Old First Ward Walking Tour: Irish Immigrants Make an Impact

Join us for a walking tour of one of the oldest neighborhoods in Buffalo! The First Ward is the neighborhood adjacent to the Buffalo River, located in the shadows of the grain elevators that employed many of the neighborhood's residents. On this tour, you will learn about how the growth and development of the neighborhood was closely tied to the rise of the grain trade at Buffalo's harbor. A neighborhood with a proudly Irish heritage, the First Ward has been the birthplace and home to some of Buffalo's most famous citizens, including Michael Shea, Jimmy Slattery, and Fingy Connors. Come on this tour to learn their stories and many more! The tour will end at Gene McCarthy's Tavern and Old First Ward Brewing, the perfect place to enjoy a pint after the tour. This tour is approximately 90 minutes in length and approximately 1.75 miles of walking.

Tour Procedures & Policies:

Reservations are required for all tours, including for Explorer Pass members. Walk-ups without reservations cannot be accommodated. Tours are generally limited to a maximum of 15 people per group.

Reservations close two hours before the tour's scheduled start time (for example, reservations close at 8am for a 10am tour).
To redeem an orange Explore Buffalo walking tour pass, please email explore@explorebuffalo.org at least 24 hours in advance to reserve your tour.