O'Neill offers small-town living in north-central Nebraska
A bird's eye view of O’Neill reveals a small rural city with the world's largest permanent shamrock mural at its center. Known as the “Irish Capital of Nebraska,” the locale of just over 3,500 combines its Irish heritage with a strong sense of community and abundant recreation. “We are a thriving town at the heart of cattle country,” says Lauri Havranek, president and CEO of O’Neill Chamber of Commerce. “I like to call us a five-minute city. You can be golfing, fishing, or skeet shooting within five minutes of leaving work. We have everything you’d need for day-to-day living here.”
Recreation options range from T-ball to turkey hunting
O’Neill Parks and Recreation maintains several green spaces and facilities across the community. Ford Park has a playground, community pool and covered pavilion for picnics. Shaffer Park Complex features a series of T-Ball and Little League baseball diamonds. O'Neill Golf Club has a nine-hole public course, and Carney Park's Gil Peose Recreation Area offers a small pond for locals to cast a line. “A lot of people here like to fish and hunt,” Havranek says. “We’ve got deer and wild turkey. Hunters will mostly talk to the local farmers or ranchers and get permission to hunt on their land.”
Historic homes close to downtown with newer builds farther out
Single-family homes make up the bulk of the market. Housing styles vary across O’Neill, from late 19th-century bungalows and cottages to 21st-century ranch styles. Older homes fill the center of town and feature detached garages easily accessible by narrow back alleyways. Homes built over the last 75 years sit closer to the outskirts, with adjacent crop fields adding the area’s rural feel. “I live five blocks from the center of town, but it feels like I live in the middle of the country,” Havranek says. Sidewalks run along most of the community’s wide streets, and mature trees dot throughout. O’Neill’s median sales price is $370,000, higher than the state median, which falls around $275,000.
O’Neill’s shamrock painting tradition spans generations
The city doubles in size during its St. Patrick’s Day Celebration in mid-March. Occurring over eight days leading up to the holiday, crowds line the sidewalks of downtown to watch O'Neill's Grand Parade and the painting of the giant shamrock. “You’ll see three generations of family out there painting the shamrock and taking pictures,” Havranek says. Other festivities include Irish dance performances, an Irish Chug Run and live music at local bars. “Green beer is served throughout the week at pretty much every bar in town,” she says. Other seasonal events include Summerfest in late July and Holt County Fair in early August.
Public schools and a longstanding private institution
O’Neill Elementary School enrolls prekindergarten through sixth-grade students and gets a B from Niche. O’Neill High School also earns a B and teaches seventh through 12th grades. High school students can participate in clubs and activities like National Honor Society, Robotics and Speech. St. Mary’s Catholic Schools has served the community since its opening in 1900. The private institution receives a B-minus and enrolls prekindergarten through 12th-grade students
Downtown is the area's hub for local businesses
A collection of independently owned stores and restaurants fills downtown O’Neill. Tacos and Tequila is a popular spot that serves authentic Mexican dishes from its colorful dining room. “Inside Handlebend, there’s a coffee shop, tap room and flower shop,” Havranek says. “It’s the neatest place.” Grocers like Torpin’s Rodeo Market and La Costeñita Market share the district, and several fast-food chain restaurants are available on the community’s east side. Dollar General sells daily essentials, but residents must make the 75-mile trip southeast into Norfolk to shop Target, Kohl’s and other big-box stores.
Commuting out of O'Neill
U.S. Route 20 is the main east-west thoroughfare, connecting residents to surrounding cities like Norfolk, some 75 miles southeast. U.S. Route 281 is also accessible from within the community. The nearest commercial flights take off from Central Nebraska Regional Airport in Grand Island, some 110 miles south. Avera St. Anthony’s Hospital is closer to home, on North 2nd Street.
Written By
Matthew Simmons
