Strong Irish presence in SF? (Richmond: fit in, neighborhoods, living in)

[xGrendelx]

I'm looking for info on Irish culture in SF. Are there any neighborhoods with a lot of Irish? Are there any Irish fests or anything like that? I feel like it's so easy to find the Irish culture here on the East Coast, and I guess I'm wondering if I'll be able to find that out West too.

[clongirl]

The Sunset District is where many Irish families live..plenty of pubs to choose from (my old local favorite was Durty Nelly's) on Irving and for a quieter evening the "Little Shamrock". Many of the younger Irish can be found at the all the regular bars throughout the City... so I wouldn't pin the younger generation to living in a specific area or hanging out solely at the Irish pubs.

There's the usual Irish-American parade on St.Patrick's Day but nothing specifically Irish. There's a few rugby and Gaelic Football clubs and I'm pretty sure you can find hurling as well last I remember. The Kezar Club and sometimes "Ireland's 32" was well known for showing all the Irish sport live (VERY early on a Sunday morning). Best bet would be the smaller Irish pubs for meeting Irish.

The Irish cultural center is also in the Outer Sunset but not geared for the younger crowd at all..think older folks, 70's decor, horrible food. Great for meeting Santa Claus though!

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Ditto. The Sunset.

[xGrendelx]

Thanks guys!

I just read about the Crossroads Irish-American Festival. Anybody ever attend any of the functions? Is there usually a good turn out?

[clongirl]

Unfortunately I've never heard of it...

My guess is if says it's an "Irish-American" function..you'll mostly meet just that, Irish-Americans and not so many Irish. Most of the Irish I know would rather go to the pub or watch a rugby match!

Is there something in particular that you are looking for? Men, music, dance, pub, film? What aspect of Irish culture are you concerned about losing/missing on the West Coast (I'm not at all familiar in what it's like there at all)

[uptown_urbanist]

The Richmond has a pretty strong Irish presence, too. There's an Irish bakery on 20th and Geary, not to mention lots of Irish pubs. I think there are some cultural centers, too, and historically, at least, the neighborhood had a large Irish population. In more recent time I've heard Irish accents at the playgrounds and at the laundromat.

[xGrendelx]

Originally Posted by clongirl

Is there something in particular that you are looking for? Men, music, dance, pub, film? What aspect of Irish culture are you concerned about losing/missing on the West Coast (I'm not at all familiar in what it's like there at all)

Nothing too specific, really. It's hard to explain, but there's many places on the East Coast where the Irish presence can be felt. Little neighborhoods with Irish markets, residents, get-togethers at pubs, etc. The culture is just alive in these places. I was wondering if there was a place/neighborhood in SF that was like that. I mean, I'm not really expecting anything like Boston's "Southie" or the many Irish 'hoods in NY, but I would like to be able to attend some Irish festivals/events while I'm out there. Something more than a parade on St. Patrick's Day, at least. I grew up in an Irish family and many of my friends' families are Irish, so I'm around it a lot. I'm moving to SF in a few months and I'd like to be able to continue to be around it if I can.

[clongirl]

I think I know what you're talking about now. That is totally an East Coast thing! We don't really have that kind of thing here on the West Coast. The Irish-Americans in San Fran/Bay Area don't really congregate to one specific area or neighborhood like you might see over there. People are far less "clannish" and tend to mingle more outside of their individual neighborhoods/familiarities. Perhaps this is what gives California it's flaky/flighty reputation! There are tons of Irish immigrants but the Irish-American identity doesn't exist so heartily here and people tend to "disperse" around the Bay Area. Hope this helps a little!

[CaliforniaSwagger]

yea we arent like the east coast in that everyone has to fit in a sort of "mold" ..like hey guys im irish so im going to drink beer and hang out with other irish and do irish things...nah

we intermingle in california ... thats true diversity. if you want ireland go to ireland..

i wouldnt go to Spain and ask "hey guise wheres the best place to grab a hot dog and celebrate american culture? Where do all the americans live?"

[BayAreaHillbilly]

Also, many of the Irish here are professionals and among them many are in high tech. Of course there are also working class folks as well, but it's a different vibe than back East. It's more of a modern day expat community type feeling.

The Gaelic football thing is a pretty big deal - scarily myself and Clongirl probably know some of the same people ... that's all I'll say, I am a stickler for internet privacy.