Hi there! My family and I just got back from an incredible weekend away from home, up in Milwaukee, Wisconsin! A few months back, I discovered what is largely considered one of the biggest and best Irish festivals (or feiseanna in Gaelic) in the states! Now, being from Missouri, this was a bit of a drive for us – but we’d already been to the feis in Kansas City, Missouri a few years back and thought this would be a great opportunity for us and the boys!
Let me tell you something – we were 100% correct! The people, the food, the energy, the acts/bands, the information we got! This trip was just what we needed to get out and do some exploring and enjoy our heritage! The only downside from our point of view was the “shuttle” that came with our hotel package…. the “shuttle” was a school bus…and the different folks driving the school bus each time back/forth from the festival were either super happy and friendly, or didn’t speak a word or look in your direction. That was a bit frustrating at times – not to mention have two little boys who were exhausted from all of the activity having to WAIT for a bus to show up. PHEW that took a lot of our energy just trying to keep them somewhat entertained and not furious while we waited! (Anyone else have this issue with their kids?!)
One of the best things for the boys was the playground that is in the event area! When they had enough and needed a nap/break – we took them to the playground – and then spent the next 2 hours idly watching them go berserk and have a blast! They met several new kids – some their age – some not; plus we met some pretty cool parents as well – then there were some we didn’t meet because they hovered over their kids (and Tyler and I do not hover – we keep a close eye and ALWAYS know where Declan and Tristan are – but we let them play and explore on their own; we’re big believers of that!) The playground area had 3 separate “playgrounds” for all intents/purposes and the kids played on 2 out of the 3. One I would say was definitely more geared towards their age range as they’re only 1 & 2…. but that didn’t keep them from heading over to the playground rated for 5 & up lolol!
Let’s get down to business – we got to see:
- Red Hot Chili Pipers ( https://www.rhcp.scot/# ) THEY’RE PHENOMENAL!
- The High Kings ( https://www.thehighkings.com/ ) FANTASTICAL!
- Gaelic Storm ( https://www.gaelicstorm.com/ ) If you haven’t heard of Gaelic Storm yet, you’re missing out!!!!
- Quite a few Irish dance groups/schools – they were all amazing as well – but I’m always partial to Irish dance – Tyler is an old Irish dancer and he and I actually danced an Irish dance at our wedding together! (He essentially dragged me across the floor LOL)
Now let’s discuss food….. we all love food; or at least I do! They had some amazing options there!
- Broasted items (chicken fingers, fish dinners, & potato wedges) The chicken fingers were great!
- A huge assortment of ice cream (DELICIOUS – Cedar Crest) We had this every day we were there!
- Mini donuts; cheesecake; chocolate covered strawberries!
- Assorted coffee, beer, drink stands!
- Fish and chips, corned beef, scotch eggs, shepherd’s pie!
- Stuffed pretzels, reubens, chicken parm sandwiches, boxtys’ and more!
Lastly, the products and things you could buy! I wanted everything! There were wool sweaters and hats, photographs of the emerald isle, jewelry of all kinds, books (age appropriate too!), toys, subscriptions to genealogy websites, artist memorabilia, handcrafted sculptures, wooden chests, crystals, and a plethora of other items! I actually found a framed picture of Tristan’s name – and let me tell you, Tyler and I couldn’t find his name on ANYTHING when we were actually IN Ireland in March!!! We looked everywhere! Funny thing is, they didn’t have Declan’s name. Can’t win for losing sometimes!
If you think you’re at all interested in seeing this phenomena, or going to the festival sometime; check it out here: https://irishfest.com/info.htm ! We seriously had the BEST time! I think we may wait to go back for awhile until the boys are a bit older and not so prone to getting so tired so fast, but then again…..next year is Irish Fest Milwaukee’s 40th anniversary – so who knows what the future holds! 🙂
I’m sure I’ll be back later! Kelly
It looks like you and your boys had an absolute blast! I love going to festivals. My great grandmother was Irish and I have the “typical” Irish appearance (or so I’ve been told). Last year, my boyfriend (he’s Hungarian) went to a Hungarian festival and it was awesome. They didn’t have live music like yours (totally jealous btw), but had tons of yummy food and goodies to buy!
Side note – I’m so glad you aren’t a hover parent! Those are the absolutely worst. When I have children, I plan to watch them obviously, but they will be allowed to roam, have fun and be kids! I hate hover parents who just want to wrap their kids in a bubble. Let them be kids and have fun.
Great post and love your pictures! Adorable kiddos 🙂
Thank you Casey! We totally had a blast! Festivals are always fun, I agree! When you say ‘typical Irish’ I assume you mean red hair and fair skin? My hubby has a red beard LOL!
Well I think a Hungarian festival would be neat too though! Was it near where you love!? What did your boyfriend think of it? Idk how there was no music! That’s one of the best parts LOL!
Good for you on your future plan with kids! Some people really dislike that we take that approach, but it’s how my folks were with me and I absolutely appreciate that looking back! I wouldn’t have had nearly the amount of fun or learned life lessons the way I did!
Also, thank YOU for reading my post! I’m glad you enjoyed it! ??
Take care!
Kelly
I have serious wanderlust for all things American but had no idea there were so many irish festivals! This sounds like a wonderful trip, thank you for sharing ?
Oh wow! That’s awesome! There are a TON of festivals in general lol – but we have a tendency to seek out the Irish ones (though tonight we went to a truck/tractor pull and carnival LOL) Where are you from?! ?
That’s very interesting! Being born and raised in Wisconsin(living in NC now), I have never been! That definitely will be a “must-do” when we are in Wisconsin. Thanks for the info.!
You’ll have to let me know what you think whenever you DO get the chance Cathy!
That sounds so fun! Milwaukee has so much to offer (= I’m glad your family was able to make fun memories together!
Thanks Raquel! I appreciate that – and I agree! I can’t wait to get back there to see what other fun things we can do while in Milwaukee!
This sounds like something my family would like to check out. My husband’s family is from Ireland originally. My family is from Scotland. I think I will make this one of our must do trips before the kids are grown. Thanks for sharing.
It’s a great must do Nikki! My kids had a blast – and I understand the heritage part too as my family is super Irish (and a few other things, but mainly Irish)!
I enjoy attending festivals. This sounds like an incredible one. I have been looking to expand my travels and Milwaukee would be a great place to visit. I would plan a Milwaukee trip around this festival because it looks to be quite epic. My wife and daughter would greatly enjoy themselves, as would I. Thank you for bringing awareness to this event.
Hey! That would be awesome! My family thoroughly enjoyed ourselves! My boys are 1 & 2 so on Saturday we spent the majority of the day there and then took them back to the hotel to stay with their grandparents and the hubby and I went back to the festival for more fun! It’s absolutely worth the trip!
Wow ! It sounds so an amazing trip! I’ve never been there but now that I know it I will consider to visit it!!:)
You totally should Gabi! We’d never been either, but it was great!
My husband has mainly Irish background and has always talked about going to Wisconsin, maybe we’ll combine both next year!!!
Loved your post! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Veronica! I hope you guys do! I have a mainly Irish background too so it was a no brainer for me when I discovered it! If you go – I hope it’s phenomenal!
Seems like a lovely family trip❤️ Your kids are damn cute & I’m sure they had a lot of fun there 😊
Thank you! It was wonderful! I love trips like this when everyone is togerher!
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