The Guinness Experience
Luckily for you, Eoghain (your Guinness guide) is a Tullamore native with over 10 years experience working for Guinness in the USA. Eoghain will guide you through a curated selection of Guinness beers while sharing stories and fielding questions about the Brewery’s remarkable 266 year history. It’s a perfect opportunity to raise a pint and toast to the legacy of this iconic stout!
Guests will learn about Guinness’ rich history and significant impact on Ireland and the world while sampling five different Guinness Family beers. All guests will also go home with a souvenir Guinness pint. Please note, this event is 21+ and each session is approximately 1 hour. The experience will take place in the Emerald West Room (Main Building).
The Tullamore Dew Experience
Tullamore Dew is named from the town where we make it. We started distilling in Tullamore in 1829 and we’re still going strong. In our corner in the heart of Ireland, we don’t have a fancy resort, but we do have a world-class distillery where we make the world’s original triple-distilled, triple-cask-finished, triple-blended Irish whiskey. Our award-winning whiskey tastes so smooth and delicious, it has become the number two brand in the world.
The Tullamore Dew Experience – Saturday at 5pm
Guests will learn about the history of Tullamore Dew, enjoy samples of 5 Tullamore Dew products, provide samples (Tullamore Dew, Tullamore Dew Honey, Tullamore Dew XO, Tullamore Dew 12yr, Tullamore Dew 14yr Single Malt, and Tullamore Dew 18yr), and have the opportunity to ask questions about the history of the brand and product. Must be 21+.
Cultúr agus Céilí
Everything in the cultural tent is open to participants of all ages and experiences.
Celtic Knotwork Workshop with Michael Carroll
Friday + Sunday
For over a millennium, the exquisite intricacies of Celtic art have enchanted the world. Celtic artist Michael Carroll continues in the tradition of the 8th century monks, creating brand-new yet classically ancient designs.
Irish Language Workshop with Liam Óg Ó hOistín
Friday + Sunday
Liam offers an approachable way for beginners to learn Irish!
Céilí Dance Lessons with Brendan Houlihan
Saturday
Céilí dancing is a traditional form of social group dancing native to Ireland. Come learn the Siege of Ennis, a popular dance at Irish weddings. It’s danced to lively music and gets everyone involved. No experience necessary, bring your friends and family to join in on the craic!
Irish Set Dance Lessons Lessons with Kate Cooley
Join us to learn the basics of Irish Set dancing! This is not the high-jumping, straight-arm Irish dance of your kids — This is a social, partner, beginner-friendly dance for all ages! No experience or partner necessary. Leather-soled shoes are recommended, but not required.
Céilí Mor Social Dance Party with Jack Kinsella and Kate Cooley
Saturday
Dance the night away to the wonderful music of Jack Kinsella! Set dances will be called by Kate Cooley as needed.
Irish Jive Dance Lessons with Gerry Haughey & Aileen Kenny Masterson
Saturday
Join instructor Aileen Kenny Masterson for an introduction to basic Irish jive and turn sets to lively music by Gerry Haughey.
Jive & Social Dance
Saturday
Join us for a spin on the dancefloor with music by Gerry Haughey! Gerry hasn’t missed an Irish Fest at Chicago Gaelic Park yet!
Elias Alexander Workshop
Sunday
Join Fest headliner Elias Alexander for a workshop on how he combines trad music with electronic music. All are welcome.
Sean-Nós Singing Circle
Sunday
Gather with the Chicago Irish Singers to sing traditional, unaccompanied Irish songs in the sean-nós style
Hurling
GAA Matches
Interested in catching a Hurling Match? Head over to our premier sports pitch behind the main building on Saturday, August 23 at 3:30pm. The Hurling Club of Madison will take on Naperville Hurling.
You can also visit the GAA tent on the Fest grounds to learn more about our native sports!
Sunday, August 24th
5pm – Emerald Room West
Enjoy a hilarious evening of comedy and cocktails as comedian Adam Burke shakes up a delicious blend of jokes and mixology. This riotous and instructive show combines a full stand-up comedy show with audience interaction and accessible, easy-to-follow instructional segments on how to make delicious cocktails. We’ve partnered with Hendrick’s Gin to feature a special cocktail.
About Your Host: Adam Burke is an award-winning 18-year stand-up comedy veteran who headlines across the country. He has appeared at many comedy festivals and is a regular panelist on NPR’s popular topical comedy quiz Wait Wait Don’t Tell Me.
Shops + Food
Take home a piece of Ireland! Visit our vendors to shop all of your Irish favorites.
- Authentic Irish Tours
- Because I like it
- Blue Frogs Company
- Celtic Girl Travels Photography
- The Celtic Patriot
- Fireball Design Airbrush Tattoos
- Galway Bakers
- Galway City
- InFamous Welsh Cookie Company
- Irish Collection
- Irish Imports International
- Leaf Guard
- Murray’s Irish Outfitters
- Pieces of Jayde
- Quicksilver – Irish Museum Replica Shoppe
- Renewal by Andersen
- Saor Perfume
- A Touch of Ireland
- Wild N Happy Travel
Food
Irish Fest Mass
Sunday, August 24th
Each year we hold Mass on the Sunday of Irish Fest weekend. We are glad to invite you all to Sunday Mass on the Patio Stage at 11:30 am on August 24th.
