Written March 14, 2026
With St. Patrick's Day only days away and being half Irish myself, I thought it only appropriate to do a St. Patrick's Day themed trip.
It’s no secret that Irish roots are sprinkled throughout Wisconsin, and what better way to celebrate Irish tradition than with St. Patrick’s Day? Destinations across Wisconsin celebrate with parades, bar crawls, and festivals.
There are only two places in Wisconsin as far as I'm concerned to be in on St. Patrick's Day - my college city of Oshkosh, as stated by Johnny Carson on national TV...
“If you can’t be in Ireland, be in Oshkosh” is what television host Johnny Carson told his fans on his late night show in 1979 when talking about where to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Little did Oshkosh residents realize just how influential this single sentence would be.
Well having spent four St. Paddy's Days in Oshkosh, I can certainly attest to that!
The other place in Wisconsin to be on St. Paddy's Day is the small town of New London.
This is arguably one of the most traditional festivals for St. Patrick’s Day, so grab your bagpipes—you’re not going to want to miss this one! New London is known for having the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the state of Wisconsin; they even change the name of their town to ‘New Dublin’ for it since it is their sister city! This town does a week-long celebration, including food events, a parade, and even an Irish Fest. The festivities take place from March 17th up until March 22nd.
Travel Wisconsin magazine even did a feature article on St. Paddy's Day in New London.
To get around New London and the surrounding areas, one most definitely wants to have a car, either their own or a rental.
In New London, WI, public transportation options include:
Shuttle Services: Double J’s Shuttle Service and Lamers Bus Lines offer local transportation options.
Amtrak: The Empire Builder train provides rail service with stops in New London.
Bus Routes: The city operates several bus routes for residents, and Dial-A-Ride services are available for elderly or disabled individuals.
I wanted to stay right in New London itself and found great budget accommodations at Quality Inn, believe it or not!
Quality Inn® New London hotel has the value you're looking for when you travel.
Amenities include free WiFi, free hot breakfast, a fitness center and a pool.
Guest rooms feature flat-screen TVs, microwaves and refrigerators, allowing you to be well rested and prepared to visit local attractions. The hotel is also pet friendly.
You’ll find plenty of popular sites and activities to explore near the hotel, such as Wolf River Trips & Campground, Heritage Historical Village and Wilderness Springs Trout Farm. Quality Inn is very conveniently located off US-45 near Route 54.
New London's St. Paddy's Day festivities draw thousands of people so you want to make your accommodations reservations as far in advance of your trip as possible.
Because I am a member of Quality Inn rewards program and prices are so reasonable, I was able to book a queen bed suite with whirlpool at the Member Rate of $114 per night including taxes and fees. That price included complimentary breakfast. I also had a mini fridge and microwave in the room.
The suite was very clean, comfortable, in good condition and quiet. A lot of bang for your buck!
This itinerary contains mainly the Irish festival activities, most of which are FREE.
A note about Wisconsin weather: Technically, New London's Irish festivities are posted as taking place in the Spring. Well, it's March 15th as I'm writing this and we're being hit by a blizzard in which 30 inches of snow are expected to fall. Add to that 40 mph winds blowing all of that snow around. There's no guarantee in Wisconsin that "spring weather" will actually BE Spring weather! Pack your winter clothes or clothing that you can wear in layers., you may need them.
Currently the temperature in New London is 29 degrees F.
Thursday March 19 – Family Program
Irish Entertainment & Dignitary Appreciation Night – 7:00 pm at New London Senior High School Auditorium. Talented artists from the New Dublin area present a moving evening of Irish entertainment on stage that features songs, dances, and the humor of Ireland. We will be introducing 2026 Irish Man and Irish Rose Bob & Shellie Leahy, Parade Grand Marshal Jeff Schlueter, and the Irish Lad David Canopy and Lassie Pria Laabs. It’s great family entertainment. Free admission, donations appreciated.
Arrive in New London. Don't get confused by the town sign reading "New Dublin" when you come into town. The leprechauns do like to get up to their mischief overnight! You are entering New London if the sign reads "New Dublin"!
Get settled in your accommodations. Rest up for tonight's activities if you're tired from traveling OR you can begin to take a walking tour to explore the little town of New London.
