Welcome to the Savannah Irish Festival Podcast - brought to you by the Irish Pub Company! We're Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Savannah with Ireland's Minister of Social Protection Dara Calleary. 

In this episode, host Tara Reese and President Deana Shores welcome Minister Dara Calleary to discuss the vibrant celebrations of St. Patrick's Day in Savannah and the importance of Irish heritage. Minister Calleary shares insights into his roles in the Irish government and the deep cultural connections between Ireland and Savannah.

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The conversation covers the significance of preserving Irish culture through events like the Savannah Irish Festival and fostering strong economic and social ties between Ireland and the United States. Additionally, Minister Calleary reflects on the historical struggles of Irish immigrants and the global Irish diaspora's role in promoting Irish culture.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Meet Minister Dara Calleary

Minister Dara Calleary on Instagram

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

WELCOME TO THE SAVANNAH IRISH FESTIVAL PODCAST! Thank you to The Irish Pub Company for sponsoring this show. 

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This episode of the Savannah Irish Festival podcast features Vic Power, the legendary owner of the also-legendary Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub for 40 years. Vic shares the journey that led him to Savannah from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and the inspiration behind naming his pub. The conversation touches on the significant influence of Kevin Barry's on Savannah's community and its deep connection with the military, particularly the Rangers.

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Joined by Rick, a 36-year Army veteran, they reminisce about the pub's history, memorable events, and the lasting impact it has left on its patrons. The episode also highlights the personal stories of love and camaraderie that were fostered within the walls of Kevin Barry’s, including the fascinating tradition of honoring fallen soldiers. Vic also recalls his friendships and the famous faces that played at the pub, cementing its reputation as a beloved institution in Savannah.

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Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Read more about Kevin Barry's

Meet the Committee

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

LIVE AT THE FESTIVAL! Thank you to The Irish Pub Company for sponsoring this show. 

In this episode, recorded live from the Savannah Irish Festival, Tim Strickland, co-owner of Wexford Irish Pub, and Darren Fagan from the Irish Pub Company discuss their journey in creating the beloved Wexford.

They share stories about their beginnings, the challenges they faced, the community impact, and exciting future projects like the First City Tavern. Highlighting partnerships, community involvement, and the essence of Irish hospitality, this episode is a detailed look into the making of iconic Irish pubs. Plus, don't miss their plans for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations!

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Meet the Committee

VISIT Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

LISTEN to other episodes from the Savannah Irish Festival Podcast

Let's have a FESTIVAL! Thank you to The Irish Pub Company for sponsoring this show. 

In this lively episode, host Tara and the Savannah Irish Festival committee members record from Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub, the festival's title sponsor. They discuss upcoming festival highlights, including a Celtic concert at Victory North on January 31st and the main event on St. Bridget's Day, February 1st. Special performances by energetic bands SYR and Seven Nations are anticipated, promising a vibrant and modern twist to the traditional festivities.

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Listeners are also introduced to a variety of vendors offering unique Irish goods, delicious food trucks, and the much-loved Irish wolfhound kissing booth. The episode emphasizes the importance of sponsors and community support while providing logistical details for attendees, including parking tips and ticket information. Excitement is palpable as the team looks forward to welcoming everyone to this year's high-energy celebration of Irish culture.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

TAP HERE for the 2025 Savannah Irish Festival SCHEDULE

Meet the Committee

VISIT Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

In this episode, the Savannah Irish Festival Committee celebrates the opening of SEASON 2 of the Savannah Irish Festival Podcast!

Our season opener was recorded on-location at Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub. Featuring an in-depth discussion with owners Jennifer Strickland and Chris Swanson, they delve into the conception and development of the pub, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and their dedication to creating an authentic Irish experience in Savannah.

The episode also highlights their deep ties to the community, their ongoing support for local events, and their blossoming partnership with Georgia Southern's Irish Studies Program. Special guests contribute to the lively conversation, adding their unique insights and stories about the pub and festival.

