Friday, March 14, 2008
Finding Your Irish in Chicago
Sharon Shea Bossard, author of the forthcoming Lake Claremont Press book Finding Your Chicago Irish, has some tips to help you legitimize the claim that you're a wee bit Irish. The following are taken from her book, Finding Your Chicago Irish, a resource that will help you find everything Irish in the Chicagoland area.
Best Traditional Music
Grealy’s, 5001 W. Lawrence, 773/736-5400, http://www.grealyspubchicago.com/
Don’t miss their Wednesday night sessions. Irish musicians entertain the pub crowd with rousing foot stomping jigs and reels. You’ll hear the rhythmic brush of the bodhran, the soulful melody of the uilleann pipes, the lively sounds of the fiddle and the flute, as well as other traditional instruments. Arrive hungry, for you’ll be served the finest Irish cooking this side of County Galway, served by the cook herself. Enjoy the traditional two pour Guinness along with a variety of imported and domestic drinks.
Best Place for Social Dancing
Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest, 708/687-9323, http://www.chicagogaelicpark.org/
Kick up your heels in a jig or a reel, learn the Set Dance and join in the Ceili. You might just get treated to a live band direct from Ireland performing spirited music to get your feet tappin’. Spend weekday evenings whirling, dipping and socializing. Stop in to their Carraig Pub afterwards and experience the best pour on the South Side; one visit will keep you coming back for more. Visit their website for details.
Best Irish Shops
Teahan’s, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand, 773/637-3800, http://www.irishimportschicago.com/
Great selection of Irish clothing, baby items, jewelry, books, Irish CDs. They stock antique Belleek China pieces with the black stamp imprint. Visit their other location on N. Harlem Avenue.
South Side Irish Imports, 3446 W. 111th St., 773/881-8585
Known as the largest Irish store in Chicago, you’ll find Waterford crystal, Belleek and Donegal china, Claddagh rings and watches. Good selection of T-shirts sporting such logos as “Irish Firefighter” and “Irish Policeman.” Guinness products available.
For much more, pick up a copy of Bossard's Finding Your Chicago Irish next month at local bookstores or from our website: www.lakeclaremont.com. You'll find yourself celebrating "the homeland" year-round, not just on St. Patrick's Day.
Best Traditional Music
Grealy’s, 5001 W. Lawrence, 773/736-5400, http://www.grealyspubchicago.com/
Don’t miss their Wednesday night sessions. Irish musicians entertain the pub crowd with rousing foot stomping jigs and reels. You’ll hear the rhythmic brush of the bodhran, the soulful melody of the uilleann pipes, the lively sounds of the fiddle and the flute, as well as other traditional instruments. Arrive hungry, for you’ll be served the finest Irish cooking this side of County Galway, served by the cook herself. Enjoy the traditional two pour Guinness along with a variety of imported and domestic drinks.
Best Place for Social Dancing
Gaelic Park, 6119 W. 147th St., Oak Forest, 708/687-9323, http://www.chicagogaelicpark.org/
Kick up your heels in a jig or a reel, learn the Set Dance and join in the Ceili. You might just get treated to a live band direct from Ireland performing spirited music to get your feet tappin’. Spend weekday evenings whirling, dipping and socializing. Stop in to their Carraig Pub afterwards and experience the best pour on the South Side; one visit will keep you coming back for more. Visit their website for details.
Best Irish Shops
Teahan’s, Navy Pier, 600 E. Grand, 773/637-3800, http://www.irishimportschicago.com/
Great selection of Irish clothing, baby items, jewelry, books, Irish CDs. They stock antique Belleek China pieces with the black stamp imprint. Visit their other location on N. Harlem Avenue.
South Side Irish Imports, 3446 W. 111th St., 773/881-8585
Known as the largest Irish store in Chicago, you’ll find Waterford crystal, Belleek and Donegal china, Claddagh rings and watches. Good selection of T-shirts sporting such logos as “Irish Firefighter” and “Irish Policeman.” Guinness products available.
For much more, pick up a copy of Bossard's Finding Your Chicago Irish next month at local bookstores or from our website: www.lakeclaremont.com. You'll find yourself celebrating "the homeland" year-round, not just on St. Patrick's Day.
Labels: Chicago, Finding Your Chicago Irish, Lake Claremont Press, Sharon Shea Bossard, St. Patrick's Day
