FAQs
Is there a dedicated Quiet Space?
Guests with autism, sensory processing disorders, and other needs are welcome to spend time in our Quiet Space located near the Pavilion. This space will be kept dark and quiet for people who need a break.
What is the restroom situation?
The restrooms located in the Pavilion will be available to all Irish Fair guests. In addition, we will have portable toilets around the island including a women-only section. Restrooms can be found on the Fair map.
What if I lose something or find something? (Lost & Found)
Lost and Found is located at the Info Booth/Welcome Booth directly inside the gates from the main entrance. Found items will be stored at this booth until the end of the fair.
After the fair ends, all remaining items are brought to the Irish Fair of Minnesota office. Send an email to
info@irishfair.com to see if we have your lost item and to arrange a time to collect it.
Will you have ATMs?
There will be an ATM machine located near the main entrance/Water Street. There are several businesses near Harriet Island that also have ATMs.
Note that most vendors accept credit/debit cards, so there is little need for cash.
Can I bring my pets to the Irish Fair?
Leashed pets are permitted, but not recommended. Please note that this is an outdoor event with crowds, music, sports, so we appreciate your consideration in whether this is the best environment for your pet. There may be restrictions during the sheep herding events in the vicinity of the sheep. Pet owners are responsible for picking up after their pets.
Can I bring in my own food and drinks?
No, except for one bottle of water. We will have a water station and
you can bring your refillable water bottle. You will want to check out the many options for food and beverages available. If you have special dietary needs, please contact us at
food@irishfair.com. As a note, we rely on the revenue from sales to help pay the rapidly increasing costs associated with hosting a major 3-day event and to hold our ticket pricing down.
What else can I /can't I bring with me to the Irish Fair?
The following items are permitted on festival grounds:
- blankets
- lawn chairs (we do provide seating by each of the stages, but availability is not guaranteed)
- sealed water bottles (up to 1 liter each)
- refillable water bottles
- backpacks smaller than 17" x 12" x 10" (Security may ask to inspect bags upon entering the fairgrounds)
- binoculars
- non-aerosol sunscreen
- small handheld umbrella
- service animals specifically trained to aid a person with a disability
Park rules apply! Prohibited items include, but are not limited to, the following:
- unleashed pets except as permitted for service animals
- coolers
- outside food and beverages, except sealed water bottles UNLESS otherwise arranged
- skateboards, scooters, and bicycles may not be used on the grounds
- glass bottles or cans, including aerosol cans
- backpacks and bags larger than 17" x 12" x 10" (Security may ask to inspect large bags and strollers/wagons upon entry.)
- laser devices
- fireworks
- chain wallets
- weapons (Park rules and regulations prohibit weapons of any kind except as allowed by Minnesota State Statutes)
- drones (see the City of St. Paul website for permitting information about drones)
What kind of libations (food and beverages) will be offered?
We are pleased to bring you a variety of food and beverage options. We are adding new food vendors this year and will be bringing back many crowd favorites. We will also be offering more fun spirit-free beverages!
Full food vendor list will be available in July. Our vendors and beverage tents accept credit and debit cards (preferred) and cash.
Can I come and go throughout the day?
Yes! Make sure you get a stamp on your hand as you leave for same day re-entry! You might also consider purchasing a weekend pass so you can come and go throughout the entire weekend!
What if I'm not feeling well? Can I still come?
If you are under the weather and are/might be contagious, we ask that you stay home and take care of yourself. Even though the fair takes place outside, there are many opportunities where you may be in close contact with other guests, volunteers, or vendors. We care about the health and safety of all our guests, volunteers, and vendors!
Why are you charging admission?
The Irish Fair of MN is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We rely on the generosity of our sponsors, grantors, and donors to provide funding to produce the high quality event we're known for. We build a small city on Harriet Island each year, and costs of all our supplies and labor continue to increase beyond what we receive in sponsorships, grants, and donations. Charging admission was the best way to be be able to pay our local artists properly, to bring in talent from Ireland and elsewhere, and to provide the variety and quality of programming and amenities that our guests expect. We appreciate your understanding!