The old Hibernia Bank tower no longer looms over the CBD skyline, but it does provide revelers on Bourbon Street a familiar landmark.
From St. Patrick’s Church to the stately Gallier Hall to Tracey’s and the old Parasol’s Bar in the Irish Channel to Fahy’s Irish Pub and Erin Rose in the French Quarter, the influence of the Irish in New Orleans is everywhere.
The Irish first arrived in New Orleans at the end of the 18th century as they fled British persecution. They came in droves during the Great Potato Famine of the 1820s—1840s. Many of these immigrants worked as servants for wealthy families in the Garden District and many died building the New Basin Canal.
This fascinating history of the Irish in New Orleans is on display at the Irish Cultural Museum. There you can learn the history and stories of Irish adventurers, soldiers, mercenaries, priests, entrepreneurs, philanthropists, and public servants who found their niche here in New Orleans, and how their spirit, accomplishments, and culture all still define New Orleans today.
The Irish Cultural Museum of New Orleans has as its mission to devote resources to educate and create public awareness among locals, tourists, and others of the contributions Ireland, her people, and their culture have made to New Orleans since its colonial beginnings.
The museum features a beautiful courtyard and also serves as an event space. It is located at 933 Conti Street.