New London downtown Main Street
If you're looking to shop, there are a few stores and shops I hit when in New London:
Water Street Vintage is an antique mall located in downtown New London. Carrying vintage, shabby chic, antique, repurposed items, furniture, records, art, jewelry – there are so many things under one roof.
The inventory is changing daily so keep checking back. There are 70 booths filled with awesome finds as well as 3000 plus sq. ft of consignment.
Bridge Thrift Store A resale store offering a variety of treasures for everyone. All proceeds from sales at The Bridge goes towards Mission of Hope House, a resource homeless shelter located just across the street.
Familiar Grounds Familiar Grounds Gourmet Coffee & Extraordinary Gifts offers more than just your simple cup of coffee. They offer a wide variety of hot or cold beverages, fresh bakery, quiche, paninis, sandwiches, salads, fresh fudge all made fresh in their store. They offer a large selection of gifts and home decor as well.
Olde Country Store Antiques is a unique shop filled with antiques, primitives, home decor and gifts. They strategically display their merchandise, showing what can be done with a mixture of old and new. They have something for everyone…. whether it is for your home, cabin, cottage, man cave or yard. Their inventory is always changing, new inventory added daily. They have a seasonal outdoor area as well, filled with garden and yard decor.
New London also has a Walmart and two Dollar Stores.
Afternoon: Lunch at Pup's Irish Pub. E8558 Hwy 54, New London.
Pup's is the local shrine to all things Irish.
Time worn, but with a classic patina on everything, including ol' Pup himself. A local famous and infamous hang-out and reputation best patronized during St. Patrick's week long celebration.
When I was last there (and in previous years) Pup's was serving all-you-can-eat corned beef and cabbage from
March 13th through March 18th, beginning at 11 am.
The Irish Drinking Hat
Don't know if they'll be doing it this year (2026) but it's something to watch their Facebook page for.
While exploring New London take a walk on Riverside Park's trail bordering the Wolf River. Of if we're still butt deep in snow you can cross country ski or snowshoe the trail along the river. Or break out your dogsled team...
(OK I'm being facetious, being rather sick of winter at this point...not about cross country skiing or snowshoeing the trail...just about breaking out the sled dogs.)
Half mile long paved trail along the Wolf River, just west of New London on Highway X. It’s a great place for fishing or leisurely walks. The Mukwa Wildlife Area is on the opposite side of the road.
Also, view Sturgeon up to 6 feet long, spawning for only a couple of days in early spring after the water temperatures have reached approximately 53°-59°F.
Afternoon: Have lunch at Harvey's. 300 S Pearl St., New London.
BE SURE TO ASK IF THEY'RE SERVING CORNED BEEF & CABBAGE!
Harvey's is a combination sports bar, restaurant, bowling alley and arcade, so after lunch you and the kids can bowl and play in the arcade. (If it's blizzarding out like it is now you won't want to be outside for long!)
Several restaurants in New London will be serving corned beef and cabbage during the festival, and Harvey's is usually one of those restaurants.
From homemade pizzas and broasted chicken to juicy burgers, hearty sandwiches, and a fresh salad bar, there’s something on the menu for everyone to enjoy. They also offer tasty appetizers, a dedicated kids’ menu, and classic Friday fish fries.
As the only bowling alley in New London, Harvey’s is proud to offer a full entertainment experience with 12 lanes available for casual games, leagues, and special events. From birthday parties and graduation celebrations to company outings and weekend fun, they welcome groups of all sizes. Beyond the lanes, their arcade adds even more excitement for guests of all ages, featuring a variety of games that deliver nonstop family fun.
Evening: Let the Irish begin! Head for New London High School auditorium. 1700 Klatt Road, New London.
At 7:00 pm talented artists from the New Dublin area present a moving evening of Irish entertainment on stage that features songs, dances, and the humor of Ireland. Great FREE family entertainment. Donations are appreciated.
Friday March 20 – Céili (kay-lee)
Irish Céili – 7:00 pm at Crystal Falls Banquet and Restaurant. A traditional gathering of friends and family in celebration of music & dance. Come and learn how to do Irish dance with a Céili band and Caller. Fun for the whole family. Admission is free and donations are appreciated.
