In 1983 a group of Irish lads joined together to purchase land where they could play their native sports. Volunteer laborers worked together to set the foundation of Chicago Gaelic Park. Virtually all of the labor used to build and maintain Gaelic Park was donated by Irish tradespeople. The materials were donated or sold at cost by local suppliers. Four decades later Chicago Gaelic Park is still a place where GAA games are played. In fact, it’s the largest Irish cultural center in North America. Today Chicago Gaelic Park is now a sprawling complex with 53 acres of property, sports pitches, locker rooms, 3 banquet halls, meeting rooms, and The Carraig, a traditional Irish pub. Since our doors opened in 1985, we have strived to be a place where Irish Immigrants and Irish Americans feel at home. Although we are rooted in Irish culture, we hope to be a place where all people feel welcome. Our community events are open to the public as we believe our cultures are meant to be shared.

The Official South Side Irish St. Patrick's Day Parade

Chicago St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee

Way back in the Spring of 1992 a handful of like-minded individuals on 
Chicago’s South Side gathered together with the idea of forming an 
Irish Theatre Group, where everybody could work in the performing 
arts and have fun doing so at Gaelic Park. Our hope was to present 
the best in Irish culture and tradition to the community surrounding
 Gaelic Park and indeed to Chicago at large, in the shape 
of Irish drama and comedy. We called ourselves Gaelic Park Players.

Established in 2003, Ireland Network Chicago is a not-for-profit organization that serves as a bridge for newly arrived Irish, and those connected to Ireland, to the established Chicago business and Chicago Irish communities. We also raise thousands of dollars each year for Irish-related causes near and dear to our hearts.