 St. Patrick’s Day is a good day to answer that question. My grandparents on my father’s side were both from Ireland- arriving in the United States as young adults.
While raising their family and living in Philadelphia, they spent summer vacations in Stone Harbor (I have a picture in my office of the family in front of one of their rental cottages- my father looks about 8 years old- ironically in a house literally behind my current home).Â
In the late 1950’s, my grandparents built a home in Avalon and moved here full time. My parents followed in 1963 (with babies in tow).  We lived in the high dune area of Avalon- which was a bit more desolate than today.  The beach and the dunes were our backyard play areas!
My grandfather loved the area- I think the ocean and damp weather reminded him of home. After visiting Ireland last spring, I can see the similarities (although no sheep on Ocean Drive…just an occasional turtle).Â
Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!