If you're not familiar with Irish Céili dance, I'll give you a pre-festival preview: Beginner Level
Morning: Breakfast at Pantry Cafe. 319 S Pearl St, New London
The Pantry Cafe is what you'd expect a local neighborhood breakfast hangout to be. I mean that in a good sense.
See a breakfast menu here.
From time to time they do specials like:
Friday April 11th from 6am to 10am we will be doing a build your own omelet - your choice of all the fillings, comes with hashbrowns and toast for $9.95.
Eggs and ham for $7.00, pancake and choice of meat for $7.50.
Coffee is a dollar with a regular meal.
Good atmosphere and food at good prices.
Heritage Historical Village
After breakfast visit New London's Heritage Historical Village. 900 Montgomery St, New London.
Step back in history as you tour five historic buildings that were moved to the village for preservation. Browse through an octagon shaped house, school, church, log cabin, and a train depot. They are furnished with original or period furnishings. Examine railway equipment including a locomotive, boxcar, and two cabooses, or browse the depot and its exhibits of railroad artifacts and memorabilia.
During the year, scads of events are held at the Heritage Historical Village: Rhubarb Fest, FREE Easter Egg Hunt, winter sleigh rides, Christmas on the Farm, Art on the Farm art classes, and much more.
It's a pretty interesting place to just stroll through. Tours of the Village are given by personnel in period costumes and playing the part of that era, greeting you as was done in that era and even exhibiting the strict behavior of the time. Tours of the Historical Village can be scheduled by calling 920-982-8557.
Tip for parents: If you want to make this tour even more interesting for your kids, print out this page and turn the tour into a scavenger hunt to find the items shown and answer the questions on the page.
New London Aquatic Center
Take advantage of a public swim at the New London Aquatic Center. 815 W Washington St, New London.
The New London Aquatic & Fitness Center pool offers six-lanes, a diving board, and 2 tube slides. The facility also houses an air-conditioned exercise room with a variety of cardio and weight training equipment.
See pool swim schedule and fees here.
HOURS
Monday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday: 6:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday: 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM
Saturday: 8:00 AM - 6:30 PM
Sunday: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Evening: You're going to have dinner at the same facility where the Irish festivities will be held after your dinner. That there's a restaurant attached to this banquet facility is probably the best kept secret in New London! I've been to New London numerous times and always thought Crystal Falls was only a banquet facility - and I'm not the only one who thought that. Even their website does not advertise that they have an attached restaurant!
Drive around to the south side of the parking lot and look for the blue awning. That is the restaurant entrance.
What's so great about their restaurant is that on Fridays they serve an all-you-can-eat fish or chicken dinner for...get this...$13! You can mix the chicken and fish and have some of both if you wish.
The dinner comes with a baked potato and salad bar.
The fish and chicken are very good. I'd rank the salad bar as average but there's a good assortment of salad toppings available.
When I went for dinner there were only 8 other people there - probably because few know about the restaurant! Service was excellent. You can't beat a tasty all-you-can-eat meal for $13!
After dinner all you have to do is walk around the building for the Irish festivities and learning how to do
Saturday March 21- Grand Parade & Irish Fest
St. Patrick’s Day Grand Parade – 1:00 pm downtown New Dublin. Wisconsin’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade includes marching and bagpipe bands, clown and specialty performers, clan and business floats. Over 100 units. Prizes awarded for the best entries. Parade Route Map.
New Dublin Irish Fest – 11:00 am to 6:00 pm – Held under a HUGE heated big top tent by the Festival Food parking lot downtown. Features Irish food, beverages, entertainment and market booths. Entertainment will be Sheamus Fitzpatrick and the McNally Boys from 11-12:30 and Reilly from 1-6. Entrance to Irish Fest is $5.00 for the whole day. View the 2026 Irish Fest schedule.
A free Shuttle Bus will run 6pm to 3am.
Morning: Breakfast at Palace Breakfast. 815 N Shawano St, New London.
Palace Breakfast serves delicious food, and the service is excellent.
Customers are made to feel appreciated.
