St. Patrick's Day Events in Atlanta

Atlanta has always been a place for fun and partying. St. Patrick's Day is another holiday to do this in the beautiful city of Atlanta. There are dozens of pubs and bars in the Atlanta area to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Atlanta is also home to the Atlanta St. Patrick's Day Parade, which is the largest, best attended St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival. Atlanta has been hosting this parade for a hundred and forty nine years and this year is projected to be the best. Historically Atlanta is and has always been strongly associated with the Irish. The thriving city of Atlanta had many well established Irish businessmen, tradesmen and farmers at a time when some cities still restricted immigration and settlement of the Irish. At one time all five of Atlanta's City Councilmen were Irish. Also Atlanta's fire department has attracted a large number of Irish. The Irish have always been an integral part of the city. The Hibernian Benevolent Society of Atlanta was founded in 1858 to help the newest wave of immigrating Irish. An Irish priest saved the churches and other parts of Atlanta from General Sherman's armies during the Civil War.

Anywhere you look, the Irish have been in Atlanta playing an important role. In addition to the " natives ", a huge migration from the traditional northern cities has brought thousands of Irish and their descendants to the booming city of Atlanta. These newer residents are accustomed to St. Patrick's Day festivals and partying, and they faithfully attend the parade and other functions. Atlanta ranks as the 7th largest " Irish city " in North America and more than one million Atlanta residents are of Irish descent.