Understand

Chicago's Far Southwest Side may not be one of the city's top tourist destinations, but it offers a unique blend of South Side and Irish culture. This neighborhood is home to authentic Irish pubs, and it used to host the largest Saint Patrick's Day parade outside of Dublin. After a pause, the parade was revived in 2012, attracting a huge turnout of approximately 300,000 people. In addition to the parade, there are other Irish-related events such as the Irish Film Festival. Beverly, the most distinctive neighborhood in the Far Southwest Side, has plenty to offer travelers. It is known for Givens Castle, the Ridge Historical Society of Beverly and Morgan Park, and, of course, numerous Irish pubs. One interesting fact about Beverly is that it is the only neighborhood in Chicago with hills, earning it the nickname Beverly Hills. It is also one of the few racially integrated neighborhoods in the city, with a sizable African-American minority living alongside the Irish-American community. If you're looking for an authentic Irish-American neighborhood, Mount Greenwood is the place to visit. It is a large middle-class area and home to many of Chicago's Irish-American firefighters, police officers, and St. Xavier University. This neighborhood gives you a taste of Irish heritage without the tourist crowds. The local pubs will transport you straight back to the Emerald Isle.