Ireland is the ancestral home to many Hoosiers, including many on the east side of Indianapolis. As a matter of fact, they are the second largest ethnic group in Indianapolis. The Irish came to the area beginning in the 1830s, enticed by cheap land and plentiful work. They first settled in the poorer quarters of the city, and worked on the National Road and other projects. Many lived in Fountain Square and Irish Hill on the southeast side. Another wave of Irish immigrants came due to the Great Potato Famine from 1845-1852 where the choices were to starve or leave.
The Irish in Indianapolis have contributed to the city in many ways — from building our structures, building businesses, contributing to the arts, and the politics of the city.
The most Irish of holidays is St. Patrick’s Day. The day marks the death of Ireland’s patron saint, who was said to introduce Christianity to the island, and cast out the snakes. Here in the United States, St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the contributions of those with Irish heritage, as well as the Irish culture. But for many, it’s about the beer and whiskey.
St. Patrick’s Day will be celebrated most of the weekend, March 14 to the actual day of March 17 at watering holes across the city. Even if you have not a drop of Irish blood in you, you can still be an honorary Irish-person for the day. Just find something green to wear, and start the festivities at the 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade from 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. on Friday, March 14th on North St. between Meridian and Pennsylvania. The Indy Public Safety Foundation will have a tent party on North St. from 10 a.m.-3 p.m. for folks of all ages, and it’s free. In addition, the 2025 Irish Citizen of the Year will be proclaimed: Kerry Forestal, the Marion County Sheriff. It’s a free event and fun for the whole family.
For the adults on the east side, there are lots of places to raise a glass (responsibly, of course). If you want to join in the fun but don’t drink, you could volunteer to be a designated driver for friends. Remember, patrols will be out in force to ensure the safety of everyone.
Manley’s Irish Mutt has become a mainstay for eastsiders every day of the year, and especially on St. Patrick’s Day. Located at 7041 E. 10th St., the Mutt is big place that is locally owned and absolutely a fun place to hang out. They will likely be pretty busy, but you’ll be treated like an old friend. Opens at 11 a.m.
The Snug, located in Irvington at 210 S. Audubon Rd., is making a whole weekend of St. Patrick’s, starting with a post-parade party on Friday, March 14 from noon-11 p.m. On Saturday, March 15, they will hold a Block Party from noon- 10 p.m. with Irish music and dances all day (entry fee is $5). On Sunday, March 16, drop by for Tullamore D.E.W. Irish Coffee Day, and Monday, they will be celebrating from noon-11 p.m.
The Golden Ace, 2533 E. Washington St., is also celebrating all weekend, except Sunday. Established in 1934, the Ace is the oldest Irish pub in Indianapolis, and is a great place to hear authentic Irish music. This year, they will host The Man from Donegal inside, plus Brigid’s Cross, Deardaoin, Laughing Jack, Gaelic Brew and Derek Warfield and the Young Wolfe Tones. Doors open at 11 a.m. for the three days. There is a $10 cover charge, and it is cash only.
Si Greenes Pub at 5109 E. 10th St. is a neighborhood hang-out with a friendly vibe. While they haven’t listed anything official on their social media, you should stop by and see what surprises they have in store over the weekend.
