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?

Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival!

In this episode of the Savannah Irish podcast, host Tara Reese welcomes Irish musicians Tom O’Carroll and Michael Corbett to discuss the rich traditions and living story of Irish music.

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.

The podcast delves into the influence of Irish music in America, how tradition is kept alive in Ireland, and the impact of sessions, festivals, and mentorships. Both musicians share their personal journeys, favorite songs, and the role of modern technology in promoting Irish music.

They also touch on the challenges and joys of maintaining musical traditions in a changing world. The episode closes with a lively discussion on the future of Irish music and the social role it plays in different cultures.

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 Introduction and Welcome

00:32 Meet the Musicians: Michael Corbett and Tom O’Carroll

01:12 The Influence of Irish Music in America

02:55 Personal Journeys into Irish Music

07:40 The Evolution of Irish Music

13:33 The Importance of Oral Tradition and Sessions

19:09 Irish Festivals and Their Role in Sustaining Music

24:02 Savannah's Vibrant Irish Festival

24:46 Attracting Younger Generations

25:39 Challenges of Modernizing Traditional Music

27:18 Influence of Irish Music on Other Genres

29:40 The Role of Social Media in Promoting Music

33:02 Blending Tradition with Modern Styles

39:02 Irish Music's Global Reach

42:46 Favorite and Least Favorite Songs

45:52 A Song About Tara

Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival!

In this special Halloween episode of The Savannah Irish Podcast, host Tara Reese welcomes Patrick Burns, a paranormal enthusiast and ghost tour guide in Savannah, GA. Patrick shares his journey into the paranormal world, sparked by a personal tragedy, and discusses his experiences and encounters while leading ghost tours in the historic city.

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.

The conversation delves into the rich haunted heritage of Savannah, including stories of Irish ghosts, the infamous Alice Riley, and the eerie traditions surrounding Colonial Park Cemetery. Listeners are also treated to Patrick's personal ghost encounters and the unique charm he brings to his tours. Tune in for a captivating blend of history, folklore, and spine-chilling tales from Savannah.

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

Meet Patrick - The Guy in the Kilt

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 SPOOKY SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to Spooky Season

00:31 Meet Patrick Burns: Paranormal Enthusiast

00:43 Patrick's Journey into the Paranormal

01:39 Savannah Ghost Tours and Personal Encounters

03:19 A Personal Ghost Story at Kevin Barry's

06:12 Savannah: A City Built on Its Dead

08:42 Irish Roots and Ghost Lore in Savannah

18:51 Alice Riley: The Restless Irish Ghost

20:45 The Trial and Execution of Alice Riley

22:52 The Haunting of Wright Square

23:58 Colonial Park Cemetery and Yellow Fever

26:14 Ghostly Encounters in Savannah

28:38 The Kehoe House and Other Haunted Locations

30:54 The Importance of Historical Accuracy in Ghost Stories

38:50 The Guy in the Kilt: Personal Experiences and Tours

43:12 Conclusion and Invitation to the Ghost Tour

Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival! This week, host Tara Reese welcomes Nicole Sheils Deputy Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta, representing the US Southeast.

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.

Nicole shares her impressive career journey from Dublin, including her time working in various capacities within the Irish civil service and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The discussion highlights the importance of fostering Irish culture and community in the Southeast US, with particular emphasis on economic ties, youth engagement, and historical connections. Nicole also reveals exciting upcoming projects, including the USA 250 celebrations and the launch of a lecture series on Irish immigration stories. Listeners will gain insight into the vibrant cultural exchanges and diplomatic efforts that strengthen the bonds between Ireland and the Southeast US.

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

Website: Consulate General Of Ireland, Atlanta | Ireland.ie | Ireland.ie

Facebook: Consulate General of Ireland, Atlanta | Atlanta GA | Facebook

Instagram: Consulate General of Ireland - US Southeast (@irelandatlanta) • Instagram photos and videos

LinkedIn: Consulate General of Ireland, Atlanta | LinkedIn

Newsletter: Consulate General of Ireland Atlanta

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 Introduction and Welcome

00:14 Meet Nicole Shiels: Deputy Council General of Ireland

00:56 Nicole's Career Journey

02:30 Experiences in the US and St. Patrick's Day Parade

05:49 Role and Responsibilities of the Consulate

08:06 Economic and Cultural Connections

09:08 Irish Heritage in the Southeast

12:08 Future Goals and Initiatives

19:10 Irish-American Connections Today

20:19 Celebrating Irish Culture and Heritage

21:37 The Role of the Irish Diaspora

24:04 Irish Cultural Influence and Storytelling

29:42 Economic and Educational Partnerships

35:43 Upcoming Initiatives and Final Thoughts

Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast! This week, host Tara Reese welcomes Chris Ahearn of the World Trade Center Savannah and Gerry Leonard of the Irish Chamber of Commerce Atlanta.

