The U.S. Congress designated March as Irish-American Heritage Month in 1991, and the president issues a proclamation commemorating the occasion each year.
Originally a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the 5th century, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration of all things Irish.
The world’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred in New York City on March 17, 1762, featuring Irish soldiers who served in the English military.
This parade became an annual event, with President Harry S. Truman attending in 1948.
The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to U.S. Census Bureau surveys:
The number and share of U.S. residents who claimed Irish ancestry in 2024. Source: 2024 American Community Survey 1-year estimates
The number of foreign-born U.S. residents who reported Ireland as their birthplace in 2024. Source: 2024 American Community Survey 1-year estimates
The number of people living in Cook County, Illinois — the nation’s county with the largest Irish American population — who claimed Irish ancestry in 2024. Source: 2024 American Community Survey 1-year estimates.
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