Savannah Irish History Walking Tour

Savannah, Georgia is renowned for its captivating history, and the Savannah Irish History Walking Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the city’s profound Irish influence. Led by knowledgeable guides, the tour explores key landmarks like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Colonial Park Cemetery, uncovering the rich heritage and enduring legacy of the Irish community. From the city’s Irish-influenced street names to the vibrant cultural contributions, this immersive experience celebrates the struggles and triumphs of Savannah’s Irish settlers. As you stroll through the historic streets, you’ll uncover fascinating stories that showcase the indelible mark the Irish have left on this remarkable coastal city.

Key Points

• The walking tour showcases Savannah’s rich Irish heritage through historic landmarks like the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist and Colonial Park Cemetery.
• Savannah’s Irish community has had a significant cultural and religious influence, as evident in the architecture and street names.
• The tour provides insights into the struggles and lives of Savannah’s Irish settlers, enhancing appreciation for their enduring legacy.
• Emmet Park serves as a gathering place for Savannah’s Irish community, hosting annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.
• The tour’s cancellation policy encourages careful review, and reviews highlight the guide’s responsiveness to any issues.

Exploring Savannah’s Irish Roots

Savannah’s Irish roots date back centuries, with the city’s Irish community playing a significant role in its history.

The Savannah Irish History Walking Tour explores these rich cultural connections, guiding visitors through historic landmarks that showcase the influence of Irish immigrants. From the iconic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to the serene Colonial Park Cemetery, the tour immerses participants in the stories of Irish settlement, resilience, and legacy.

Discover the Irish history woven into Savannah’s street names, squares, and neighborhoods, including the vibrant Emmet Park. This guided experience offers a unique opportunity to explore the enduring Irish identity that has shaped the fabric of this captivating Southern city.

Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

The towering Cathedral of St. John the Baptist is a prominent landmark on the Savannah Irish History Walking Tour.

Constructed in the late 19th century, the cathedral’s stunning Gothic Revival architecture reflects the significant Irish influence in Savannah’s history.

Visitors will marvel at the grand interior, featuring intricate stained-glass windows and ornate altars.

The cathedral’s history is deeply intertwined with the Irish immigrant community, who played a crucial role in its construction and growth.

As participants explore the cathedral, they’ll gain insights into how the Irish community left an indelible mark on Savannah’s religious and cultural landscape.

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist stands as a testament to the enduring Irish legacy in this historic Southern city.

Colonial Park Cemetery Tour

Next, the walking tour takes participants to Colonial Park Cemetery, a historic graveyard that dates back to the early 1700s.

The cemetery serves as a poignant reminder of Savannah’s Irish past, featuring the graves of many early Irish settlers. Visitors will learn about the cemetery’s history and the stories behind the headstones, uncovering the lives and struggles of Savannah’s Irish community.

The tour guide will point out notable monuments and share fascinating anecdotes, providing a deeper understanding of the Irish influence on Savannah’s development.

Through this exploration of the cemetery, travelers gain a greater appreciation for the enduring legacy of the Irish in this historic Southern city.

Irish Immigration to Savannah

After exploring the historic Colonial Park Cemetery, the walking tour turns its focus to examining the rich tapestry of Irish immigration to Savannah. Savannah’s Irish heritage dates back to the 1700s, with waves of Irish settlers arriving over the centuries. The city’s Irish community left an indelible mark, with many street names reflecting their influence. A closer look reveals the depth of Savannah’s Irish roots:

Time Period	Notable Event
1700s	Irish settlers arrive
1800s	Influx during potato famine
1900s	Irish-American community grows
Today	Irish cultural presence remains

Through this exploration, travelers gain a deeper appreciation for Savannah’s enduring Irish legacy.

Savannah’s Irish Street Names

As one explores the streets of Savannah, the Irish imprint becomes apparent through the city’s many street names.

Some notable examples include:

• Pulaski Square, named after Polish-Irish Revolutionary War hero Casimir Pulaski
• Oglethorpe Avenue, honoring James Oglethorpe, the founder of Georgia who welcomed Irish immigrants
• Montgomery Street, named after Irish-American General Richard Montgomery
• Emmet Park, a tribute to Irish patriot Robert Emmet

These street names serve as a constant reminder of the significant Irish influence on Savannah’s history and culture, reflecting the community’s lasting impact on the city’s development.

Historic Squares of Savannah

The Irish influence on Savannah extends beyond the city’s street names, as the tour also explores five of Savannah’s historic squares. These picturesque public spaces showcase the city’s architectural heritage and reflect the experiences of its Irish residents over the centuries. The tour guides visitors through iconic squares like Lafayette Square, named after the French Revolutionary War hero, and Chippewa Square, famous for its appearance in the film "Forrest Gump." Travelers can discover the Irish connections woven into the design and history of these beloved Savannah landmarks.

Square	Irish Connection
Lafayette Square	Named after French Revolutionary War hero
Chippewa Square	Featured in "Forrest Gump"
Reynolds Square	Honoring Irish-American jurist

Irish Communities in Emmet Park

At the tour’s end, visitors explore Emmet Park, a picturesque green space named after the Irish patriot Robert Emmet.

The park is a hub for Savannah’s Irish community, housing the Celtic Cross monument that honors the city’s Irish heritage. Visitors can wander through the lush greenery, take in the serene atmosphere, and learn about the significance of this important landmark.

The park also hosts annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, where the community gathers to embrace its Irish roots through music, dance, and festive traditions.

Emmet Park serves as a testament to the enduring Irish spirit that has shaped Savannah’s rich cultural tapestry.

Cancellation and Review Policy

The Savannah Irish History Walking Tour has a non-refundable cancellation policy – no refunds are provided for cancellations. Travelers receive confirmation at booking, and the tour operator encourages reviewing the policy carefully before purchasing.

Cancellation Policy	Review Highlights
Non-refundable	Guide cancellation issues noted
No refunds	Apologies issued and refunds processed for affected travelers

The tour’s cancellation policy reflects the provider’s commitment to reliable service, while the reviews suggest a willingness to address any issues that may arise.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Walking Tour?

There is no specific dress code mentioned for this walking tour. Participants should dress comfortably for walking and exploring the historic sites, and dress appropriately for the weather conditions on the day of the tour.

Are Any Food or Drinks Provided During the Tour?

No food or drinks are provided during the tour. Participants are responsible for bringing their own refreshments. The focus of the tour is on exploring Savannah’s Irish history through historic landmarks and sites.

How Much Walking Is Involved in the Tour?

The tour involves a moderate amount of walking. It lasts 1.5 hours and covers five historic squares, key landmarks, and the Irish communities of Savannah. Participants should be prepared for an active walking experience throughout the tour.

Can I Take Photos During the Tour?

Travelers can generally take photos during the tour, as long as they don’t disrupt the group or block the guide’s view. However, some locations may have restrictions, so participants should ask the guide about photography policies.

What Language(S) Is the Tour Conducted In?

The tour is conducted in English. As the description does not mention any other languages, it can be reasonably assumed that English is the primary language used throughout the walking tour experience.

Recap

The Savannah Irish History Walking Tour offers a captivating journey through the city’s rich Irish heritage. Participants will uncover the profound influence of Irish settlers, from the iconic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist to the historic squares and street names that reflect their enduring legacy. This immersive experience celebrates the struggles, triumphs, and cultural contributions of the Irish community, providing a deeper appreciation for Savannah’s vibrant diversity.