Though Savannah sits on Georgia’s coast, Irish visitors often say it feels familiar in all the right ways: walkable streets, deep-rooted traditions, and a city that wears its history as a badge of honor. But what makes Savannah unforgettable is how its humble beginnings blend coastal beauty, Southern hospitality and a rhythm entirely its own. This cadence is one we convey to the world, particularly through a shared kindred spirit that we believe our Irish visitors will especially appreciate.
Our Shared Irish Heritage
Originally founded as an English colony by General James Oglethorpe in 1733, his vision and intention were clear: Savannah’s planned city was to be a place of refuge and where one could start anew. When Irish settlers arrived with the first colonists in 1734, their numbers grew during the 1830s and 1840s as Georgia expanded its canals, railroads and shipping industries, drawing thousands of Irish laborers seeking opportunity and refuge during the potato famine.
Many settled in neighborhoods such as Frogtown, Yamacraw and Old Fort, forming tight-knit communities that helped form the city’s culture and workforce. The impact has resulted in a nurtured and respected influence, and our highly anticipated St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the second-largest celebration in the nation. So you see, Savannah didn’t borrow Irish heritage - it was shaped by it.
What You Can Expect
Savannah is often touted as a city with an inexplicable way of reeling you in. There are no words to describe it—it just is. Although the reasons behind its mystery will remain in the vault, we believe its most obvious characteristics and structure play a large role.
Savannah has 23 of its original 24 squares. These green spaces are a thing of beauty, surrounded by live oaks and hanging Spanish moss that mirror a whimsical entrance by day and a moonlit, ethereal haunt by night. Framed by benches, foliage and blooming azaleas in spring, the squares are commonplace for picnics, leisurely strolls, reading and convenient access to the city’s districts and Antebellum architecture.
Savannah’s architectural prowess has long been admired for its Southern and European connections. Neighborhoods are lined with homes—and former homes turned businesses—draped in Georgian, Victorian, Greek, Federal, Gothic Revival and Italianate styles, separated by flourishing gardens and wrought-iron gates. Visitors are known to linger here, wandering the many brick-lined and oyster-shell sidewalks or, when traffic allows, making a beeline down the city’s 18th- and 19th-century cobblestone streets.
Savannah’s story is equally shaped by its waterways. Along historic River Street, the Savannah River flows steadily past cobblestone streets and restored cotton warehouses, where shops and galleries now welcome visitors. This riverfront was once a center of trade for the young colony, where Mary Musgrove—of English and Native American heritage—worked alongside her husband at a trading post near the Savannah River and later served as a trusted interpreter and cultural bridge for General James Oglethorpe. Today, towering container ships glide past the Historic Landmark District as they move through the Port of Savannah, one of the busiest ports in the United States, continuing the city’s long relationship with maritime trade and the nearby Atlantic coast.
A Seat at Savannah’s Table
Savannah is the kind of city where a good meal turns into a full evening plan. Our dining culture is rooted in Southern comfort and coastal flavor—fresh seafood, Lowcountry classics, shrimp and grits, slow-savored brunch and the kind of dishes that make you understand why people talk about Southern cooking like it’s a love language. From there, Savannah’s menus branch out beautifully, weaving in global inspiration—from French and Italian to Mediterranean, Asian and Latin-forward bites—served in spaces that feel just as memorable as the food itself.
Add rooftop dining with river views, outdoor patios perfect for people-watching and an easygoing cocktail scene, and it’s no wonder visitors linger long after the last bite. After dark, Savannah gets a little moodier in the best way: slip behind an unmarked door or down a quiet stairwell and you’ll uncover speakeasies with Prohibition-era charm, along with pubs that nod to Europe—cozy, classic and made for a proper pint and a slow night of conversation.
Savannah’s Beach Is Within Reach
Savannah’s coastal side is only a short drive away. In just 20 minutes, visitors can trade city skylines for Atlantic shorelines on Tybee Island, a laid-back beach community that has welcomed travelers since the late 1880s. Here, the rhythm of the ocean sets the pace. Families spend the day building sandcastles along wide sandy beaches, strolling the pier and exploring the historic lighthouse, while seafood shacks and open-air restaurants serve fresh Georgia shrimp, oysters and other coastal favorites. With its nostalgic charm, salty breezes and intimate island atmosphere, Tybee Island offers a relaxed seaside escape that feels worlds away—yet remains right within reach of Savannah.
Ease of Travel
Traveling to Savannah is refreshingly simple thanks to the Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport, a small but efficient gateway that consistently earns praise from travelers. The airport is easy to navigate, well organized, and known for its friendly staff, short lines, and a relaxed atmosphere that make arrivals and departures feel seamless. Despite its manageable size, it is well connected with flights to major U.S. hubs such as Atlanta, New York and Chicago, making international travel to Savannah straightforward with a single connection. Located just about 20 minutes from Savannah’s Historic Landmark District.
A shared tie that stretches across the Atlantic. Discover Savannah for yourself and see where our connection leads. We can’t wait to welcome you.
