• Consulate Conversations: Irish Diplomacy with Deputy Consul General Nicole Sheils
    Oct 23 2025

    Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast brought to you by The Savannah Irish Festival! This week, host Tara Reese welcomes Nicole Sheils Deputy Consul General of Ireland in Atlanta, representing the US Southeast.

    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.

    Nicole shares her impressive career journey from Dublin, including her time working in various capacities within the Irish civil service and the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The discussion highlights the importance of fostering Irish culture and community in the Southeast US, with particular emphasis on economic ties, youth engagement, and historical connections. Nicole also reveals exciting upcoming projects, including the USA 250 celebrations and the launch of a lecture series on Irish immigration stories. Listeners will gain insight into the vibrant cultural exchanges and diplomatic efforts that strengthen the bonds between Ireland and the Southeast US.

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

    Website: Consulate General Of Ireland, Atlanta | Ireland.ie | Ireland.ie

    Facebook: Consulate General of Ireland, Atlanta | Atlanta GA | Facebook

    Instagram: Consulate General of Ireland - US Southeast (@irelandatlanta) • Instagram photos and videos

    LinkedIn: Consulate General of Ireland, Atlanta | LinkedIn

    Newsletter: Consulate General of Ireland Atlanta

    Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

    MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

    MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Introduction and Welcome

    00:14 Meet Nicole Shiels: Deputy Council General of Ireland

    00:56 Nicole's Career Journey

    02:30 Experiences in the US and St. Patrick's Day Parade

    05:49 Role and Responsibilities of the Consulate

    08:06 Economic and Cultural Connections

    09:08 Irish Heritage in the Southeast

    12:08 Future Goals and Initiatives

    19:10 Irish-American Connections Today

    20:19 Celebrating Irish Culture and Heritage

    21:37 The Role of the Irish Diaspora

    24:04 Irish Cultural Influence and Storytelling

    29:42 Economic and Educational Partnerships

    35:43 Upcoming Initiatives and Final Thoughts

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    45 mins
  • Trade First, Invest Next: Ireland and the Southeast’s Growing Business Connection
    Oct 17 2025

    Welcome to the Savannah Irish Podcast! This week, host Tara Reese welcomes Chris Ahearn of the World Trade Center Savannah and Gerry Leonard of the Irish Chamber of Commerce Atlanta.

    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.

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

    Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

    MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

    MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

    Show More Show Less
    52 mins
  • A Transatlantic Tale: Savannah's Historical Link to Wexford, Ireland
    Oct 9 2025

    In episode four of season three of the Savannah Irish podcast, host Tara Reese welcomes back Dr. Howard Keeley from Georgia Southern University. They discuss the unique sister city relationship between Savannah, Georgia, and Wexford, Ireland, focusing on the historical trade connections that began in 1845 with the Graves family's international maritime trading company.

    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.

    The episode dives into the cultural exchanges, stories of immigration, and significant impacts of Irish timber trade on Savannah's development. Additionally, it highlights the remarkable discoveries made by Georgia Southern University students in the National Archives of Ireland, and the ongoing efforts to strengthen ties between Savannah and Wexford today through initiatives like the Trade Bridge. The podcast underscores the importance of preserving these narratives for future generations.

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

    Meet Dr. Howard Keeley

    Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

    MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

    MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Introduction and Special Guests

    00:21 Savannah and Wexford: Sister Cities

    01:16 The Timber Trade Connection

    04:06 The Graves Family and Their Ventures

    13:05 Rediscovering Lost History

    14:49 Modern Connections and Collaborations

    18:18 Savannah's Irish Heritage and Ballast Stones

    18:31 The Graves Family and Savannah's Stone Supply

    19:47 The Dun Brody and Timber Trade

    20:26 Personal Connections and Irish Stories

    21:53 Savannah's Irish Neighborhoods and Cemeteries

    25:59 Wexford's Emigration and the Famine

    28:45 Challenges and Successes of Irish Immigrants

    34:40 Preserving Irish History in Savannah

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    42 mins
  • Foundations of Irish Savannah: Dr. Howard Keeley on the City’s Irish Roots
    Oct 2 2025

    In this episode of the Savannah Irish Podcast, Dr. Howard Keeley from Georgia Southern University's Irish Studies program dives into the rich history of Irish immigration in Savannah.

    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.

    Explore the initial waves of Irish settlers during the famine, the contributions of key figures like Henry Ellis, the establishment of neighborhoods, and the role of the Irish in politics, labor, and community building. Discover how the deeply intertwined Irish and Savannah histories have shaped the city, from early fraternal organizations like the Hibernian Society to significant civic contributions including alderman James McGuire's impact.

    Stay tuned as the show promises further fascinating insights into the shared stories and legacies of Savannah's Irish community.

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

    Meet Dr. Howard Keeley

    Learn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026

    MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub Company

    MEET our PRODUCTION CREW: Proudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

    FIND A FAVORITE SPOT IN THIS EPISODE:

    00:00 Introduction and Rebranding

    00:23 Early Irish Immigration to Savannah

    01:37 Oglethorpe and the Irish Influence

    02:44 Henry Ellis: Georgia's Second Founder

    08:14 The Queensboro Settlement

    14:31 Scots-Irish and the Hibernian Society

    17:35 The First St. Patrick's Day Parade

    20:42 Upcoming Episodes and Conclusion

    21:00 Building Savannah: Irish Contributions to Labor and Community

    24:28 The Great Famine and Its Impact on Irish Immigration

    25:59 The 1860 Census: A Snapshot of Irish Presence in Savannah

    29:17 Irish Women in Savannah: Employment and Contributions

    33:43 Irish Political Activism and Civic Leadership

    35:28 James McGuire Jr.: A Story of Perseverance and Politics

    41:23 The Legacy of Irish History in Savannah

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    48 mins
  • Beyond Savannah: A Southern Tapestry of Irish Festivals
    Sep 25 2025

    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

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    40 mins
  • SEASON 3 BEGINS: Meet Dr. Howard Keeley & Georgia Southern University
    Sep 18 2025

    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.

    Learn more about the VOICES in this episode AND tap the links to support the Savannah Irish Festival:Meet Dr. Howard KeeleyLearn all about the Savannah Irish Festival at the Alee Temple on Saturday, February 7, and Sunday, February 8, 2026MEET our SHOW SPONSOR - The Irish Pub CompanyProudly produced by Dee Daniels Media

    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

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    38 mins
  • It's St. Patrick's Day in SAVANNAH!
    Mar 21 2025

    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

    Show More Show Less
    26 mins
  • Kevin Barry's Irish Pub: Vic Power's Legacy, Loyalty, and Love for Savannah
    Feb 20 2025

    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

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    39 mins