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.

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

In episode four of season three of the Savannah Irish podcast, host Tara Reese welcomes back Dr. Howard Keeley from Georgia Southern University. They discuss the unique sister city relationship between Savannah, Georgia, and Wexford, Ireland, focusing on the historical trade connections that began in 1845 with the Graves family's international maritime trading company.

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.

The episode dives into the cultural exchanges, stories of immigration, and significant impacts of Irish timber trade on Savannah's development. Additionally, it highlights the remarkable discoveries made by Georgia Southern University students in the National Archives of Ireland, and the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Savannah and Wexford today through initiatives like the Trade Bridge. The podcast underscores the importance of preserving these narratives for future generations.

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

Meet Dr. Howard Keeley

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 Introduction and Special Guests

00:21 Savannah and Wexford: Sister Cities

01:16 The Timber Trade Connection

04:06 The Graves Family and Their Ventures

13:05 Rediscovering Lost History

14:49 Modern Connections and Collaborations

18:18 Savannah's Irish Heritage and Ballast Stones

18:31 The Graves Family and Savannah's Stone Supply

19:47 The Dun Brody and Timber Trade

20:26 Personal Connections and Irish Stories

21:53 Savannah's Irish Neighborhoods and Cemeteries

25:59 Wexford's Emigration and the Famine

28:45 Challenges and Successes of Irish Immigrants

34:40 Preserving Irish History in Savannah

In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast, Dr. Howard Keeley from Georgia Southern University's Irish Studies program dives into the rich history of Irish immigration in Savannah.

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.

Explore the initial waves of Irish settlers during the famine, the contributions of key figures like Henry Ellis, the establishment of neighborhoods, and the role of the Irish in politics, labor, and community building. Discover how the deeply intertwined Irish and Savannah histories have shaped the city, from early fraternal organizations like the Hibernian Society to significant civic contributions including alderman James McGuire's impact.

Stay tuned as the show promises further fascinating insights into the shared stories and legacies of Savannah's Irish community.

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

Meet Dr. Howard Keeley

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 Introduction and Rebranding

00:23 Early Irish Immigration to Savannah

01:37 Oglethorpe and the Irish Influence

02:44 Henry Ellis: Georgia's Second Founder

08:14 The Queensboro Settlement

14:31 Scots-Irish and the Hibernian Society

17:35 The First St. Patrick's Day Parade

20:42 Upcoming Episodes and Conclusion

21:00 Building Savannah: Irish Contributions to Labor and Community

24:28 The Great Famine and Its Impact on Irish Immigration

25:59 The 1860 Census: A Snapshot of Irish Presence in Savannah

29:17 Irish Women in Savannah: Employment and Contributions

33:43 Irish Political Activism and Civic Leadership

35:28 James McGuire Jr.: A Story of Perseverance and Politics

41:23 The Legacy of Irish History in Savannah

In this episode of the Savannah Irish podcast, host Tara Reese and guests Dr. Kelley Mondesire and Connor Dolan explore the lively Irish and Celtic festival scene in the American South.

The conversation dives into how cities like Nashville, Tennessee, and Savannah celebrate their Celtic heritage through music, dance, and community events. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of networking, cross-promotion, and community reliance among festival organizers.

Insightful discussions reveal how these cultural celebrations help to honor heritage, educate the public, and bring together people with shared ancestral roots. Specific upcoming event dates in Nashville and Savannah are shared, with aspirations for future expansions highlighted.

THE SAVANNAH IRISH PODCAST IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY: THE IRISH PUB COMPANY

THE SAVANNAH IRISH PODCAST IS PROUDLY PRODUCED BY: DEE DANIELS MEDIA - STORYTELLING WITH A PURPOSE

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VOICES & TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:

Get details on the 2026 Savannah Irish Festival

Get tickets to the 2026 Savannah Irish Festival

Learn more about the Savannah Scottish Games

Learn more about the Irish Network Nashville

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast

00:32 Meet the Guests: Dr. Kelley and Connor Dolan

01:34 Elevator Pitches: Roles in Celtic Events

01:57 Connor Dolan on Nashville's Irish Network

03:08 Dr. Kelley on Irish and Scottish Heritage

04:10 Tara's Role and Savannah's Celtic Culture

04:50 The Importance of Celtic Festivals

05:29 Nashville's Growing Celtic Scene

17:32 Savannah's St. Patrick's Day and Community

21:51 Cultural Festivals and Traditions

22:58 Joining the Nashville Irish Community

24:21 Networking and Community Building

26:09 Expanding Irish Cultural Events

27:21 Challenges and Opportunities

29:44 Technical Difficulties and Resuming Discussion

34:20 Future Visions for Cultural Events

40:47 Event Dates and Final Remarks