St. Patrick's Day

St. Patrick's Day in the Irish Channel!

There is a place in Uptown New Orleans called the 'Irish Channel.'  Originally it was only one street, Adele Street, and ran only two blocks, from St. Thomas to Tchoupitoulas, and lay between Josephine Street and St. Andrew Street.   However, today's Irish Channel covers this and more.

Regardless of how it got its name, there were originally many Irish-Americans living in this area.  Some say that Irish seamen coming up the river would see the light outside Noud’s Ocean Home Saloon on Adele Street and cry out “There’s the Irish Channel!”  Other's believe that Adele Street was often flooded after a rain and it seemed like a channel.  

If you are near New Orleans during the time around St. Patrick's day, this is the place to be!

Today's residents are often the decendants of thos who survived the recurring epidemics of yellow fever.  These hearty souls saved their money, became small businessmen, entered local politics, and prospered and gained prestige. 

Many of the neighborhood bars are gone, but several establishments including Parasol’s Bar on Constance Street are still present to entice Irish people to celebrate their heritage. In fact, Parasol’s is the starting point for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that marches through the Irish Channel.

The Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club organizes a large St. Patrick's Day celebration and parade each year which is not to be missed!



See also Magazine Street and St. Charles Avenue.