History of the Louisville Irish Fest

The birth of the LIF was the brainchild of Martha and Gerry Ford. Both of them were already involved in the Irish community with their successful Celtic Centre
shop and Gerry’s involvement in area Irish music groups.

The idea came to Martha and Gerry after visiting various Irish festivals…especially the huge Milwaukee Irish Fest.

This idea combined with the success of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Heritage Weekends held on the Belvedere during the late 70’s proved the interest people had in celebrating their culture and provided the momentum to get things going.

The first nine fests were held at Bellarmine University. The two-day festivals attracted crowds in the 7,000 people range and everyone enjoyed the terrific food, entertainment and cultural activities.

Attractions like the Irish Tea Room, vendors purveying Irish goods, cultural exhibits, an outdoor Irish Mass, plenty of good food and libations…all added up to a good time for all ages. Even the dogs had fun with a special “Irish Breeds” exhibit.

Great entertainment is one of things the Louisville Irish Fest is famous for.
Featured bands over the years include headliners like Tommy Makem, Paddy Reilly, Dublin City Ramblers, the Makem Brothers, Cherish the Ladies, Black 47 and The Tannahill Weavers.

The move from Bellarmine University to Belvedere/Riverfront Plaza in 2006 gave the Irish Fest a much more visible venue and it’s paid off with larger crowds every year. Crowds now exceed 15,000 for the event and it has gained regional recognition.

A lot of the growth of the LIF is due to President Peggy Baas and board members Martha Ford, Sandy Nedrow, Gene Noonan, Kerry O'Neal and Marye Dillon Mathews. In 2008, the Louisville Irish Fest won a $20,000 grant from Old Bushmills Irish Whiskey beating out finalists like Boston and Portland, Maine. Because of her hard work and dedication, Peggy is now the liaison between the Association of Irish Festivals and Events Association (AOIFE) (Ballinasloe, County Galway) and the North American Association of Irish Festivals (Milwaukee, Wisconsin). Peggy has represented the USA for four consecutive years at the annual AOIFE conference.

The festival's crowning achievement is this year’s Louisville Irish Fest will act as the kickoff to Ryder Cup Week.

The all volunteer Irish Fest board (25+ members) has really put the Louisville Irish Fest on the map!