Irish Festivals And Celebrations That Cost Less Than A Trip To Ireland

You don’t have to make a trip to Ireland to have an Irish experience. From parades to festivals, there are many ways you can celebrate Irish culture for less than the cost of a trip across the ocean. And the fun doesn’t have to end on St. Patrick’s Day; there are plenty of events that explore Irish heritage, culture, entertainment and cuisine year round. Here are some can’t-miss parades and festivals celebrating the Irish.

Watch the waters turn green (Chicago, Illinois)

When you visit the Windy City, it’s an annual tradition to make the trek to the Chicago Loop and watch the Chicago River turn green in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day. The dyeing of the river happens about three hours before the Saint Patrick’s Day Parade begins. Afterward, colorful floats, troops of Irish step dancers, lively marching bands and bagpipers make their way along the parade route through Grant Park.

See the Clydesdales (Atlanta, Georgia)

Atlanta’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the oldest celebrations in the South and draws around 80,000 spectators to hotels in Atlanta. Watch as more than 2,000 Irish dancers, musicians, clowns, balloons, floats, local and Irish dignitaries, bagpipe and drum corps, drill teams, the Clydesdales and the world’s largest Irish walking flag make their way down Peachtree Street.

Experience the largest celebration (New York, New York)

Enjoy fifes and drums, kilts, bagpipes and more from numerous Irish societies in New York City’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The world’s oldest and largest St. Paddy’s Day celebration is in New York City, where more than 2 million revelers gather in their green attire and take the streets from their New York hotels. Unlike other Saint Patrick’s Day parades, there are no floats or cars—it’s mainly dancers, bands and plenty of bagpipes. If you plan to see the entire parade, wear comfortable shoes—it takes about six hours.

Join the community festivities (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)

Pittsburgh is home to the second largest Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the country, and the community comes together to pull it off. Along with bands, floats, police cars and firetrucks, families and visitors of Pittsburgh can also see many groups from city’s Irish community. There are other things to do too, including the Irish Fair in the Square after the parade.

Have an Irish summer (St. Paul, Minnesota)

Looking for a family-friendly festival experience? Check out the three-day Irish Fair of Minnesota, held every August and located on Harriet Island Regional Park in St. Paul. There’s plenty to keep the entire family entertained wherever you decide to stay in St. Paul, from Irish foods to vendors selling authentic Irish products. Visit the Cultural Display area to get a history lesson and a look at an Irish still, a holy well and a reconstruction of an Irish high cross. The festival also includes the Trisceil Tea Room, where you can relax while sipping on hot or cold Irish tea and dine on delicious scones and pastries.

Experience the Fleadh festival (Bensalem, Pennsylvania)

The Philadelphia Fleadh Irish-American Festival is held every May in Bensalem, with local hotels about a 30-minute drive northeast of Philadelphia. This one-day family Irish festival at the PARX Casino’s outdoor picnic grove features local and international musicians, dancers and artists. Watch locals compete in Feis, an Irish dance competition, or catch other performances including bagpipers. Kids will love the arts and crafts and kids play zone.

See Irish Vikings (Canton, Massachusetts)

Every June, the Irish Cultural Centre’s Boston Irish Festival in Canton, approximately 20 miles south of Boston, celebrates the art and culture of Ireland. During this two-day festival, enjoy an in-depth celebration of modern Irish culture, music and dance featuring Irish performers from across the U.S. The festival also showcases the Viking Irish, a group of enthusiasts who put on re-enactments. In addition, the festival has numerous vendors selling authentic Irish products, food and beverages, and activities for children and families, so book your Canton hotel nearby and have a ball!

Whether you’re toasting at a St. Patrick’s Day celebration or enjoying an Irish festival over the summer, cheers to your exploration of the Emerald Isle in the U.S.!

Rock out near the Rocky Mountains (Littleton, Colorado)

Held in Clement Park in Littleton, less than a half hour from Denver and set against the backdrop of the Rocky Mountain Highlands, the Colorado Irish Festival celebrates everything green every July. This eclectic gathering is known for its unique display of kilts and bagpipes; Gaelic sports and Irish step dancing. Book your Littleton accommodations to ensure you have a place to get your groove on to Irish rock and traditional Irish music.