enjoyed!
So many great suggestions! Love them all.
Thank you for taking the time to read! I’m glad you enjoyed
These are all really great suggestions. Thank you for sharing.
Glad you enjoyed!
Oh my goodness I never realized there are so many Irish activities around! Some of these look really fun!
YES! Our Irish roots run deep here in America! Slainte!
What a cool list of places to visit that celebrate their Irish heritage!!
Isn’t it fun?!
All of these places look like an awesome place to visit!
It was a really fun list to put together!
So much fun to be had! Denver, CO does a great job at celebrating St. Patrick’s Day too.
Ooooo I must look into Denver!
Great list of celebrations. Sad that most had to be canceled this year š , but certainly celebrated in spirit!
It is a bummer but the Irish are survivors! I’m sure it wont be long until celebrations start up again!
I missed our green river this year – one of the best parts of this holiday weekend!
Yeah I have fond memories of it as well! I’m sure it will be a bang up next year!!
In Western NY, we have 2 St. Patrick’s Day parades. One in our ‘Old First Ward’ which is not the ‘sanctioned’ one and in my opinion way more fun! The second is the sanctioned one, that is more family-friendly. While both were canceled this year, the Old First Ward 8k Shamrock Run, which brings together thousands of runners, was the week prior and a huge success. That was the 42nd annual run and while I did not run it, I was cheering on the sidelines!
OH good information! Thank you!!
I was hoping you would have Boston on the list! We do love St. Patrick’s day here. Great article.
How could we not have Boston? LOL Irish kind of built that town
Such a cool list!! Thank you!
Thank you!
This is so cool! I never knew there were so many cool places. Thanks for sharing.
Our Irish roots run deep in America Glad you enjoyed!
As a Boston Irish family – we are very proud of our history. Looking forward to next years parade
Slainte!
Cool post! Iāll have to check out St. Patrick, Missouri, since Iām a Missouri girl. We were hoping to go to Boston this summer. Weāll see. If so, an Irish pub was on our list, even if it wasnāt St. Patrickās Day!
Nice!!!
Nebraska looks really cool. I’ve never been somewhere like that and I think it would be really neat to visit.
I thought that was so cool too!
I love St Patricks Day! I grew up in Dayton, Ohio which hosts one of the largest Patty’s Day parties in the country. It’s sad they can’t do it this year. It brings in a lot of revenue for the city, but I guess we’ll just celebrate at home this year!
I’ll have to look into Dayton. Maybe that needs to be added to the list š
For some celebrating their heritage is so important. I hope, with all of the cancelled celebrations that people are able to find a way to celebrate their heritage that is meaningful for them.
Oh the Irish have endured a lot more than a cancelled parade. š It’s fun to celebrate even if you are not Irish. š
One of my favorite holidays- I love celebrating with a cold Guinness! Tampa also colors its river green!
OOOO I didn’t know that about Tampa. The Irish are everywhere! LOL
I didn’t realize it was celebrated that much in America.
Our Irish roots run deep here in America! Slainte!
Oh my gosh how fun! I never knew there was so many cool Irish places and things to do. Love this!
I’m so glad you enjoyed!
Looks like we have lots of fun places to be Irish. We are in San Diego and it’s great here too.
Oh good to know! I’ll look into it!
The water in Chicago is amazing! I love to see all the different ways people celebrate!
I do too! I love cultural celebrations!
What fun places to visit! I would love to be in any of those celebrating!
Road trip!! LOL
I was raised believing I was VERY Irish. Ryan being the family name. After a DNA test it revealed a different story, I am primarily ENGLISH. Needless to say St, Patty’s day is now bittersweet for me! lol
well, DNA tests only track certain DNA trails (way more accurate on the fathers side than mothers) so don’t discount your family stories. š Plus for at least one day a year in America, everyone’s Irish!
Great post! We all love a good Irish shindig! Fun times for everyone and some amazing places to visit!
Irish eyes are always smiling. š
Omgosh it’s tomorrow! With everything going on…I forgot. Great list. Love the green river in Chicago. Pinned. Thanks for sharing!
Slainte!
Very neat post! I have a wee bit o’ Irish in me from my father’s father’s side. Might explain the red tinge you see in my hair when the sun hits it just right. š
haha love it! Slainte!!
super cool that there are so many festivals during this time allowing the Irish to celebrate their roots!
The Irish have had a major part in building America. Always something to learn nd to celebrate!
We Americans love our Irish roots, don’t we?!! Fun article.
Yes we do!!!! Slainte!