In this episode of the Savannah Irish podcast, host Tara Reese and guests Dr. Kelley Mondesire and Connor Dolan explore the lively Irish and Celtic festival scene in the American South.

The conversation dives into how cities like Nashville, Tennessee, and Savannah celebrate their Celtic heritage through music, dance, and community events. Additionally, the episode highlights the importance of networking, cross-promotion, and community reliance among festival organizers.

Insightful discussions reveal how these cultural celebrations help to honor heritage, educate the public, and bring together people with shared ancestral roots. Specific upcoming event dates in Nashville and Savannah are shared, with aspirations for future expansions highlighted.

THE SAVANNAH IRISH PODCAST IS PROUDLY BROUGHT TO YOU BY: THE IRISH PUB COMPANY

THE SAVANNAH IRISH PODCAST IS PROUDLY PRODUCED BY: DEE DANIELS MEDIA - STORYTELLING WITH A PURPOSE

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE VOICES & TOPICS IN THIS EPISODE:

Get details on the 2026 Savannah Irish Festival

Get tickets to the 2026 Savannah Irish Festival

Learn more about the Savannah Scottish Games

Learn more about the Irish Network Nashville

FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast

00:32 Meet the Guests: Dr. Kelley and Connor Dolan

01:34 Elevator Pitches: Roles in Celtic Events

01:57 Connor Dolan on Nashville's Irish Network

03:08 Dr. Kelley on Irish and Scottish Heritage

04:10 Tara's Role and Savannah's Celtic Culture

04:50 The Importance of Celtic Festivals

05:29 Nashville's Growing Celtic Scene

17:32 Savannah's St. Patrick's Day and Community

21:51 Cultural Festivals and Traditions

22:58 Joining the Nashville Irish Community

24:21 Networking and Community Building

26:09 Expanding Irish Cultural Events

27:21 Challenges and Opportunities

29:44 Technical Difficulties and Resuming Discussion

34:20 Future Visions for Cultural Events

40:47 Event Dates and Final Remarks

In this premiere episode of Season 3 of the Savannah Irish Podcast, host Tara Reese welcomes Dr. Howard Keeley, the Director of the Irish Studies Program at Georgia Southern University.

The Savannah Irish Podcast is proudly supported by The Irish Pub Company - the ‘Official Partner of the Guinness Irish Pub Concept’ which means that they are rated as the best in the world at creating the most profitable and authentic Irish Hospitality Concepts. They design, manufacture and fit out your venue from start to finish.

WHAT YOU'LL HEAR: Dr. Keeley shares his extraordinary journey from Dublin to directing a program that bridges Savannah, Georgia, and Wexford, Ireland. Learn about the impactful educational initiatives, including the transformation of historic buildings into state-of-the-art learning facilities, innovative research opportunities, and the unique experiences that the students enjoy both in the U.S. and Ireland. The episode also highlights the importance of community engagement, the support from local communities in Savannah and Wexford, and future plans for expanding the program's reach and facilities.

FIND A SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

00:00 Introduction to Season Three

00:07 Meet Dr. Howard Keeley

00:48 Dr. Keeley's Background and Journey

03:43 Georgia Southern University's Irish Studies Program

04:08 Community Engagement and Support

05:35 Wexford Campus and Student Experiences

10:02 Research and Study Abroad Initiatives

12:39 Challenges and Opportunities in Irish Studies

16:31 Future Plans and Fundraising

26:17 Conclusion and Upcoming Episodes

Welcome to the Savannah Irish Festival Podcast - brought to you by the Irish Pub Company! We're Celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Savannah with Ireland's Minister of Social Protection Dara Calleary.

In this episode, host Tara Reese and President Deana Shores welcome Minister Dara Calleary to discuss the vibrant celebrations of St. Patrick's Day in Savannah and the importance of Irish heritage. Minister Calleary shares insights into his roles in the Irish government and the deep cultural connections between Ireland and Savannah.

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The conversation covers the significance of preserving Irish culture through events like the Savannah Irish Festival and fostering strong economic and social ties between Ireland and the United States. Additionally, Minister Calleary reflects on the historical struggles of Irish immigrants and the global Irish diaspora's role in promoting Irish culture.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Meet Minister Dara Calleary

Minister Dara Calleary on Instagram

Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

WELCOME TO THE SAVANNAH IRISH FESTIVAL PODCAST! Thank you to The Irish Pub Company for sponsoring this show.

