Chicago’s March is the season of festivity, with St. Patrick’s Day being one of the biggest celebrations across the city. After all, the Irish roots run deep in Chicago! So, why not make your St. Patrick’s celebration a culture tour? We guarantee a full day of Irish heritage exploration in Chicago would work up a good appetite for you to enjoy this year’s St. Patrick’s Day specials! Plus, if you’re planning on watching the river dyeing or having at least one green beer, aren’t you curious about why we celebrate?
Irish-American Heritage Center
4626 N Knox Ave, Chicago, IL 60630
The Irish-American Heritage Center holds a mission to deepen the bonds of Irish and Irish-Americans to Ireland. Therefore, this is the perfect place to learn all about Irish heritage in Chicago. Here, you’ll find various events from Irish art history seminars to Irish movie screenings providing an authentic culture experience. It is also the home of a museum opened by Irish President Mary Robinson herself.
This year on March 12th, the Irish-American Heritage Center will host its annual St. Patrick’s Day festival from 1:00 PM all the way to 11:30 PM! So, if you’re looking for something to do after river dyeing, head over there for Irish music, food, dancing, and fun family activities.
Shinnick’s Pub
3758 S Union Ave, Chicago, IL 60609
Located in Bridgeport, Shinnick’s Pub is more than a century old! This is the perfect place for those looking to experience the Irish family culture firsthand as it has been passed down through generations in the Shinnick family since 1938. Here, you can immerse yourself in the true Irish-Chicago vibe, and chat with the owners and staff like childhood neighbors while admiring the Brunswick-style bar. Many Chicagoans love coming here after watching the river turn green for a good pint and some hearty conversations.
Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
700 W Adams St, Chicago, IL 60661
Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church is a wealth of knowledge about Irish heritage in Chicago. Found by Irish immigrants in 1846, this was the first English-speaking church in the city. If you love architecture, you’ll have a blast in the church as light dances through the stained-glass windows, inspired by the Celtic art exhibit at the 1893 World’s Fair.
The Church prides itself as the Chicago-Irish community’s cornerstone and diligently upholds and promotes Irish culture throughout the neighborhood. On March 12th, Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church will host “Shamrock’n the Block” — a unique celebration featuring a beer garden, heated tents, Irish dancing, bagpipes, and more activities.
Chicago Gaelic Park
6119 W. 147th Street, Oak Forest, IL 60452
Located a wee bit (see what I did there?) Southwest of the city, you’ll find Chicago Gaelic Park. As one of Chicagoan’s favorite event and weeding venues, Chicago Gaelic Park is also passionate about upholding Irish culture and traditions. Inside the tranquil park grounds, you’ll find landmarks such as the Famine Memorial, shedding light on the hardship conquered and the unyielding spirits of Irish immigrants in Chicago.
Each year, Chicago Gaelic Park hosts “Ireland on Parade”, a 10-day event showcasing traditional Irish music and dance. You’ll also find other special events following the Irish tradition, such as Heritage & Harvest Day and their bi-annual theater productions. Need somewhere to relax? Let’s enjoy a pint of Guinness at the Carraig Pub.
Trinity Irish Dance Company
What are the first things (other than beer!) that you think of when it comes to Irish culture? Bagpipers and Irish dancers, right? For one, the perfect movements, stunning costumes, and story-telling abilities of Irish dancers would surely grab your attention. But the meaningful history behind Irish dance is what made it the modern spectacle today.
Predating Christianity in Ireland, dancing was a deeply rooted part of Irish religious culture and has transformed throughout modern history to something that connects present-day celebrations to a meaningful past. Check out their scheduled performances and make reservations on their website. Hey, you may even try your skills at one of their auditions!
Featured Image Credit: Old St. Patrick’s Catholic Church
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