West Suburban Irish

14/08/2026

🍀 Volunteer at Naperville Irish Fest. Give Back. Have Fun.

Naperville Irish Fest needs volunteers—and your time can help make a difference for a local nonprofit!

For every shift you work, West Suburban Irish will donate $25 to the nonprofit you choose from these six amazing organizations:

Alive Center
Loaves & Fishes Community Services
St. Patrick's Residence
Naperville Area Humane Society
St. Baldrick's Foundation
Institute of Traditional Irish Music

Why volunteer at Naperville Irish Fest?

🍀 Have fun with friends while supporting WSI in a warm, festive atmosphere.
🍀 Give back to a local nonprofit—you choose which organization receives the $25 donation.
🍀 Get FREE entry to Naperville Irish Fest on the day of your shift.
🍀 Get a nifty Irish Fest volunteer T-shirt.
🍀 Chip away at community service hours goal. Great for high schoolers!

Your time makes a difference. Come be part of the fun, friendship and service that make Naperville Irish Fest special!

👉 Sign up today: WSIrish.org/VolunteerIrishFest

West Suburban Irish

14/08/2026

Everyone knows Chicago dyes its river green each March, but the Irish roots of that great American city run far deeper than one day of celebration. 🏙️ The Irish of Chicago.

The Irish were among the very first and most important immigrant groups to build Chicago. Many arrived in the mid nineteenth century to dig the great Illinois and Michigan Canal, brutal, dangerous work that helped make the city a hub of commerce. They settled in tight-knit neighbourhoods, most famously Bridgeport, and took the hardest jobs going, in the vast, grim stockyards, on the railroads, and as labourers, police and firefighters. Through sheer numbers, organisation and grit, they came to dominate the city's politics for generations, producing a long line of powerful Irish-American mayors and running the great Democratic machine. They built magnificent churches, founded parishes and schools, and wove Irish identity so deeply into the city that Chicago remains one of the most proudly Irish-American cities in the United States.

It is a story of a city shaped by Irish hands. 💚 From the mud of the canal to the halls of City Hall, generations of Irish immigrants helped build Chicago into a great city, and left their mark on it forever.

09/08/2026

Mark you calendar to join us at Naperville Irish Fest!

THE 6TH ANNUAL NAPERVILLE IRISH FEST IS COMING! ☘️

We’re gearing up for the 6th Annual Naperville Irish Fest, and we can’t wait to welcome you to Central Park in downtown Naperville for two unforgettable days of Irish music, dance, culture, and community.

Friday & Saturday, September 18–19, 2026
Central Park in downtown Naperville (104 E. Benton Ave.)

Walking distance from the Naperville BNSF Metra station.

FRIDAY
4:00 PM — McNulty Irish Dancers
5:15 PM — Mulligan Stew
6:45 PM — On the Lash
8:15 PM — Classical Blast

SATURDAY
12:00 PM — Firefighters Highland Guard of Naperville
12:25 PM — Bailey Murray Academy
1:15 PM — McNulty Irish Dancers
2:30 PM — Joyce Boys
3:40 PM — Bentley Academy of Irish Dance
4:55 PM — Celtic Roots
6:25 PM — The Chancers
7:55 PM — Reilly

Get your tickets and join us >> WSIrish.org/IrishFest

The 6th Annual Naperville Irish Fest is presented by Buick GMC of Naperville, with support from Spennare Americas.

Bring your family and friends and come celebrate Irish music, dance, culture, and community in downtown Naperville.

We’ll see you at Naperville Irish Fest! ☘️

West Suburban Irish

31/07/2026

29/07/2026

Mr. Hansard was an Oscar winner for the iconic Once song "Falling Slowly."

27/07/2026

Well done, Mayo!

The Saw Doctors are riding high in the iTunes charts this morning: Green and Red of Mayo is No. 6 and ’To Win Just Once’ is No.16. Is there something going on—what’s the story, sham ?