More about Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub: Savannah’s newest and most unique Irish pub was inspired by and named after County Wexford, Ireland, to which Savannah has a special connection since more than half of Georgia’s Irish emigrants traveled here from Wexford in the mid-1800s during the potato famine. In fact, most of the interior of the new establishment was crafted and shipped over from the emerald isle itself and assembled in Savannah. In addition to the brick-and-mortar authenticity of the pub, the soul of the new venue are in its culinary offerings and beverage menu. Delicious Irish meals accented by an eclectic beer and whiskey collection, live Irish music combined with sincere hospitality make Wexford Pub a jewel in the crown of Savannah’s most beloved restaurants.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

TAP HERE for the 2025 Savannah Irish Festival SCHEDULE

Meet the Committee

VISIT Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

THIS WAS NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER'S IRISH FESTIVAL! Join host Tara Reese, producer Dee Daniels Media, Chloe Agnew Band - The Brave Collide, and SYR on this wrap-up episode of the 2024 Savannah Irish Festival. 

Big thanks to Victory North, our musicians, and all of our sponsors and vendors! 

Chloe Agnew

The Brave Collide

SYR

Learn more and support the Savannah Irish Festival in the links below:

Savannah Irish Festival

Meet the Committee

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

This FESTIVE episode is ON LOCATION at Billy's Place at McDonough's Restaurant and Lounge! Get to know our special guests: Joseph Lee, co-owner of Billy's Place and McDonough's - and The Savannah Shamrocks Rugby Club.

The 2024 Savannah Ceili rings in GREEN SEASON on Saturday, February 3rd from 6-10pm at Billy's Place, above McDonough's Restaurant and Lounge. There's a $10 donation requested at the door along with dancing and a silent auction to support venues, the artists, and the festival. 

PRE-FESTIVAL CONCERT: Friday night, February 4th featuring The Brave Collide and Syra at Victory North, 2603 Whitaker Street in Savannah. 

The 2024 Savannah Irish Festival will take place on Saturday, February 10th at Victory North. Doors open at 9:30 AM and close at 8:30 PM.  Tickets can be found on Eventbrite.  Join us for a day of Irish music, Irish dance, and Irish culture as we kick off St. Patrick's Season in Savannah!

Learn more about the voices in this episode:

Savannah Irish Festival - TICKET and EVENT INFO

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

Music featuring:

Chloë Agnew is an internationally renowned singer who shot to fame for her integral part as the youngest and one of the original members of the world-famous music group ‘Celtic Woman’

Tom O'Carroll

Tom O'Carroll is a humourist and folksinger from Dublin. His quick wit, scholarship and virtuosity on a variety of musical instruments have made him popular.

Fran Doyle

Fran Doyle from Dublin, Ireland is an Irish Folk Singer who is witty and keep the audience engaged as he entertains from Nova Scotia to Florida.

Seldom Sober

Seldom Sober was formed in Savannah in 2007 by Michael Corbett and Colleen Settle and have performed at festivals, theaters, pubs, parties, weddings, and other events throughout the lowcountry.

Savannah Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee | Official Site

In this episode of The Savannah Irish Festival Podcast, we're bringing you a taste of Ireland right here in the heart of Savannah as we visit the iconic O'Connells Irish Pub for a whiskey tasting!

As we're tastin' and telling stories about the significance of whiskey in Irish celebrations and gatherings, you'll feel like you're right there at O'Connells Irish Pub, savoring the warm embrace of Irish hospitality. Whether you're a whiskey connoisseur or simply intrigued by the cultural connections, this episode promises a sensory experience that will leave you craving more. Sláinte!

Visit O'Connells Irish Pub - Savannah's only Irish pub! 

SavannahIrishFestival.com

In this follow-up episode to the tale of the Savannah Gaelic Athletic Association's (SGAA) inception, we adventure across the Atlantic as the team fulfills a dream - a journey to the birthplace of Gaelic culture and sports, Ireland. Join us as we retrace the trip of the SGAA members, from the cobblestone streets of Savannah to the picturesque landscapes of Ireland. Through lively storytelling, we'll hear firsthand accounts of the team's excitement, anticipation, and the impact of the new connections made. 

SavannahIrishFestival.com

Join us as we celebrate the inception of the Savannah Gaelic Athletic Association, a testament to the power of heritage, unity, and the enduring love for sport. From the thunders of Hurling to the grace and skill of Gaelic Football, discover how these ancient games found a new home in Savannah and how they've forged connections across generations and cultures.