Exploring US towns with an authentic Irish atmosphere: A Guide to Travel and Culture

If you look for it, you’ll find the influence of Ireland all along the American East Coast. Almost 32 million Americans claim Irish heritage, and most people in the U.S. celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

You can spot the influence of Ireland throughout different towns and cities, the lasting influence of the immigrant communities who shared their music, history, and culture.

While there are places famous for their Irish heritage, including Boston, New York, and Chicago, you can also find smaller towns throughout the East Coast that offer an authentic Irish atmosphere without crossing the Atlantic.

These towns and cities offer warm hospitality, Irish pubs, traditional music sessions, and the same comforting food you would find served in Dublin or Belfast.

If you’re planning to explore your Irish-American heritage or visit these towns, it’s best to have a little flexibility in your schedule.

Not every town will offer public transit, making a car transport service an easy way to streamline your road trip by maximizing the time you have for exploring these towns and cities. In this article, we’re spotlighting the areas of the U.S. where Irish-American culture continues to thrive with tips and advice on how to achieve an authentic Irish experience.

Discovering Authentic Irish Culture in American Towns

The first major influx of Irish immigrants to America occurred during the Great Famine, from 1845 to 1852, with many of these early arrivals living in the countryside, including in mining towns and farmland. It’s estimated that 25% of Ireland’s population, almost 2 million people, immigrated to America in a 10-year period during and after the famine.

Since then, there have been several other periods of high immigration to the U.S., including between the 1950s and 1990s.

Many of these immigrants arrived first in New York, before settling in towns along the East Coast, often initially living with other Irish immigrants who had arrived in the country earlier.

These communities have left their mark within the towns that they settled in, from traditional Irish music like the fiddle to Irish dancing and even Gaelic street signs.

American towns with large Irish communities, including those of Irish descent, often have genealogy research centers designed to help you trace your family history, including the story of your ancestors arriving in America.

St. Paul, Minnesota, is home to one of the largest Irish collections in the U.S. at the Irish Genealogical Society International. Many of these towns also offer walking tours, and a visit to the local Irish pub is guaranteed to provide you with a night of storytelling.

If you want to get a taste of Irish culture, head to these areas that continue to celebrate their Irish heritage.

While you can visit an Irish pub in New York City, these are often tailored to deliver an experience that targets tourists, rather than giving a genuine Irish experience.

Car transport is a convenient solution for helping you visit more of these American towns when planning an extended road trip, while giving you the flexibility to explore smaller neighborhoods and communities.

Travel Tips: Navigating Irish-Themed Destinations with Car Transport

A road trip is the perfect way to research your Irish-American heritage, and it’s easy to create an itinerary for just a few days or a longer trip, depending on where you want to visit.

Most Irish-themed destinations are clustered together, particularly around New England, but you can also find other areas of interest, including in California and Florida.

A road trip is the easiest way to navigate Irish-themed destinations, but you’ll want to plan ahead, including considering road conditions, where to park, and using a reliable app like Google Maps when driving through rural areas.

If you’re coming from the West Coast to visit Irish-American communities on the East Coast, using a car transport service will avoid the need to expand your trip and allow you to fly directly to your first destination, picking up your vehicle once you arrive.

If you’re planning to visit Irish towns in the U.S. over St. Patrick’s Day, during the summer months, or over the festive season, you’ll want to book ahead, including for your accommodation, car transport, and any add-on experiences.

Traditional Irish Festivals and Local Celebrations in the US

St. Patrick’s Day is the focus of most of the celebrations you’ll find across the United States, but there are also other occasions that may bring communities together, including the annual All-Ireland finals, World Cup qualifying matches for soccer, and local Gaelic dance competitions, known as “feis”.

Many communities will put on multi-day festivals and celebrations, especially around St. Patrick’s Day.

You can expect to see locals taking part in Gaelic sports, often hosted by the local GAA club, while bars and restaurants host live folk sessions, focusing on traditional music.

Most of these events are family-friendly and offer a sampling of Irish culture, whether you want to try and ‘split the G’ or taste soda bread for the first time.

These Irish festivals often draw large crowds, especially with visitors coming from out of town. Car transport is a practical way to help you get the most out of these local celebrations, including being able to attend multiple events across different towns.

Exploring Irish-Inspired Architecture and Historic Sites across America

When Irish immigrants arrived in America, many of them used design and architecture to feel more at home.

It’s not uncommon to find stone churches, Celtic crosses, and old-country taverns in towns with strong Irish ancestry, particularly across Pennsylvania and New York. Walking through these towns will make you feel as if you’re in Ireland, even when you’re thousands of miles away.

Towns with historical societies will often work to preserve these buildings and monuments, offering self-guided and group tours for visitors. Arranging car transport ahead of time can make it easier for you to explore these opportunities.

Sampling Irish Cuisine and Pubs in Small-Town USA

If you’re planning to visit small towns in the USA with Irish heritage, then your taste buds are in for a treat.

You’ll want to look out for authentic Irish dishes, including shepherd’s pie, Irish stew, soda bread, and regional specialties like fifteens.

Alongside your food, you can expect a serving of correctly poured Guinness, friendly bartenders, and live music. Many of these places have an American-Irish fusion menu with dishes like seafood chowder and Irish whiskey flights.

By having your own car with you, it’s easy to change your schedule and spend more time in communities that make you feel right at home. Organizing car transport is the first step to planning an Irish-inspired road trip across the USA.