17/07/2026

☘️ Discovering Ireland Together – Final Stop: County Cork A Journey with the President of West Suburban Irish

In Cobh, we stood beside the Annie Moore statue, honoring the young Irish woman who became the first immigrant processed through Ellis Island in 1892. Seeing the harbor where so many began their journey to America—and the nearby memorial to the RMS Lusitania, whose tragic sinking claimed nearly 1,200 lives off Cork’s coast—was a powerful reminder of the hope and heartbreak these waters have witnessed.

Next came Blarney Castle, where I kissed the famous Blarney Stone. Whether I truly received the “gift of the gab”… I’ll let you decide! 😄

Cork may have convinced me on its history, scenery, and hospitality… but not on the stout. Murphy’s was good, but I’ll still take a pint of Guinness any day! 🍻

Another incredible chapter in this journey. I can’t wait to bring these stories home as we prepare for the Naperville Irish Fest on September 18–19.

Sláinte! ☘️🍻

16/07/2026

☘️ Discovering Ireland Together – Stop 2: Dublin
A Journey with the President of West Suburban Irish

Today brought us to the heart of Ireland’s capital, where every corner tells a story. From the historic grounds of Trinity College to the vibrant streets of Temple Bar, the legendary Guinness Storehouse, and The Brazen Head—Ireland’s oldest pub—Dublin perfectly blends history, culture, and hospitality.

One thing I learned today: Guinness is more than just a beer—it’s a symbol of Irish pride and tradition. And yes… it really does taste better here! 🍺

Traveling through Ireland has been an incredible reminder of the rich heritage we celebrate back home with West Suburban Irish. I hope you’ll join us at Naperville Irish Fest on September 18–19 as we bring a little piece of Ireland to our community through music, culture, history, food, and fun.

📍 Next stop: County Cork 🇮🇪

Sláinte! ☘️🍻

15/07/2026

☘️ Discovering Ireland Together – Stop 1: Belfast
A Journey with the President of West Suburban Irish

Our first stop brings us to Belfast, a city rich in history, resilience, and stunning scenery.

We visited Belfast City Hall, a symbol of the city’s proud heritage, before making our way to the breathtaking Giant’s Causeway, Northern Ireland’s only natural UNESCO World Heritage Site. While science tells us its 40,000 basalt columns were formed by volcanic activity 60 million years ago, Irish legend says the giant Finn McCool built the Causeway to challenge a rival in Scotland. History and folklore truly go hand in hand here.

As President of West Suburban Irish, I’m excited to share this journey with you and bring a little piece of Ireland back home. I hope you’ll follow along as we continue Discovering Ireland Together over the next few days.

🍀 Be sure to join us at Naperville Irish Fest, September 18 & 19, where we’ll celebrate Irish music, dance, food, history, and culture with our community.

📍 Next stop: Dublin!

Sláinte! ☘️

04/07/2026

Join us for a special evening with author Robert Patrick Conlon as we welcome a powerful story of survival, identity, and resilience rooted in Irish-American history.

On Tuesday, July 21, 2026 at 6:30 PM CT, we’ll gather at the Naperville VFW Post 3873 for an engaging discussion around *Celtic Knot – An Orphan’s Tale of Survival, Family, and Love in Chicago*.

Based on a true story, *Celtic Knot* follows young Tim, an Irish immigrant orphan in 1885 Chicago, navigating loss, hardship, and life on the streets after escaping an ill-intentioned orphanage. It is a gripping account of survival, family, and the enduring strength of the human spirit in a rapidly changing city.

A moving story, a meaningful conversation, and an opportunity to connect over Irish heritage and history in Chicago.

Register here:
https://wsirish.org/content.aspx?page_id=4091&club_id=555725&item_id=2968644

About the Author: Robert Patrick Conlon
A Chicago-based trial attorney and Founding Partner of Walker Wilcox LLP, brings this story to life with both historical depth and personal connection. He and his family have long called Chicago and the Western Suburbs home.

Learn more about the book:
[Celtic Knot – Eckhartz Press](https://eckhartzpress.com/shop/celtic-knot/?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

Watch the ChicagoNOW feature:
[WFLD TV Morning Show Spot](https://youtu.be/1UnNYT9TJFE?utm_source=chatgpt.com)

An orphan's tale of survival, family, and love in early 20th century Chicago. Based on a true story.