LINKS BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES AND DINGLE PENINSULA

Dingle Peninsula has many historical and current links with the USA. Irish immigration to New England reached a peak in the mid-19th century, when the Irish potato famine of the 1840's created widespread loss of life and terrible hardship for countless families. Seeking new opportunity, they left Ireland - and County Kerry and its rocky Dingle Peninsula in particular - in huge waves, landing in ports up and down the American eastern seaboard. Thousands found what they were looking for in Western Mass.

In West Springfield, Irish culture, particularly on the Dingle Peninsula, is celebrated during The Big E. Throughout the 17 day festival, also known as New England's State Fair, Dingle merchants are on-hand to sell their wares and promote this magnificent destination. 

Today, Western Mass still honours and celebrates all things Irish. One of the largest and most-cherished St. Patrick's Day parades in the United States is held each March in Holyoke, drawing more than 400,000 spectators into this important bastion of Irish-American life. For more information you can visit www.ExploreWesternMass.com