Irish Channel

For people in 'da Channel. The Irish Channel is a true melting pot of cultures and peoples. Many consider it one of New Orleans most interesting neighborhoods.

The Irish who lived in NOLA back in the 1850's, lived simply in small, shotgun houses – single, double and camelback, and these home styles dominated the neighborhood. The Irish Channel neighborhood itself was respectable, the riverfront saloons gave it a bad reputation. Today, many of the neighborhood bars are gone, but several bars, including Parasol’s Bar on Constance Street are still present to entice Irish people to celebrate their heritage. In fact, Parasol’s is the starting point for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade that marches through the Irish Channel.

The City Planning Commission defines the boundaries of Irish Channel as these streets: Tchoupitoulas Street, Toledano Street, Magazine Street, 1st Street, the Mississippi River and Napoleon Avenue.

The Irish Channel's history and development are closely aligned with its proximity to the Mississippi River, a source of employment for wharf and warehouse workers and a means of transportation linking this area to international commerce. In addition, the area is recognized for its association with the development of America's unique art form, jazz. Numerous early jazz performers called the Irish Channel their home, and many helped spread the popularity of this music throughout the world.