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
