There are towns across America that feel more stereotypically Irish than Ireland itself.

These towns are where you’ll find many of the 31 million Americans who claim Irish heritage, celebrating their ancestors through murals, community groups, and music. While most Irish-Americans focus on the Republic of Ireland, there’s just as much of a connection to Northern Ireland, which remains part of the UK.

You can find the cultural connections and influences of Northern Ireland across the USA, from murals inspired by the TV show ‘Derry Girls’ to bars serving Bushmills, the oldest licensed whiskey in Ireland.

Irish-American communities mean you can experience a taste of Northern Ireland without having to cross the Atlantic. Towns across the East Coast with large Irish communities will regularly host festivals showcasing the country’s culture through food, music, and sports. If you’re traveling across the country for one of these festivals, hiring a car shipping service can make these road trips easier to navigate by maximizing the time you have for exploring these communities.

Tracing the Cultural Ties Between Northern Ireland and the United States

The cultural ties between the United States and Northern Ireland can be traced back as early as the 1600s, when Ulster-Scots arrived in America; however, the largest influx of immigration came in the decade surrounding the Great Famine in the mid-19th century. It’s estimated that 6 million Irish people have immigrated to the US since 1820, many of them settling in New York, Massachusetts, and Pennsylvania. President Alan Jackson’s parents immigrated from Northern Ireland, while Joe Biden, George W. Bush, Bill Clinton, and Barack Obama also have connections to Northern Ireland.



Today’s generations feel more connected than ever, with shows like ‘Derry Girls’ exposing international audiences, including Americans, to the history of ‘The Troubles’ in Northern Ireland. Many universities host cultural exchange programs, with most American visitors to Ireland spending at least one night in Northern Ireland, usually in Belfast.

If the Emerald Isles seem too far away, you can explore your connection to Northern Ireland and trace your heritage by visiting towns and cities with strong Irish roots. Planning a road trip with your own car can make it easier to explore different towns, attend festivals, and sporting events without relying on public transit or ride-share apps that may not be available in those areas.

How Car Shipping Bridges Communities: Northern Ireland Vibe in the US

Traveling the whole way to Northern Ireland takes time and a lot of money, even if you’re visiting from the East Coast. Car shipping can make it easier to experience a taste of Ireland in America, especially if you’re located on the West Coast and want to explore Irish-American communities across Pennsylvania, New York, and the Carolinas.

If you’re feeling disconnected from your Irish roots or you want to attend a St. Patrick’s Day celebration, a car shipping service can act as a bridge to Irish communities. You can send your car to your first destination ahead of time, avoiding the need for an extended road trip, and allowing you to start your Irish-American adventure feeling rested and relaxed. Having your own car can also be a comfort blanket, making it feel easier to explore new places and try something new. By having your own car, you’ll be able to feel like part of a real community, from attending GAA games to visiting restaurants and taking self-guided tours of areas connected to Northern Ireland.

Exploring Music and Arts: Northern Ireland’s Creative Influence Across America

One of the easiest ways to experience another culture is through music, and Northern Ireland is famous for its musicians, from Van Morrison and Snow Patrol to traditional folk groups and instruments like the fiddle and harp. Most of the music you’ll hear when you step into a family-run bar is influenced by Ireland.

Many Irish-Americans continue to stay connected to their Northern Irish roots by learning Gaelic, attending Irish dancing schools, and joining GAA groups to play sports like camogie, hurling, and Gaelic football. You can immerse yourself in Northern Ireland’s creative influence by visiting Irish arts centers, attending performances by groups like the Irish Repertory Theatre, and attending traditional music sessions.

The benefit of car shipping is that you have the flexibility to attend different events and explore Irish culture in other ways, such as attending an Irish dancing class or taking a lesson in how to play the fiddle. If you’re planning your road trip around St. Patrick’s Day, during the summer months, or over the festive season, book your car shipping and accommodation ahead of time to guarantee availability.

Culinary Connections: Traditional Northern Irish Flavors in American Cuisine

Food has the power to transport you to places you’ve never been or to bring you back in time to people and places that are important to you. Many Irish restaurants and bars throughout the USA serve dishes that are classic staples in Northern Ireland, offering comfort on a plate. You’ll want to try dishes like sofa bread, Irish stew, and an Ulster Fry, which is different from a traditional Full Irish breakfast as it includes potato bread, sofa bread, beans, and mushrooms.

If you’ve visited Northern Ireland before or want to sample the local food, you’ll find plenty of Irish-owned restaurants, diners, and pubs in cities like Boston and New York. Many of these establishments are family-owned or were created by Irish immigrants using family recipes that have been handed down through the generations.

You’ll also find Irish-American fusion menus in restaurants throughout the USA, particularly those that focus on comfort food. If you want to incorporate these restaurants into your travel itinerary, having your own car makes it easier to visit hidden gems and more traditional eateries that might not be accessible with public transit.

Festivals and Traditions: Celebrating Northern Irish Heritage in US Cities

It’s not just during St. Patrick’s Day that you’ll see Northern Ireland being celebrated in the United States. While this is Ireland’s national holiday, cities across the U.S. also celebrate Northern Ireland throughout the year with cultural festivals, like traditional music ceilis, and upcoming events like IrishAmerica250, which aims to celebrate the connection between these two countries during America’s 250th birthday in 2026.

Many of these events are family-friendly and multi-generational, with a car making it easier to get around. You’ll want to arrive early and give yourself plenty of time at each event to talk to locals, soak up the atmosphere, and experience the Irish culture.

Whether you’re heading to a St. Patrick’s Day festive or planning a trip to trace your Irish heritage through America, arranging car shipping ahead of time can make your journey smoother and give you the ability to experience different parts of Irish culture.