Encyclopedia Dubuque
"Encyclopedia Dubuque is the online authority for all things Dubuque, written by the people who know the city best.”
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Affiliated with the Local History Network of the State Historical Society of Iowa, and the Iowa Museum Association.
IRISH HOOLEY
IRISH HOOLEY. In 2025 the Irish Hooley marked its twentieth anniversary in Dubuque. In 1915 Maureen Siegert, a well-known Dubuque businesswoman who arranged tours of Ireland, recruited members of her family and a local group called the Dubuqueland Irish to organize a local event she suggested being called a "hooley" which meant a party with food and drinks.
The event proved a thriving success with the estimated attendance in 2025 being between 2,000 and 3,000. Organizers included the Dubuque County divisions of the ANCIENT ORDER OF HIBERIANS and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hiberians. The hooley is a fundraiser for both organizations and Research for Kids.
The day-long event included musical performances, dancing, and singing for everyone and crafts and games for the younger attendees.
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Source:
Kelsey, Elizabeth, "Irish Hooley Marks 20 Years," Telegraph Herald, August 24, 2025, p. 2A