Prices are reasonable and they offer a senior citizen discount.
Afternoon: PARADE DAY!
Grab lunch before the parade at El Tequila Mexican Restaurant & Cantina. 208 W North Water St, New London.
I love the colorful decor and atmosphere of El Tequila.
I love the food and service even more!
The restaurant provides a casual atmosphere for patrons to enjoy a variety of AUTHENTIC Mexican dishes and drinks. Large menu with reasonable prices. Excellent fast service.
El Tequila is like stepping into Mexico...only you can drink the water.
New Dublin Irish Fest begins at 11 am. Entrance to New Dublin Irish Fest is just $5.00 for the day. The music festival features two bands performing various styles of Celtic music onstage under a huge heated big top tent downtown (near Festival Foods). Irish food and beverages are available to purchase. Market booths sell items such as T-shirts, sweatshirts, kilts, jewelry, and other unique items.
The 2 bands performing will be:
Sheamus Fitzpatrick and the McNally Boys
They'll be playing from 11 am – 12:30 pm
followed by...
Reilly
Reilly will play from 1 pm to 6 pm.
Reilly are two time winners of the Celtic/folk rock band of the year award from Wisconsin Area Music Industry. They have garnered a reputation for being an interactive, get-off-your-chair act. The band’s circuit continues to grow along with their reputation for being a highly respected professional group. National programs such as Irish and Celtic
Music Podcast, Good Morning Ireland, Blarney on the Air, and Paddyrock internet radio have featured Reilly. Celtic Radio Music Network rates them as five out of five stars. Their ability to adapt Celtic music to an American rock audience, and include unexpected rock favorites into their set, makes them the perfect eclectic choice in today’s watered down and predictable Celtic scene.
The Parade
Thousands of people come to New London for St. Patrick's Day so you want to get to the parade route early to get a good seat. Bring a lawn chair with you and be sure to dress in layers so you can adjust to the weather. In Wisconsin we can go from 50 degrees F to blizzard conditions within the same day.
Each year’s Grand Parade typically features various bagpipe bands, marching bands, festive clowns, specialty units, clans, Finnegan’s Wake, and business floats. It’s an awesome lineup that typically has up to 125 units or more. Prizes are awarded for best parade entries.
The St. Patrick’s parade starts just south of downtown on S. Pearl Street at the intersection of E. Washington Street where the Catholic Church is and proceeds north. It then turns left (west) onto N. Water Street and continues to N. Shawano Street where it ends just before the Dairy Queen. The Irish Fest big top tent is by Festival Foods near where the parade ends. Map: Parade Route
When the parade ends head over to the big top tent for more festivities, Irish food, etc.
The Irish Fest big top tent
Evening: You have to have some corned beef and cabbage for dinner!
Enjoy the night's festivities!
Palace Breakfast serves delicious food, and the service is excellent. Customers are made to feel appreciated. Prices are reasonable and they offer Senior citizen discount.
Irish Fest comes to a close.
Hope you enjoyed being Irish - whether you are or not!
If there's one thing we Irish do and do well it's party!
A St. Paddy's Day party is relatively simple to stage. My focal wall:
Purchased: Wall backdrop - less than $20; balloons for balloon arch - $10. Everything else I had or had made for previous parties.
Most everything on my focal wall I had or was repurposed, having been used in another party.
I purchased the wall backdrop - less than $20; and the balloons for the balloon arch rainbow - $10
For my tablescape I use the genuine Scottish lace tablecloth that was my husband's.
I do use placemats to help protect the tablecloth.
For an adult party mini booze bottles with Irish labels make the perfect party favors!
I'll usually only do a sit down dinner if it's family at my St. Paddy's Day party. If it's friends, I'll usually lay out a buffet of Irish fare that they can help themselves to.
This is the buffet fare and recipes:
Shamrock Roll Ups
Recipe below
Irish Potato Bites
Recipe below
Lucky Irish Nachos
Recipe below
Corned Beef & Cabbage Egg Rolls
Recipe below
Mini Shepherds Pies
Recipe below
Lucky Spinach & Feta Phyllo Triangles
Recipe below
Easy Irish Soda Bread
Recipe below
Deviled Eggs
Recipe below
Charcuterie Board
Shamrock Roll Ups
Ingredients
Directions
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Beat cream cheese and ranch seasoning together in a medium bowl until smooth.
