What Louisiana Parish Has the Most Irish Residents?

Ever wonder how many people celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Louisiana are actually Irish? Wonder no more!

The significant influx of Irish immigrants to Louisiana, particularly New Orleans, began in the early 19th century and peaked during the Great Famine of the 1840s.

These immigrants were drawn by the promise of economic opportunities in a growing region that was in need of labor.

The Irish quickly established themselves as a vital part of Louisiana's social and cultural fabric.

They founded churches, schools, and charitable organizations, contributing to the growth of the Catholic community in Louisiana that was already culturally diverse due to our French and Spanish heritage.

One of the most prominent symbols of Irish heritage in Louisiana is St. Patrick's Church in New Orleans, founded in 1833, which served as a spiritual and community center for the Irish immigrants.

Today, the legacy of the Irish in Louisiana is celebrated in various ways, including annual St. Patrick's Day parades and festivities that highlight the enduring impact of the Irish on our state's history and culture.

What Louisiana Parish Has The Most Irish Residents?

According to NOLA.com "Louisiana has more than 351,000 people claiming Irish ancestry, about 7 percent of the state's population."

Below are the top 10 parishes in Louisiana that have the most Irish descendants according to NOLA via the US Census Bureau.

1) Jefferson - 35,225
2) St. Tammany - 32,245
3) East Baton Rouge - 29,745
4) Orleans - 21,920
5) Caddo - 18,853
6) Livingston - 15,553
7) Calcasieu - 15,149
8) Bossier - 13,435
9) Ouachita - 13,293
10) Lafayette - 13,182