From Ireland to Savannah: Stories of Home, Heritage & Heart PART 1

In this episode of the SAVANNAH IRISH PODCAST brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival - host Tara Reese sits down over a pint - or four - of Guiness ON LOCATION at O'Connell's Irish Pub with Irish transplants Derek, Sharon, and Damien as they share their experiences of moving from Ireland to Savannah, Georgia.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

With plenty of laughter and 'crack,' they discuss how they maintain their Irish heritage while embracing Southern culture. They recount their journeys to America, the cultural shocks, and the amusing misunderstandings resulting from their accents. From savoring both Irish and Southern traditions, navigating through local festivals, to the peculiarities of American football versus GAA, this episode is a warm-hearted, humorous celebration of Irish spirit blending with Southern hospitality. Join them at O'Connell's Pub, where the conversation is lively, and the Guinness flows freely.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Meet the Irish Savannahians

00:57 Sharon's Journey from Sligo to Savannah

01:45 Damien's Move from Dublin to Savannah

02:50 Derek's Path to Savannah and Firefighting

07:43 First Impressions of Savannah

09:11 Irish Traditions and Southern Hospitality

26:24 Cultural Sayings and Expressions

29:21 Sports: American Football vs. GAA

32:09 Sligo's Day at Crow Park

32:57 GAA vs. American Football

33:43 Funny Story from San Francisco

35:16 Southern Gigi vs. Irish Granny Cooking

36:13 Irish Breakfast and Brown Bread

37:23 Potatoes and Roast Dinners

39:53 Favorite Whiskeys and Drinking Stories

44:47 Accents and Misunderstandings

49:56 Returning to Ireland

53:03 Americanized or Not?