You’ll Swear You’re in Ireland in These 11 U.S. Towns

My favorite towns across the U.S. are the ones that remind me of Europe. For example, we can visit the Danish town of Solvang, California, or the Bavarian town of Frankenmuth, Michigan, where no passport is required. Then, there are the numerous Irish towns in the U.S. (along with towns that resemble places in Ireland) that will convince you that you are actually in Ireland somehow; I have compiled a list of them below.

While I am not full-fledged Irish, although my last name (Mahoney) says otherwise, I wholeheartedly celebrate my Irish heritage. I have also been to Ireland twice and Northern Ireland once. Between the lush green landscape, the friendly locals, the pubs, and the quaint towns and cities, I am utterly charmed by Ireland, and the following towns and cities are great dupes for certain parts of the Emerald Isle.

1. Boston, Massachusetts

This is as Irish a city as you can find in the U.S. Welcome to Boston, Massachusetts, the heart and soul of New England and the city with the country's highest percentage of Irish Americans, at over 22%. During the mid-1800s, over 50,000 emigrants fled from Ireland to Boston due to the Great Famine, which obviously contributed to the high number of Irish in the city today. The most Irish part of Boston is Southie (or South Boston for those unfamiliar with the city). Southie hosts an annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and proudly celebrates its Irish heritage.

As a native of New England, I have spent plenty of time in this historic city and have visited many of its Irish pubs over the years. It's the one American city that always makes me feel like I'm in Europe, and it remains a special place in my Irish heart!

2. Scituate, Massachusetts

Have you ever heard of "The Irish Riviera"? Located on Massachusetts' South Shore, Scituate has another nickname, the "Most Irish Town in America," as nearly 50% of its residents have Irish ancestry. This town reminds me of Galway, Ireland, a coastal fishing village with a vibrant main street, Irish pubs, and friendly residents.

Scituate also has its fair share of Irish pubs, a downtown area with shops and restaurants, and a family-friendly community. You can learn about the town's heritage and maritime history at The Maritime & Irish Mossing Museum.

3. Belfast, Maine

Named after the city of Northern Ireland, Belfast is one of the most charming towns in Maine. In 1770, Scottish-Irish Americans who had first settled in New Hampshire settled in the town. Like its European counterpart, where The Titanic was built, the town in Maine also has roots in shipbuilding.

Today, just over 15% of Belfast, Maine's population claims Irish heritage, and you can stop by The Belfast Historical Society & Museum for more info on the town's maritime history. Additionally, there are over 30 panels around Belfast, known as Museum in the Streets, that have information on historical sites around town. If you visit this coastal Maine town in mid-July, you can attend the Maine Celtic Celebration.

4. Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania

With its lush green landscape in the Southern Poconos and its Irish roots, Jim Thorpe, Pennsylvania, has become known as the "Little Ireland of America." Originally settled in 1818 when the town was called Mauch Chunk, the town has strong Irish roots. In fact, Irish immigrants worked in the coal mines when mining was the area's main economic drive.

For a bit of Irish history, there was a secret society of miners known as The Molly Maguires, who fought for better working conditions and miners' rights. However, many were accused of violent acts, including murder, and were jailed. If you visit the Old Jail Museum, you'll see the cells where members of The Molly Maguires were held, along with where they were hung for their alleged crimes. Top your visit to Jim Thorpe off with a pint and a plate of fish 'n' chips at the ever-popular Molly Maguires Irish Pub, named after the group of local Irish outlaws.

5. Fells Point, Baltimore, Maryland

I was lucky enough to live in Fells Point while working on an Emmy Award-winning TV show for HBO several years ago. I loved strolling along the neighborhood's cobblestone streets past colorful buildings and the waterfront. I couldn't help but think of Europe, especially Ireland, here in this historic Baltimore neighborhood. My colleagues and I would end up having drinks at Slainte Irish Pub and Restaurant, which certainly has a traditional Irish feel.

6. Newport, Rhode Island

Growing up in Rhode Island, I always loved taking day trips to Newport. With its cobblestone streets, the Cliff Walk, the mansions, the restaurants, and the sailing culture, it certainly has that European feel I've always craved.

Newport's roots are also deeply Irish, and several Irish pubs, like Buskers and O'Brien's on Thames Street, offer a true taste of Ireland. Immigrants came over from Ireland in the early 1800s and settled on Aquidneck Island, and descendants of several original Irish settlers reside in Newport today.

7. Boone, North Carolina

Head to the charming town of Boone in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Carolina, and you'll feel like you're in another world. Originally settled by Scots-Irish from Northern Ireland in the 1700s, their cultural impacts remain in the Appalachian region to this day. With its location in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Boone has a gorgeous, rugged landscape similar to parts of Ireland.

8. Galena, Illinois

Galena is a favorite small town in Illinois that also has Irish roots. Not only is Galena as lovely and charming as many towns in Ireland, but the locals are friendly as well. For a true taste of Ireland in Galena, plan a stay at the Irish Cottage Inn & Suites set among rolling hills that remind me of the Emerald Isle's countryside. The Inn is also home to Frank O'Dowd's Irish Pub & Grill, where you can grab a pint and a bite to eat. Slainté!

9. Big Sur, California

If I could pick any place in the U.S. that remotely resembles the Cliffs of Moher on Ireland's west coast, it would be the cliffs of Big Sur on our very own California west coast. Here's why: Both have a rugged coastline with dramatic, soaring cliffs above the ocean and beguiling beauty that will make you question whether what you're seeing is real. Seeing the Cliffs of Moher in person was one of the most incredible travel experiences, but if you can't make it to the west coast of Ireland anytime soon, Big Sur bears as close a resemblance as you're going to get in the U.S.

10. Seattle, Washington

Did you know Seattle, Washington, is actually a sister city of Galway, Ireland? ‘Tis true. Given Seattle’s nickname as the Emerald City, it makes sense that it would resemble the Emerald Isle so closely. The constant drizzle, year-round greenery, and moody atmosphere of this wet city often lead it to be compared to Ireland. It's also home to several Irish bars, like the Owl N' Thistle, which comes with signature Irish staples and plenty of ghost stories reminiscent of a centuries-old pub in Dublin.

11. Kodiak, Alaska

What could be more like Ireland than a lush, green island surrounded by chilly, blue waters? So similar are Kodiak and Ireland in appearance that some refer to the remote island where Kodiak can be found as "Alaska's Emerald Isle." The rainy weather only underlines the resemblance, along with the coastal atmosphere. In fact, the only way this city might be different from the true Emerald Isle is its striking mountains and brown bears.

Do you think that these towns in the U.S. resemble places in Ireland? I absolutely love places in our own country that remind me of Europe. If you're craving an overseas adventure to Ireland, find a cheap flight, book a trip, and go! And when you come back, visit one of the towns on this list to see how it compares to the Emerald Isle. With the Only In Your State itinerary planner at your side, it's sure to be a trip to remember.