The month of March is a busy season for Irish and Irish Americans in the United States as it is officially regarded as national Irish American Heritage Month. The US Census Bureau has released some figures that highlight the span of the Irish influence in America today, which fit in accordingly with the month long recognition of Irish American culture.

MarketWatch reports on the various statistics of all things Irish and Irish-related in the US. The very first St. Patrick’s Day parade, now a worldwide tradition, took place in New York in 1762. This year’s New York City festivities mark the 251st marching of the parade down Fifth Avenue, past St. Patrick’s Cathedral.

The Parade originated in 1762, before the United States had even declared independence from Britain, and featured Irish soldiers who were serving in the British military.

The 2010 Census reported that there are an astounding 34.7 million people in the United States who claim some sort of Irish ancestry, which is more than seven times the population of Ireland itself. Also reported in 2010 was the figure of 144,588 naturalized Irish born citizens living as residents in the US.

Along with other population statistics, the report offers several colorful places where you may choose to spend your St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. Locations such as Dublin, Ohio, Emerald Isle, North Carolina, and Shamrock, Texas, may be appropriate choices.