More Virginians claim Irish roots this St. Patrick's Day
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The share of Virginians with Irish ancestry is growing.
Why it matters: Now more locals have a reason to celebrate St. Patrick's Day.
Driving the news: Nearly 800,000 Virginians, or 9.1% of the state's population, reported having Irish ancestry in 2024, per the latest census data.
- That's up from the 8.7% reported in 2022 and puts Virginia close to the national average of 9.4%.
- Rappahannock County claims the highest percentage or Irish folks in the state (17.10%), followed by Lexington (16.24%) and Falls Church (15.76%).
By the numbers: Hanover has the highest share of residents of Irish descendant in metro Richmond with 10.25%.
- In Chesterfield and Richmond, it's around 8.5%.
- And in Henrico: 7.62%.
Fun fact: Petersburg once again comes in dead last in the state for the share of Irish residents. Just .84% of the population — or 282 people — claim Irish ancestry.
Zoom out: Looking for a proper Irish pub to celebrate in? Here are a few places in town that'll have you covered with Irish food, drink, music and green beer.
🍻 O'Toole's Restaurant & Pub: Both the Forest Hill and Midlothian locations open at 11am and the bagpipers go on at 2:30 and 7pm.
🍳 Rare Olde Times in the West End will open at 11am and live music runs through 10:30pm. $5 at the door.
🎻 Rosie Connolly's Pub opens at 11am and keeps it going until midnight in Shockoe Bottom.
🇮🇪 Siné Irish Pub in Shockoe Slip opens at 3pm.