Bus Tour: Irish In St Louis

By 1850, nearly half the population of Saint Louis was of Irish Descent. Join Irish History minor and former University College Dublin student Declan Rutan as we revisit these Irish roots, examining food, faith, and fancy of the St. Louis Irish, including an Irish church, Irish lunch, Irish shopping, and of course, a Pint Toast!

The first stop of this daycation is the fastest growing parish in the St. Louis Archdiocesan located in the heart of the Irish neighborhood called Dogtown. Enjoy the magnificent architecture of St. James the Greater Church and learn the history of its past and its future.

Next, enjoy a delicious lunch at John D. McGurk's, where Irish history meets Soulard tradition. This local favorite is among the top class of Irish Pubs in the St. Louis area offering great food, drink, and entertainment. The limited lunch menu will include a choice of Russell Street Rueben, McGurk's Burger with cheese, Turkey Club, or Fish & Chips. All entrees are served with homemade chips, whiskey bread pudding for dessert, and non-alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic drinks may be purchased individually at the bar.

After lunch, enjoy shopping at The Kerry Cottage, a bit of Ireland right here in St. Louis. The Kerry Cottage is a charming Irish oasis where you'll discover quality clothing, jewelry, fine crystal, and china from the Emerald Isle.

After shopping, enjoy a tour of the Campbell House Museum, home of renowned fur trader and entrepreneur Robert Campbell and his family from 1854 until 1938. The home weaves the story of the Irish elite and their Irish domestic servants and how their lives intertwined, a bit of an American version of Downton Abbey right here in St. Louis. The museum contains hundreds of original Campbell possessions including furniture, paintings, clothing, letters, carriages, and a unique set of interior photographs taken in the mid-1880s. While at the Campbell House, enjoy a performance by Irish Dancers from St Louis Irish Arts.