Savannah Irish Festival celebrates culture and community this weekend

SAVANNAH, Ga. (WTOC) - With St. Patrick’s Day just over a month away, Savannah has embraced Irish culture through its 34th annual festival this weekend.

The Savannah Irish Festival is a family-friendly celebration of Irish heritage featuring live music and dance, authentic cuisine, storytelling and vendors from across the Southeast. The event marked the festival’s first two-day event since before the COVID-19 pandemic.

“We’re very happy to support the Irish community, and this kicks off what we call ‘green season’ here in Savannah”, Tara Reese, the festival’s treasurer, said.

Held at Alee Temple, the festival provided an immersive Irish experience through live performances captured traditional entertainment, food brought the flavors of Ireland to life, storytelling connected attendees with Irish narratives, and an artisan marketplace featured unique gifts and crafts.

“It’s more than a festival,” Reese said. “It’s a homecoming.”

The event runs through Sunday, Feb. 8 and has provided an opportunity to experience Irish culture without leaving Savannah. Children under 16 are admitted free with a paying adult.