Looking to satisfy your “Irish wanderlust” but can’t make it to Ireland this fall? Well look no further – we’ve got just the place for you!
This charming midwestern town has deep Irish roots and they’re always looking for ways to celebrate their Irish culture and heritage – and they’d love for you to join them.
In fact, during the month of September, this city is full of “all things Irish” as they celebrate the official halfway mark to St. Patrick’s Day – and just wait until you hear what they’ve got planned this year.
Yes – we’re talking about the legendary Cleveland, Ohio.
Known to be one of the best (if not THE best) places in all of America to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, this city knows how to preserve and honor their Irish roots.
Afterall, nearly 13-percent of Clevelanders claim Irish ancestry and their roots run deep with a heart and soul for tradition you just can’t manufacture.
The good news is – you don’t have to wait all the way until March 17th to celebrate being Irish.
So if you’re looking for a fun road trip this fall, consider a trip to Cleveland – and check out some of these hidden Irish gems.
Irish American Club East Side
Founded in 1978, a group of Irish folks gathered together at a local bar for their first organizational meeting – and the rest is history.
This small group of people quickly outgrew the tiny space of this local pub, and now they have their own building in Euclid, Ohio where more than 2,000 people gather together to promote and preserve their Irish heritage.
The Club hosts events all throughout the year – from corned beef dinners to evenings with live Irish music and dancers, but the best part of all is most events are open to the public for a small ticket price – so you can celebrate with them!
To get a head start on celebrating St. Patrick’s Day this year, The East Side Club is hosting a “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” celebration – and for only $13, you can listen to live music from 3 different bands – with a cash bar and food available for purchase.
It’s never too early to start celebrating St. Patrick’s Day!
Irish American Club West Side
Yes – there are actually TWO Irish American Clubs in Cleveland…
… just in case you want to take your pick on where to celebrate all things Irish!
The West Side Club has been around longer – and just recently celebrated their 75th anniversary!
This year, they are hosting a halfway to St. Patrick’s Day outdoor event with live music, Irish dancers, and even bagpipers!
So if you’re still a bit sketchy about gathering indoors and prefer an outdoor venue – this is the place to be – and don’t worry it seats up to 500 people so there is plenty of space available for you and your family.
Nora’s Public House
Located roughly 18 miles from downtown Cleveland in Willoughby, Ohio, Nora’s Public House is the perfect place to gather if you’re looking for a laid-back pub experience with great Irish and American fare.
Whether you’re looking to try a traditional shepherd’s pie or prefer something more modern like their pulled pork – Nora’s has it all.
I especially recommend their brunch – you just can’t beat their portions… or their prices!
As a bonus – the staff are warm and friendly, and will make you feel right at home the moment you walk in the door.
Irish Famine Memorial
While the Irish love to have a good time and celebrate together – they’ve never forgotten the strength of their roots that makes them who they are today.
Located in downtown Cleveland, the Irish Famine Memorial stands as a reminder of the potato famine of the 1840s, known as the “Great Hunger.”
Due to the famine, millions of Irish people starved to death and were forced to rely on the potato alone for survival.
Looking for a better life, many left Ireland and came to America, and while many lost their lives trying to escape, thousands ended up in Cleveland, Ohio – where their children and grandchildren and even great-grandchildren still live today.
On the bottom of the memorial the following words remind the Cleveland Irish of the roots of their ancestors:
Lest We Forget:
To those who died,
To those who came and enriched our Cleveland shores,
We dedicate this monument to you
Erected on the 150th Anniversary of the “Great Hunger” by the Greater Cleveland Irish Community in the year of our Lord 2000.
So if you’re looking for a unique fall vacation (or just want to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day a bit early) – consider a trip to Cleveland, Ohio.
The people are friendly, and you’re bound to become enchanted with the Irish roots that run deep through this city and gives it the character it has today.
And before you leave – don’t forget to check out a sunset over Lake Erie – simply breathtaking.
Have you ever been to Cleveland, Ohio?
If so, what place did you enjoy visiting the most?
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