Page last updated: January 30, 7:10PM

Who are we?

Ballyshaners means "Old Towners" in Gaelic, the Irish language.

We are a non-profit, non-sectarian, and non-partisan corporation organized exclusively for charitable and educational purposes.  All members of the organization are volunteers and do not receive compensation for their participation.  Our goal is to promote and preserve Irish Heritage.  One way we do this is by organizing and running the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Alexandria and the Alexandria Irish Festival, in conjuction with the City of Alexandria.

The Ballyshaners, Inc., were founded in 1980 by a small group of dedicated volunteers for the explicit purpose of organizing a Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Old Town.  The Parade is now well into its third decade and the number and variety of participants is greater than ever before.

Interested in Joining?

There are 2 ways to participate if you are interested.

1.  Become a member

All it takes is showing up at meetings.  (We also hope you will participate and have fun!)

From January until the St. Patrick's Day Parade in March, the Ballyshaners meet every Wednesday.  The remainder of the year we meet once a month.  Meetings are always held at 7:30 PM at Pat Troy's Ireland's Own Restaurant and Pub.  The Restaurant is located at 111 North Pitt Street in Old Town Alexandria.

2.  If you have less free time, simply volunteer for an event!

We hold several events every year in addition to the Parade in March and the Festival in August.
We are always looking for volunteers to help out.  If you are interested in assisting at an event, please contact us and let us know how you would like to participate. 

Check the How to Contact Us page for contact information on becoming a member or volunteer!.