Shamrocks, Parades, and Society Balls: St. Patrick’s Day in the Late 19th Century

by Kimberly Keagan
March 11, 2025

Many Americans can trace their ancestry back to Ireland. In my own family tree, my father’s side includes McClendons and Gillilands who settled in North Carolina during the 1700s. My husband’s lineage includes Murphys who made their home in Canada in the 1800s. Our daughter, with her striking red hair and green eyes, surprised us all—proof that Irish roots can run deep! She even reminds me of Bridget Flynn, the heroine in my upcoming historical romance novella, Heart of Hope, both in appearance and fiery spirit.

With St. Patrick’s Day approaching, I found myself curious about how people in the late 19th century celebrated this beloved Irish holiday. While today’s festivities often center on wearing green and enjoying parades, back then, the holiday carried a deeper cultural and political significance. Whether in the elegant parlors of Gilded Age America or the crowded streets of Victorian England, March 17th was a day that brought together faith, heritage, and social identity.

A postcard from the early 1900s. Author's collection.

St. Patrick’s Day in Gilded Age America: A Grand Display of Irish PrideBy the 1890s, Irish immigrants had established strong communities in major U.S. cities such as New York, Boston, and Chicago. For them, St. Patrick’s Day was more than just a festivity—it was a proud display of their cultural identity and a way to affirm their growing influence in American society.

In cities with large Irish populations, grand parades filled the streets, often led by Irish fraternal organizations, Catholic groups, and even military units. New York City’s parade, organized by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, became one of the largest spectacles of the season. Marchers carried green banners, bands played lively Irish tunes, and politicians eager to gain favor with the Irish-American vote made sure to be seen in attendance.

For the wealthier class, the holiday was marked with private celebrations rather than public parades. Elite social clubs and grand mansions hosted elaborate dinners featuring traditional dishes like corned beef and cabbage, soda bread, and hearty stews. Some hostesses took the festivities a step further, throwing green-themed balls decorated with shamrocks and golden harps to honor Ireland’s patron saint.

Beyond the revelry, St. Patrick’s Day was also a time for reflection and faith. Many Irish Catholic families attended special church services where sermons focused on St. Patrick’s legacy and the perseverance of the Irish people. Additionally, charity events were common, raising funds for causes such as orphanages, hospitals, and relief efforts for struggling families in Ireland.

St. Patrick’s Day in Victorian England: A More Reserved AffairAcross the Atlantic, St. Patrick’s Day was observed in a more subdued manner, particularly among the general British population. Though Ireland remained under British rule, Irish communities in cities such as Liverpool, Manchester, and London marked the day with quiet gatherings and religious services.

One notable exception to this restraint was the British royal family, which acknowledged the holiday through its military connections. Queen Victoria, who held a deep respect for the Irish regiments in her army, formalized a tradition in 1893 that involved presenting shamrocks to the Irish Guards—a custom that continues to this day.

Among the Irish aristocracy living in England, St. Patrick’s Day was recognized with refined celebrations. Private dinners often included poetry readings and traditional music performances. Meanwhile, working-class Irish communities in industrial towns gathered in pubs or local halls, where music and dancing turned the evening into a lively affair.

For Irish nationalists, the holiday held a deeper political meaning. With the Irish Home Rule movement gaining momentum, March 17th frequently became a platform for speeches and demonstrations advocating for Ireland’s self-governance. Newspapers from the time often reported on Home Rule meetings strategically scheduled for St. Patrick’s Day, emphasizing the symbolic importance of the holiday in Ireland’s ongoing struggle for autonomy.

Whether in the opulent ballrooms of New York, the prayerful gatherings of Irish Catholics, or the impassioned political rallies of Dublin, St. Patrick’s Day in the 1890s was more than just a day of festivities. It was a declaration of identity, a moment of unity, and a tribute to the resilience of the Irish spirit.

             Marchers in the St. Patrick's Day parade in New York City in the 1890s. Getty Images