Savannah Irish History Walking Tour

If you’re curious about Savannah’s hidden past and want to see the city through a uniquely Irish lens, this Irish History Walking Tour offers a fascinating glimpse into how Irish immigrants shaped this charming Southern city. While the experience is relatively short—lasting about 1 hour and 30 minutes—it packs in plenty of history, stories, and iconic sights that connect Savannah’s streets to its Irish roots.

One of the things we like most about this tour is the emphasis on local family histories combined with broader Irish immigration stories, giving it a more personal touch. However, a potential drawback is its limited scope: with just a few stops, you won’t get a comprehensive history of Savannah but rather a focused look at its Irish past. This tour is best suited for history buffs, those with Irish roots, or travelers eager to explore Savannah’s less-told stories in a compact time frame.

Key Points

• Short and Sweet: The 1.5-hour tour is perfect for a quick cultural fix or afternoon activity.
• Rich Local Insights: Guides share personal family stories along with historical facts.
• Iconic Landmarks: Stops include the Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, Colonial Park Cemetery, and Emmet Park.
• Irish Influence Visible: Learn the origins behind street names and areas like Irish Green and Emmet Park.
• Group Size: Small groups (up to 20 people) ensure a more personalized experience.
• Limited Flexibility: The tour is non-refundable and can be canceled only due to weather or minimum participants.

What to Expect from the Tour

This guided walking tour is designed to be an engaging, educational walk through some of Savannah’s most historic squares and landmarks. Starting at 201 E Charlton St, the tour begins at 10:30 am, making it a convenient morning activity. Your guide, part historian, part storyteller, will lead you through Savannah’s streets, stopping at five key sites, each revealing a different facet of the Irish influence in the city.

While the tour is only about an hour and a half long, it’s packed with commentary. From the moment you set out beside the majestic Cathedral of St. John the Baptist, you’ll notice how this landmark is closely tied to Savannah’s Irish community. Expect your guide to share both local family histories and broader narratives of Irish immigration, creating a layered understanding of Savannah’s Irish connections.

The Stops and Their Significance

The Cathedral of St. John the Baptist

Your tour kicks off beside this stunning Catholic cathedral, which holds a special place in Savannah’s Irish story. The guide will walk you around its exterior, discussing how Irish immigrants played a role in its construction and ongoing community role. Expect to hear about the cathedral’s architectural features and its importance as a spiritual hub for Irish and Catholic residents.

Colonial Park Cemetery

Next, you’ll stroll past Colonial Park Cemetery, established in 1750. This historic cemetery, free to visit, is the final resting place for many of Savannah’s early residents, including Irish immigrants. The guide may point out notable tombstones and share stories of those buried there, offering a tangible link to the city’s 18th-century Irish community. One reviewer noted that this stop is relatively short—about 10 minutes—but worth it for the historic context.

Warren Square

Warren Square is a focal point for Irish history, with the guide sharing the story behind its name and connection to Irish families. You’ll learn how streets and squares in Savannah often echo the city’s immigrant past, and Warren Square’s Irish roots are a prime example. Expect to hear details about Irish influence on local development and community formation.

Emmet Park and the Celtic Cross

The tour concludes at Emmet Park, home to the Celtic Cross, which used to be called the Irish Green—a nod to the Irish immigrants who settled nearby. Here, the guide will elaborate on the significance of the Celtic Cross as a symbol of Irish heritage and how the park served as a gathering point for Irish residents. The park’s proximity to the river makes it an ideal spot to reflect on the Irish journey to Savannah and their lasting legacy.

Washington Square

Finally, the tour stops at Washington Square, historically known as the Old Fort area. The guide will point out its importance in Savannah’s defense and how Irish immigrants contributed to early city life. This square’s history helps round out the narrative of Irish influence stretching from settlement to civic building.

Practicalities and Group Experience

The tour’s small group size (up to 20 travelers) is a significant advantage, allowing for more engaging conversations and personalized attention from the guide. The mobile ticket system makes check-in smooth, and being centrally located at the start point makes it easy to access from public transportation.

Although not explicitly detailed, the tour’s price point of $32 appears reasonable given the focused content and expert storytelling. You’re paying for not just the sights but also the insights into Savannah’s Irish story, which many visitors find adds depth to their visit.

Insights from Past Reviewers

While the majority of reviews are positive, one reviewer’s experience highlights an issue that can happen with small tours—a guide no-show. Theresa_S recounted a frustrating experience where the guide didn’t show up initially, leading to a reschedule and ultimately a cancellation. The company responded with apologies and a full refund, but this incident reminds travelers of the importance of confirming bookings and being flexible.

Another review, though limited, didn’t specify other issues, suggesting that when the tour runs smoothly, guides are knowledgeable and engaging. This aligns with the emphasis on guides sharing personal family stories, which add authenticity to the experience.

Value for Money

At $32 per person, this tour offers a cost-effective way to explore Savannah’s Irish history without the need for lengthy commitments or expensive tickets. Given the inclusion of landmarks, expert commentary, and a small-group setting, many travelers will find it delivers good value—particularly for those interested in heritage and storytelling.

This tour is perfect for visitors who prefer short, meaningful explorations over long, exhaustive sightseeing. History buffs with a specific interest in Irish immigration and influence will appreciate the detailed stories and local connections. It’s also suitable for those who value small group experiences and personalized interaction with guides.

However, it’s worth noting that if you’re seeking a rundown of Savannah’s entire history or a more extensive tour, this might feel too narrow in scope. Also, travelers who have flexible schedules and can adapt to weather cancellations will get the most out of this experience.

The Savannah Irish History Walking Tour offers a compact, engaging look into a lesser-known aspect of Savannah’s past. Its focus on local family histories and landmarks like the Cathedral and Emmet Park make it more than just a stroll through old streets—it’s an opportunity to connect with the city’s Irish heritage on a personal level.

While the experience has some minor hiccups—like the occasional guide no-show—it’s generally led by knowledgeable storytellers who understand the importance of their local Irish connections. Its reasonable price point, combined with the small-group vibe, makes it a good choice for travelers wanting a focused, authentic experience without a lot of fuss.

Ideal for history lovers, Irish descendants, or anyone eager to learn a different chapter of Savannah’s story, this tour adds a meaningful layer to your visit. Just remember to book in advance and be prepared for the possibility of weather-related cancellations.

How long does the tour last?
The tour is approximately 1 hour and 30 minutes, making it a perfect short activity that fits well into a day of sightseeing.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at 201 E Charlton St and ends at Emmet Park, near the Celtic Cross. The start point is easy to access, and the final stop is in a scenic location beside the river.

What is the group size?
The tour is limited to a maximum of 20 travelers, ensuring a more intimate experience with your guide.

Is the tour accessible for people with mobility issues?
While the itinerary involves walking through historic streets and squares, specific accessibility information isn’t provided. Expect some uneven surfaces and cobblestones.

Can service animals participate?
Yes, service animals are allowed on this tour.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most travelers can participate; however, the focus on historical storytelling may be best suited to older children or teenagers interested in history.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Since the tour requires good weather, it might be canceled if conditions are poor. In such cases, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

What is the cost of the tour?
It costs $32 per person, which is generally considered reasonable for the quality of storytelling and landmarks visited.

This walking tour provides a thoughtful, compact look at one of Savannah’s intriguing cultural chapters. For those interested in Irish heritage or looking for a small-group, expert-led experience, it promises a memorable glimpse into Savannah’s past—and plenty to talk about afterward.