Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
9
IRISH CHANNEL: THE LUCKIEST PLACE
IN TOWN
BOUNDARIES:
Constance St., Louisiana Ave., Magazine St., Jackson Ave.
DISTANCE:
1.96 miles
PARKING:
Free and metered parking on the street; check signs for time limits.
PUBLIC TRANSIT:
RTA Bus #11 (Magazine)
Tucked behind the elegant Garden District, the Irish Channel is a largely middle-class
neighborhood whose origins date back to the early 19th century. Fearful of the potato fam-
ine that was invading their homeland, the Irish settled in the area in droves. It was an easy
choice, as many boats ended up along the Mississippi River, dropping passengers off in this
very area.
Although the Irish Channel is no longer predominantly Irish, the neighborhood has retained
its Irish flair. It boasts some of the liveliest bars in town, including Parasol's and Tracey's.
And come March, the Channel is home to the city's biggest and arguably the best St. Pat-
rick's Day celebrations.
Among them is the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Club's annual Mass and parade, begin-
ning at St. Mary's Assumption Church before green-clad revelers take to the streets on foot
and by float. Parade-goers are strongly encouraged to bring along tote bags—they're likely
to head home with more cabbages, potatoes, and beads than they could ever carry in their
arms.
But the Irish Channel is more than just shamrocks and leprechauns. The 14-block stretch of
Magazine Street between Louisiana Avenue and Jackson Avenue is a haven for shoppers
and diners. And if a massage or pedicure is in your plans, there's no shortage of salons and
day spas.
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Begin your walk at 2025 Constance St., in front of the old St. Alphonsus Cath-
olic Church, now the St. Alphonsus Art and Cultural Center. The center is
maintained by the Friends of St. Alphonsus, a grassroots organization dedic-
ated to preserving and restoring the 159-year-old church, which served the
Irish Catholic community for nearly a century before it was shuttered. The
center is open to the public on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays from 10
a.m. to 2 p.m. Every March, the group presents “Fun Under the Frescoes,” an
Irish celebration featuring an array of musical entertainment. St. Alphonsus
