Study Finds NJ is Most Intense State for St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations
(New Jersey) — A new nationwide study found that the state celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with the most intensity is New Jersey. The report, titled “Where St. Patrick’s Day Is Celebrated the Hardest in America,” based state rankings on Google searches on topics such as Irish music, costumes, green outfits and party supplies and from data compiled by entertainment platform BetMGM Casino.
The ranking looked at states seeing a growth in enthusiasm for the holiday and which states are experiencing a decline. BetMGM analyzed three years of most recent Google search data across multiple St. Patrick’s Day-related categories, comparing state-by-state interest levels against Irish ancestry population data.
St. Patrick’s Day has moved well beyond its religious roots (the first celebration was in 1631), ethnic pride, green beer and colorful parades. It’s become a rite of passage into spring, where everyone is Irish and, in effect, celebrating the end of winter. In recent years St. Patrick’s Day generated significant consumer spending across hospitality, retail and entertainment.
A Michigan State University report found that St. Patrick’s Day is typically the highest-grossing day of the year for U.S. bars and restaurants. “Even online retailers benefit, with e-commerce platforms reporting increased sales of St. Patrick’s Day-themed apparel and party supplies in the weeks leading up to the holiday. In fact, total U.S. consumer spending in 2024 on St. Patrick’s Day was $7.2 billion.”
The BetMGM report said Irish traditional and folk music in bars and on radio playlists has surged 82%, suggesting interest in Irish culture is more than just an appreciation for a tall glass of Guinness or a mandatory viewing of the film “The Quiet Man.” For local businesses, St. Patrick’s Day translates into increased bookings, higher bar and restaurant traffic, and stronger retail sales tied to themed celebrations.
There will be plenty of places in New Jersey to celebrate the holiday. New Jersey ranks eighth among states with the highest number of those with Irish ancestry, according to U.S. Census data. About 31.2 million U.S. residents — about 9% to 10% of the population — claim at least partial Irish ancestry, according to the census. More than 100 towns in New Jersey have at least 25% populations of Irish heritage. Zip Atlas data listed the towns with the highest total number of residents reporting Irish ancestry.