To this day, the Irish community has contributed a great deal to making up the diverse demographics of the United States, in particular those of New York City. One of the major ethnic groups in the "Big Apple", the 2000 census revealed that 420,810 New Yorkers identify themselves as being of Irish heritage, ensuring that the Irish-American community has been maintained in great numbers since its origins due to the waves of immigration in the late 1800s. New York City is currently home to the largest number of Irish-American residents of all of the cities in North America.

The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade is arguably one of the city's greatest traditions, and is regarded by many as the most popular of all of New York's parades. Held every March 17 (unless this date falls on a Sunday, and in this case the parade is then held one day earlier, i.e. Saturday 16th, to allow for religious observances), the march starts from 44th Street at 11am and continues into the late afternoon with a conclusion at around 5pm on 86th Street. The parade route includes Fifth Avenue, St. Patrick's Cathedral, the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and the American Irish Historical Society on 83rd Street. A fantastic event to witness for both locals and tourists, it can be difficult to get a reservation at a New York hotel for the occasion, but well worth it. New York City boasts with pride that everyone is Irish for the St. Patrick's Day Parade!

Another not-to-be-missed international St. Patrick's Day celebration is held right in the heart of Ireland, at Dublin's St. Patrick's Festival. A community and cultural event, the festival offers shows and spectacles for the week leading right up till the big day of March 17. With music, film, comedy, culture, family events, and of course the parade, it's worthwhile checking out the festival program online and booking your accommodation in a Dublin hotel nearby the festival sites as soon as possible!