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Clare's Irish Festival

The friendly people in Clare, Michigan know that there's a wee bit of Irish in everyone! This is why they celebrate St. Patrick's Day in a big way! The town turns green for the annual Festival in March, which is one of the city’s most known and well-loved events. 

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48th Annual Irish Festival
March 15- 18, 2023

Thousands of people come to Clare each year to have a wee bit of fun and enjoy a host of Irish traditions!  Many of the most popular events are taking place, including the parade, bed race, craft show, leprechaun contest, Irish recipe contest, and other fun events!

Clare Parks & Recreation is once again holding their Irish Pet Photo Contest. Irish-themed pet photo entries can be submitted to their website. Top three winners receive prizes. 
 ​This is a fun contest to help raise money for the Spay-Neuter Animal Project and assist with their 2023 projects and will be judged by the members of S-NAP.

In addition, local restaurants, pubs, and cafés are planning Irish themed food such as Guinness Irish Stew, Reubens, Corned Beef, Irish Tacos, and a variety of St. Patrick’s Day-themed drinks!

The retail community is also planning to hold fun activities that are currently in the works and will be announced as there are developed.

We invite you to "Get Your Irish On" and visit Clare March 15-18th -  Céad Míle Fáilte!
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Please visit the following link for a list of events: 48th Irish Festival
How To Participate
Plan to register for the many events held March 15-18, 2023. For more information and to register contact the Clare Area Chamber of Commerce at 989-386-2442. Or visit their website.
  • Craft Show Application
  • Parade Entry Application
  • Bed Race Information
  • Bed Race Registration Form
  • Pet Photo Contest
  • Leprechaun Contest
  • Road Races - 5K/10K/2 Mile Walk Entry FORM
  • Website for more information
  • Road Race Age Groups
  • Road Race Kids’ Fun Run Information
  • Road Race Maps
  • Recipe Contest Form
  • Are You Irish Contest
  • Grand Marshal

​Where to stay:
Choose one of our fine accommodations:
Best Western - Clare
Doherty Hotel - Clare
Lakeside Waterfront Lodging - Harrison

Lone Pine Motel - Clare
Quality Inn - Clare​


 Where to Eat:
Irish-themed food and drink specials are available from most Clare restaurants and pubs.  While visiting Clare County, sample some of our fine restaurants and local diners. From elegant dinners, cafes with home cooking and fast food, to singing karaoke in one of the area lounges - you ​have a choice! Click here for some choices.​ 

Irish Festival Past and Future!

Thousands of people come to Clare each year to have a wee bit of fun and enjoy a host of Irish traditions!

​These include parades, bed races, 5K, 10K & kids’ fun run, craft show, musical performances, recipe contest, pet photo contest, and, of course, a Leprechaun contest!

​Check out the complete list of events and activities.

​How Did Clare's Irish Festival Begin? ​

More than 48 years ago, community members wanted to celebrate Clare's Irish heritage. They wanted to have a fun time and have an event that would endure for generations to come. The Irish Festival was a complete success from the beginning!

​In the years following this first festival the event became an extremely popular form of celebrating all things Celtic. The Clare Area Chamber of Commerce and many amazing volunteers plan months in advance for this super fun event.

​What Can You Do at at Irish Festival?

In the years following this first fun celebration the event has grown to include:

A Large Parade

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Bed Races

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 5K, 10K, 2 mile Walk/Run Road Race

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Recipe Contest

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Pet Photo Contest

Craft Show

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Food, Fun, and Frivolity!

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Countdown
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Contact Us:
Clare County Convention & Visitors Bureau
PO Box 226 / Clare, MI 48617
800-715-3550
Site design and maintenance courtesy of Clare Graphics