Tucked between Magazine Street and Tchoupitoulas, bounded by Jackson and Louisiana Avenues, the Irish Channel was originally a working-class neighborhood, with many of the residents employed at the docks that run along the river. Located just outside the boundaries of the Lower Garden District, the neighborhood has seen big increases in property values in the post-Katrina market. Mixed with renovation and remodels, you’ll find some distressed properties, but those are becoming harder to find as gentrification abounds.
Most of the architecture in the Irish Channel consists of shotgun doubles and singles, with a huge amount of Victorian millwork and details. You’ll also find townhouse-style homes and center hall cottages, mixed in with small, local businesses. Drive down some streets and you’ll see rows of identical homes right next to each other, with the only differences the exterior colors. (Seeing a block full of front porches always makes us happy). New, contemporary construction has sprung up in recent years as well. While the HDLC controls what you do with historic properties, it doesn’t require that new construction is in the same vein as the existing stock.
Narrow lots are the norm in the Channel, with few homes offering off-street parking. Public transit runs along Louisiana, Tchoupitoulas, Jackson, and Magazine Streets, so you’re not far from a bus, but it’s a very walkable and bikeable neighborhood as well.
Walk Score = 85
Bike Score = 64
The Irish Channel is a historic district, so residents must comply with HDLC guidelines when making exterior changes to properties.
There’s an active neighborhood association, but it’s not an HOA, so don’t expect anything as fussy as annual dues here.
Things to do and see in the Irish Channel
- Atchafalaya
- Tracey’s Bar
- Irish Channel St. Patrick’s Parade
- 4 neighborhood parks
- The stretch of Magazine Street in the Channel is filled with boutiques, coffee shops and eateries
[WATCH: HISTORY OF THE IRISH CHANNEL]
