The 10 Most Irish Cities In America

From the stereotypical red hair and accent to the love of potatoes, live music, and pints of Guinness, everyone loves to engage in the Irish cheer every now and again.  After all, on Saint Patrick’s day everyone is Irish!  But in these 10 cities, they celebrate Irish culture all year round.  Check out this list of the top 10 most Irish cities in America:

10. Baltimore, Maryland – 9.14% Irish

Baltimore has been Irish from the start: it is said to have been named Baltimore after the second Lord Baltimore of the Irish House of Lords.  Being that this city was literally named for the Irish, it’s no shock Baltimore lands a spot on the list of the most Irish cities in America.

9. Cleveland, Ohio – 9.43% Irish

Who can forget the iconic Disney channel movie Luck Of The Irish?  While Kyle and his family may have been from Cleveland, they’re really as Irish as they get– so Irish that they’re literal leprechauns.

8. Raleigh, North Carolina – 9.5% Irish

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The Irish population in Raleigh may not be as prominent as others on this list of Irish cities in America, but you’re never too far from an Irish pub or restaurant.  Their annual Saint Patrick’s day parade is definitely one you don’t want to miss!

7. Kansas City, Missouri – 9.66% Irish

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Every Labor Day weekend, around 6 months out from St. Patrick’s day, the city has another Irish celebration at the annual Irish Fest.  People enjoy Irish foods, drinks, and culture for the whole weekend!  Along with a parade every year on St. Paddy’s day, the city also holds a race where all the runners dress up in their best leprechaun garb.

6. Nashville, Tennessee – 9.8% Irish

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Known for being one of the music capitals of America, Nashville is host to an annual Irish music festival. Host to dozens of Irish pubs, you can always walk down the street and find some great live Irish music, just like you could in Dublin.

5. Buffalo, New York – 11.23% Irish

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The Great Potato Famine sent the Irish population up to 10,000 in the mid 1800s and it has grown ever since.  Mainly residing in South Buffalo, the Irish population here is the biggest west of the Hudson.  While Buffalo may not be the biggest Irish city in America, it still has an amazing parade every year on St. Patrick’s day.

4. Louisville, Kentucky – 13.2% Irish

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Louisville was originally settled by 4 Irish families, and in 2008 even became twin cities with a town in Northern Ireland.  While the Irish cheer may not be very prominent you don’t have to search long and far for some a bite of the culture and spirit.  Head over to Baxter Avenue to the acclaimed Irish Pub District!

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3. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania – 14.2% Irish

Image via sportslogos.net

Irish is the largest ethnic group in Philadelphia and its surrounding counties hands down.  The Irish population in Philadelphia predates the American Revolution, and has always been one of the most Irish cities in America.  Catch the annual Philly’s game on St. Paddy’s day, where all the players sport green jerseys!

2. Boston, Massachusetts – 15.80% Irish

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Boston flies Irish flags year round all around the city, not just as a homage to their Celtic’s basketball team.  If you go to the Southie neighborhood, you’re bound to only hear Irish and Boston accents from the locals.  Wandering the streets you’ll run into plenty of Irish pubs whenever you’re craving a pint of Guinness. But on St. Paddy’s day is when the Irish charm really lights up the city: from the pub crawls to the famous parade through the city, Boston is the place to be on St. Patrick’s day.

1.  Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania – 16.74% Irish

Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s day parade is second only to New York, which is forgivable because it’s hard to beat New York at anything.  But Pittsburgh goes ALL. OUT.  With over 25,000 people marching in the parade, boasting their Irish pride.  The neighborhoods of Lawrenceville, the South Side and Downtown are clearly very Irish, giving the city a special European-city vibe.

Which American city makes you feel the most Irish? Let us know in the comments below!

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