Abbott-McKinley: South Buffalo’s Irish Heritage District Walking Tour

South Buffalo’s Abbott Road/McKinley Parkway neighborhood has long been a desirable home to  upwardly mobile, predominantly Irish, immigrants and their descendants. Explore Frederick Law  Olmsted’s McKinley and Red Jacket Parkways and hear the stories behind iconic institutions such  as Mercy Hospital, Trocaire College, Mt. Mercy Academy, and Bishop Timon-St. Jude High School.  Discover how this section of the city evolved from the home of indigenous Seneca inhabitants to  the thriving, increasingly diverse community of today while preserving its Irish-flavored character as part of Buffalo’s Irish Heritage District.

Meet at the Bison statue at the intersection of McKinley and Red Jacket Parkways – on the southeast side of McClellan Circle. Use 2 Red Jacket Parkway, Buffalo NY 14220 for driving directions. Parking is available along McKinley or Red Jacket Parkways or side streets. 

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. 
  • The Explore Buffalo docent for your tour will have a list of tour reservations for their tour; you do not need to print or bring any tour confirmation. 
• Accessibility: Please contact us at explore@explorebuffalo.org or (716) 245-3032 if you plan to attend this tour and will require accommodations or if you have questions about accessibility. 
• Please wear sturdy walking shoes and dress for the weather. Tours generally proceed rain or shine. In the event of weather that requires a tour cancellation, we will contact registered tour guests in advance of the tour. 
• See our FAQs page for our refund policy and answers to other questions.
• By confirming your reservation for any Explore Buffalo tour, you acknowledge and accept Explore Buffalo’s tour policies.