28/08/2025
Well done to all at Visit Clare 👏
Clare Tourism Showcases the Banner County at Milwaukee Irish Festival 💛💙☘️
A tourism delegation led by Cathaoirleach of Clare, Cllr Paul Murphy, and Director of Service for Tourism Development, Siobhan McNulty, proudly represented County Clare at the Milwaukee Irish Festival last weekend, promoting the region as a premier international visitor destination.
Held on the scenic shores of Lake Michigan, the Milwaukee Irish Festival is the largest celebration of Irish culture in the United States, drawing over 130,000 attendees. The Clare delegation engaged with visitors through a vibrant and interactive showcase, featuring a County Clare putting green, a Banner Hurling Wall, and immersive VR experiences provided by GlobalVam, offering realistic imagery of Clare’s breathtaking landscapes. The team also highlighted Clare’s achievement in securing international GSTC Certification, reinforcing its commitment to sustainable tourism.
Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, Geraldine Byrne Nason, visited the Clare exhibit to learn about the county’s latest promotional efforts and innovations.
With over 1.2 million American visitors to Ireland in 2023—contributing an estimated €1.7 billion to the economy—Clare’s presence at the festival was both timely and strategic. Irish heritage remains strong in the U.S., with 31.5 million Americans claiming Irish ancestry. In Wisconsin, that figure rises to 10.6%, with some counties exceeding 15%.
This year’s festival saw a notable increase in awareness of County Clare, thanks in part to the convenient Chicago-Shannon direct flight, making the Banner County more accessible than ever to U.S. travelers.
Clare County Council The Inn at Dromoland Hotel Woodstock The Clare Collection The Clare Echo The Clare Champion Fáilte Ireland Discover Ireland Milwaukee Irish Fest Visit Milwaukee