The Downtown Irish Club has been celebrating Irish heritage in New Orleans since 1976. It currently stands as the only club to march on St. Patrick’s Day. Since its founding in 1976, the club has maintained the belief that “everyone is Irish for a day,” which rings true during their St. Patrick’s Day parade. This year’s Man of the Year, Joseph “Joey” Rotolo, and Queen, Desiree Jolet Baiamonte, will preside over the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade as it makes its way from the Old Ninth Ward to the French Quarter. Along the way, there will be several stops, including Bud Rip’s Bar, Mimi’s in the Marigny, and Ryan’s Irish Pub, before the parade officially disbands at the corner of Bourbon and Orleans Streets.
In addition to their St. Patrick’s Day parade, the Downtown Irish Club also hosts several events throughout the year, ranging from golf tournaments to charity Christmas rides. A complete list of their events can be found at their website downtownirishclub.com.