Chicago Gaelic Park
- 6119 W. 147th St
- Oak Forest, IL 60452
- 708-687-9323
This sizable complex has served as the South Side's headquarters for Irish culture since 1985 (those on the North Side may want to try the closer Irish-American Heritage Center). Located nearly 25 miles southwest of the Loop, the 50-acre compound offers two ballrooms, a performing arts center, a pub, meeting rooms and a regulation Gaelic football and hurling field. Built mainly with the volunteer labor of Irish-Americans, Gaelic Park promotes Irish culture through numerous activities, including performances and lessons in traditional dance, music, theatre, and sports. Traditional dance classes include Step for children and Ceili for adults. Tin whistle and flute are taught by the Irish Music Foundation on Thursdays. Local, national and international Irish music acts play in their performing arts center. For those whose tastes are a little less refined, Irish football (a mix of soccer and football) and hurling leagues compete every Sunday from Mother's Day through Labor Day. An annual Irish Fest draws a crowd of nearly 50,000 people for four days of music, dance, food and wares. St. Patrick's Day celebrations include a week of music and dance known as Ireland on Parade.
Getting There
- Cross Streets:
- 147th and Central.
- Parking:
- Free Lot
- Wheelchair Access:
- Yes. Entrance and restrooms.
The Basics
- Hours:
- 9 a.m.-8 p.m. seven days a week; The Carraig open until 1:30 a.m. Sunday through Friday; 2:30 a.m. Saturday.
- Reservations:
- Not Accepted
- Alcohol:
- Full Bar. In pub.
- Admission Price:
- Varies by event.
- Bar Style:
- Irish
- Music Style:
- Irish
- Audience:
- Families
- Theater Genre:
- Dance Theater and Ethnic Theater
Features
- Live Music:
- Yes. Friday and Saturday; no cover.
- Food:
- Pub food in The Carraig 5-9 p.m. Sunday through Thursday; 5-10 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Fish fry on Fridays 5-10 p.m. Celtic Supper October through May every Sunday afternoon 4-7 p.m. followed by music until 9 p.m.
- Features:
- Christmas Dinner, New Year's Eve Dinner and Dance. Chicago Feis in June (over 1,500 dancers compete across a variety of styles and age ranges), Musical Luncheons, the first Wednesday of every month from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.
- Worth Noting:
- Top Irish bars.
- Payment Methods:
- Discover Card, Mastercard, and Visa
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Rate Chicago Gaelic Park
"For absolutely great value this..."
Jay E-man from Southside, IL - March 12, 2004
For absolutely great value this is the place. Small, but drinks are cheap and it is a great place to take a date after dinner.
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"This place is a hidden..."
Erin McIntyre from Chicago, IL - March 11, 2003
This place is a hidden gem. They have great servers and the value is great. Tired of paying $4.50 for a pint? Try the Carriag. Food is better than ...
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