Bringing the island of Ireland to Milwaukee: Tourism Ireland inspires future visitors at Irish Fest

The 45th annual Milwaukee Irish Fest – the largest celebration of Irish culture and heritage in the United States – has been taking place on the shores of Lake Michigan in Wisconsin.

The four-day festival – which has a large attendance of more than 130,000 visitors – was an ideal opportunity for Tourism Ireland to showcase the island of Ireland as a superb holiday destination to our important Diaspora audience and people with an interest in Ireland, inspiring them to begin planning a visit. 

A delegation of tourism businesses from around the island of Ireland also participated in this year’s festival – all highlighting the many things to see and do here for American holidaymakers. ‘Ireland, Home of Halloween’ was also a promoted at this year’s festival – promoting Halloween as an iconic reason to visit the island of Ireland in autumn.

Alison Metcalfe, Tourism Ireland’s Head of North America, said:“The Milwaukee Irish Fest provides an excellent platform for Tourism Ireland to showcase the island of Ireland, including our rich heritage and culture, to prospective American visitors. It’s a wonderful opportunity to inspire some of the many people of Irish descent who’re living and working in the US, as well as those with Irish connections or an affinity for Ireland, to come and visit.”