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Spread a thin, even layer on each tortilla using a spatula, then sprinkle with carrots and red pepper.
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Roll tortillas up tightly and wrap each in plastic wrap; chill 30 minutes to firm.
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Slice into ½-inch pinwheels and arrange in clusters of three to resemble shamrocks on a platter.
Irish Potato Bites
Ingredients
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20 small Red potatoes, small (golf ball size)
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1/2 cup Corned beef
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1/4 cup Cheddar cheese, shredded
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1 tablespoon Butter, melted
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1/8 teaspoon Salt
Instructions
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Fill a large pot with water and bring it to a boil.
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Add potatoes and boil until they are fork tender.
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Preheat oven to 400°F
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Once potatoes are cooked and have cooled cut each one in half and cut a small slice off of the rounded end so the potato can sit up.
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Scoop out the inside of each potato half saving the potato insides in a bowl.
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Add cheese, corned beef, butter to the bowl with the saved potato insides.
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Salt mixture to taste. Also sprinkle some salt over the potato halves.
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Scoop mixture into potato halves and then place them on a baking sheet.
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Place baking sheet in oven for 10 minutes.
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Remove from oven and serve.
Lucky Irish Nachos
Ingredients
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3 large russet potatoes, sliced into rounds
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Sour cream for serving
Directions
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Preheat oven to 425°F and spread potato slices on a parchment-lined sheet pan.
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Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper, then arrange in a single layer and bake 20–25 minutes, flipping once, until crisp and golden.
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Push the slices into a mound in the center of the pan, sprinkle with cheddar and bacon, and return to the oven for 5 minutes to melt.
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Transfer to a platter, sprinkle with green onions, and serve with sour cream in a small dip bowl.
Corned Beef & Cabbage Egg Rolls
Ingredients
Directions
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Stir coleslaw mix, corned beef, and Swiss together in a large bowl.
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Place a wrapper on a clean surface, add 2–3 tablespoons of filling near one corner, and roll up tightly, folding in the sides as you go. Seal the edge with a little water.
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Arrange egg rolls on a parchment-lined sheet pan and spray lightly with cooking spray.
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Bake at 400°F for 12–15 minutes, turning once, until crisp and golden. Serve with dressing in a small dipping bowl.
Mini Shepherds Pies
Ingredients
Directions
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Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
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Add mixed vegetables, beef broth, salt, and pepper, and simmer 5–7 minutes until veggies are tender and most of the liquid has reduced.
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Place phyllo shells on a parchment-lined sheet pan and spoon beef mixture into each shell.
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Pipe or spoon a small swirl of mashed potatoes on top of each, then bake at 375°F for 8–10 minutes until heated through and lightly golden.
Lucky Spinach and Feta Phyllo Triangles
Ingredients
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1 cup thawed spinach, squeezed dry
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Olive oil spray or melted butter
Directions
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Mix spinach, feta, salt, and pepper together in a small bowl.
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Lay one phyllo sheet on a clean surface, brush lightly with oil or butter using a pastry brush, then top with another sheet.
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Cut into 3 long strips with a sharp knife. Place a spoonful of spinach mixture at one end and fold up in a triangle, alternating sides, until you reach the end.
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Repeat with remaining phyllo and filling, then place triangles on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spray or brush tops.
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Bake at 375°F for 12–15 minutes until crisp and golden.
Easy Irish Soda Bread
Ingredients
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4 cups bread flour
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1 tbs baking powder
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3/4 tsp baking soda
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1 tsp salt
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1 cup currants raisins or dried cranberries
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1/2-1 tbs caraway seeds OPTIONAL
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2 cups buttermilk
Instructions
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Preheat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a large baking sheet with parchment or lightly grease. Set aside.
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Rinse whatever dried fruit you are using in a strainer under hot water. Place on paper towel to absorb excess water.
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In the bowl of a heavy-duty stand mixer, add the flour, baking powder, baking soda and salt. Fit with dough hook and mix dry ingredients for about 1 minute.
