Happy St Patricks Day #irish eyes are smiling

Always one of my favorite holidays- happy St. Patrick's Day.

To help us celebrate, here are some fun facts from our friends at the Census Bureau

Originally a religious holiday to honor St. Patrick, who introduced Christianity to Ireland in the fifth century, St. Patrick’s Day has evolved into a celebration of all things Irish. The world’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade occurred on March 17, 1762, in New York City, featuring Irish soldiers serving in the English military. This parade became an annual event, with President Truman attending in 1948.

The following facts are made possible by the invaluable responses to the U.S. Census Bureau’s surveys

. We appreciate the public’s cooperation as we continuously measure America’s people, places and economy. 

Did You Know?

32.3 million or 10%

The number and percentage of U.S. residents who claimed Irish ancestry in 2016. Source: 2016 American Community Survey

125,840

The number of foreign-born U.S. residents who reported Ireland as their birthplace in 2016. Source: 2016 American Community Survey

49.5%

The percentage of the population of Ocean Bluff-Brant Rock, Mass., who claimed Irish ancestry in 2016. Source: 2012-2016 American Community Survey

20,590

The estimated number of U.S. residents who spoke Irish Gaelic. Source: 2009-2013 American Community Survey