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This episode of the Savannah Irish Festival podcast features Vic Power, the legendary owner of the also-legendary Kevin Barry’s Irish Pub for 40 years. Vic shares the journey that led him to Savannah from St. Thomas in the Virgin Islands and the inspiration behind naming his pub. The conversation touches on the significant influence of Kevin Barry's on Savannah's community and its deep connection with the military, particularly the Rangers.

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Joined by Rick, a 36-year Army veteran, they reminisce about the pub's history, memorable events, and the lasting impact it has left on its patrons. The episode also highlights the personal stories of love and camaraderie that were fostered within the walls of Kevin Barry’s, including the fascinating tradition of honoring fallen soldiers. Vic also recalls his friendships and the famous faces that played at the pub, cementing its reputation as a beloved institution in Savannah.

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Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Read more about Kevin Barry's

Meet the Committee

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

LIVE AT THE FESTIVAL! Thank you to The Irish Pub Company for sponsoring this show.

In this episode, recorded live from the Savannah Irish Festival, Tim Strickland, co-owner of Wexford Irish Pub, and Darren Fagan from the Irish Pub Company discuss their journey in creating the beloved Wexford.

They share stories about their beginnings, the challenges they faced, the community impact, and exciting future projects like the First City Tavern. Highlighting partnerships, community involvement, and the essence of Irish hospitality, this episode is a detailed look into the making of iconic Irish pubs. Plus, don't miss their plans for the upcoming St. Patrick's Day celebrations!

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

Meet the Committee

VISIT Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

LISTEN to other episodes from the Savannah Irish Festival Podcast

Let's have a FESTIVAL! Thank you to The Irish Pub Company for sponsoring this show.

In this lively episode, host Tara and the Savannah Irish Festival committee members record from Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub, the festival's title sponsor. They discuss upcoming festival highlights, including a Celtic concert at Victory North on January 31st and the main event on St. Bridget's Day, February 1st. Special performances by energetic bands SYR and Seven Nations are anticipated, promising a vibrant and modern twist to the traditional festivities.

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Listeners are also introduced to a variety of vendors offering unique Irish goods, delicious food trucks, and the much-loved Irish wolfhound kissing booth. The episode emphasizes the importance of sponsors and community support while providing logistical details for attendees, including parking tips and ticket information. Excitement is palpable as the team looks forward to welcoming everyone to this year's high-energy celebration of Irish culture.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

TAP HERE for the 2025 Savannah Irish Festival SCHEDULE

Meet the Committee

VISIT Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

In this episode, the Savannah Irish Festival Committee celebrates the opening of SEASON 2 of the Savannah Irish Festival Podcast!

Our season opener was recorded on-location at Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub. Featuring an in-depth discussion with owners Jennifer Strickland and Chris Swanson, they delve into the conception and development of the pub, the challenges faced during the pandemic, and their dedication to creating an authentic Irish experience in Savannah.

The episode also highlights their deep ties to the community, their ongoing support for local events, and their blossoming partnership with Georgia Southern's Irish Studies Program. Special guests contribute to the lively conversation, adding their unique insights and stories about the pub and festival.

More about Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub: Savannah’s newest and most unique Irish pub was inspired by and named after County Wexford, Ireland, to which Savannah has a special connection since more than half of Georgia’s Irish emigrants traveled here from Wexford in the mid-1800s during the potato famine. In fact, most of the interior of the new establishment was crafted and shipped over from the emerald isle itself and assembled in Savannah. In addition to the brick-and-mortar authenticity of the pub, the soul of the new venue are in its culinary offerings and beverage menu. Delicious Irish meals accented by an eclectic beer and whiskey collection, live Irish music combined with sincere hospitality make Wexford Pub a jewel in the crown of Savannah’s most beloved restaurants.

Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:

TAP HERE for the 2025 Savannah Irish Festival SCHEDULE

Meet the Committee

VISIT Wexford Savannah's Irish Pub

MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

THIS WAS NOT YOUR GRANDFATHER'S IRISH FESTIVAL! Join host Tara Reese, producer Dee Daniels Media, Chloe Agnew Band - The Brave Collide, and SYR on this wrap-up episode of the 2024 Savannah Irish Festival.

Big thanks to Victory North, our musicians, and all of our sponsors and vendors!

Chloe Agnew

The Brave Collide

SYR

Learn more and support the Savannah Irish Festival in the links below:

Savannah Irish Festival

Meet the Committee

Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media