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Add the fruit and caraway seeds if using. With mixer running, add the buttermilk gradually--using only enough to form a soft dough (I had to use the whole 2 cups of buttermilk). Knead for 1 minute.
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Turn out the dough on a well-floured surface and shape into 2 rounds and place on prepared baking sheet. With a sharp knife, cut an "x" about 1/4-inch deep on each loaf. Sprinkle with additional flour if desired.
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Bake for 45-55 minutes, or until golden brown and a toothpick inserted in the center comes out clean.
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Makes 2 round loaves.
Deviled Eggs
Ingredients
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6 large eggs, hard-boiled and peeled
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1 ripe avocado, pitted and peeled
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2 tablespoons mayonnaise
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1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
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1 teaspoon lime juice (to keep the color bright)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
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Fresh chives or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
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Slice the hard-boiled eggs in half lengthwise and carefully remove the yolks, placing them into a small mixing bowl or food processor.
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Add the scooped-out avocado, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and lime juice to the bowl with the yolks.
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Mash the ingredients together with a fork or pulse in the food processor until the mixture is completely smooth and a vibrant green color.
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Season the filling with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
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Spoon the green mixture into the empty egg white halves, or use a piping bag with a star tip for a more decorative look.
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Garnish the tops with finely chopped chives or a small sprig of cilantro before serving.
Keep the eggs refrigerated until you are ready to serve them to ensure they stay fresh and bright.
Besides hors 'd oeuvres type snacks, I'll make a buffet of desserts/candy as well.
Build A Leprechaun Trap
Kids and adults alike enjoy this one!
Set up a craft table large enough to seat all of your guests. On the craft table put:
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Corrugated cardboard sheets or styrofoam sheets
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Empty square Kleenex boxes
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Popsicle sticks
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Cotton balls
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Gold plastic coins
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Various colors of pipe cleaners
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Glitter
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Assorted colors construction paper
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A few glue guns 2/extra glue sticks
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Anything else you'd like to add
Let guests come up with their idea of a leprechaun trap. You can pair guests up for this activity as well.
You can also buy a 2 pack kit for kids if you like.
Activity Sheets
I like these various activity sheets from Amazon: Would You Rather, Word Scramble, Word Search, Master Key and Trivia.
Leprechaun Bean Bag Tic-Tac-Toe
Another inexpensive game from Amazon that's great fun for adults and kids alike.
Play Tic-Tac-Toe but with leprechaun beanbags! In order to get your 'X or O' on the board, you have to toss the beanbags to claim your square!
If you lose a game you're eliminated from play until only on person is left standing as the winner.
Candy Challenge
The object of the game is to be the first person to get 10 pieces of candy in their pot.
You can start players out with a "bank" of candy pieces, as many pieces as you feel appropriate.
I gave each player 6 pieces in their candy bank, with which to play.
You can make your own wheel and spinner or buy one here.
Bring out the Irish spirit with St. Patrick’s Day Minute to Win It challenges!
Guests can race to stack gold coins, toss green marshmallows into a pot of gold, or build a rainbow tower using colored blocks.
With just 60 seconds on the clock for each task, this game guarantees lots of laughs, friendly competition, and a festive energy boost for everyone involved.
Irish Beer Pong
Put an Irish twist on Beer Pong by swapping traditional cups for green shamrock-patterned ones and filling them with Irish stout or green-dyed drinks.
Decorate the table with gold coins and rainbows to enhance the party theme.
It’s a crowd-pleaser for the adults and a fun way to get the St. Patrick’s Day party vibe flowing!
For kids, use non-alcoholic beverages.
Lucky Charms Shake
Fill a 2-liter bottle with Lucky Charms cereal then tape the filled bottle to another empty 2-liter bottle.
Give the taped together bottles to the player and when you say go, they must shake shake shake the bottle to get all of the Lucky Charms to the other bottle.
First person to get all of the Lucky Charms from one bottle to the other wins!
Family Feud
Host a St. Patrick’s Day edition of Family Feud with questions about Irish traditions, leprechaun myths, and party food favorites.
Split guests into teams and let them compete to guess the most popular answers.