BEGIN:VCALENDAR VERSION:2.0 PRODID:-//Maine Irish Heritage Center - ECPv6.18.3//NONSGML v1.0//EN CALSCALE:GREGORIAN METHOD:PUBLISH X-WR-CALNAME:Maine Irish Heritage Center X-ORIGINAL-URL:https://maineirish.com X-WR-CALDESC:Events for Maine Irish Heritage Center REFRESH-INTERVAL;VALUE=DURATION:PT1H X-Robots-Tag:noindex X-PUBLISHED-TTL:PT1H BEGIN:VTIMEZONE TZID:America/New_York BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20250309T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20251102T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20260308T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20261101T060000 END:STANDARD BEGIN:DAYLIGHT TZOFFSETFROM:-0500 TZOFFSETTO:-0400 TZNAME:EDT DTSTART:20270314T070000 END:DAYLIGHT BEGIN:STANDARD TZOFFSETFROM:-0400 TZOFFSETTO:-0500 TZNAME:EST DTSTART:20271107T060000 END:STANDARD END:VTIMEZONE BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261029T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261029T210000 DTSTAMP:20260918T172545Z CREATED:20260827T194151Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T172545Z UID:10001147-1793300400-1793307600@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Forest Issac Jones’ GOOD TROUBLE DESCRIPTION:Forest Issac Jones’ ‘Good Trouble’\nA Maine Irish Author Event\nThursday\, October 29th\, 7:00pm\nDoors open 6:30pm\nJoin us on Thursday\, October 29th for an evening of conversation with author Forest Issac Jones as he discusses his book\, ‘Good Trouble.’ \nJones will be joined in conversation by author Margo Shea\, a history professor at Salem State University. \nBooks will be available for sale and signing at the event! \nAbout the Author:\nForest Issac Jones is an award-winning author of non-fiction and essays\, specializing in the study of Irish History\, the US Civil Rights Movement and Northern Ireland. His latest essay\, ‘The Civil Rights Connection Between the USA and Northern Ireland’ was awarded honorable mention in the category of nonfiction essay by Writer’s Digest in their 93rd annual writing competition in 2024. \nOver the years\, Jones has won awards from Writer’s Digest in 2022 and 2023. His award winning essay about African Americans at D-Day was published in 2024 by WWII History Magazine. \nIn addition to writing\, Jones is a frequent speaker who has given talks about everything from African Americans at D-Day and The Troubles in Northern Ireland. \nHis first nonfiction book\, ‘Good Trouble: The Selma\, Alabama and Derry\, Northern Ireland Connection 1963-1972’ was released by Anthem Press on April 1\, 2025. \nHe has presented ‘Good Trouble’ at the MLK Library in Washington\, DC\, the Columbus Book Festival\, the Frederick Douglass Celebration Week in Boston at the Irish Embassy\, and the Fall for the Book festival at George Mason University. \nIn 2026\, he presented ‘Good Trouble’ at the Jack Hadley Black History Museum in Thomasville\, Georgia\, the Virginia Festival of the Book in Charlottesville\, Virginia\, and the Belfast Book Festival. ‘Good Trouble’ is being used at Macalester College\, Buffalo State University\, Saint Mary’s University\, and Sacred Heart University. \nForest is a member of the James River Writers\, American Conference for Irish Studies\, African American Irish Diaspora Network\, and the Historical Writers Association. \nDr. Jones holds a doctorate degree from Virginia Tech in education and a master’s degree from Hollins University in history (focusing on Northern Ireland history and South Africa history). He currently is an adjunct professor for James Madison University. He currently lives in Salem\, Virginia. \nAbout the Book:\n“Good Trouble” shows the strong connection between the Black Civil Rights Movement in the United States and the Catholic Civil Rights Movement in Northern Ireland – specifically the influence of the 1965 Selma to Montgomery march on the 1969 Belfast to Derry march through oral history\, based on numerous interviews of events leading up to both marches and afterwards. This is close to the author’s heart as both of his parents marched to integrate lunch counters and movie theatres in Salisbury\, North Carolina\, in 1963 as college students. His mother was at the 1963 March to Washington where Martin Luther King gave his ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. \nAward winning author Julieann Campbell (On Bloody Sunday) wrote the introduction for Good Trouble\, looking back at her times growing up in Derry\, in the heart of the Catholic Civil Rights Movement. Forest travelled to Dublin\, Belfast\, and Derry to conduct interviews for the book. In all\, he did fifteen interviews with people who were involved in the movement in Northern Ireland (including Billy McVeigh – featured in the BAFTA winning documentary\, Once Upon A Time In Northern Ireland) and in the United States (including Richard Smiley and Dr. Sheyann Webb-Christburg – both were at Bloody Sunday in Alabama and on the Selma to Montgomery march among others). Jones was also able to talk with civil rights leader Eamonn McCann. \n  \n  \nPraise for “Good Trouble”:\n“Jones has written a book that is worthy of its subject”- The Daily Express UK \n“His book reads like a historical thriller at times. A must read.” – The Sun UK \n“Good Trouble is very much\, a historical tale of the good\, the bad and the ugly\, and ultimately\, the good again.”- The Belfast Telegraph \n“This is a wide-ranging story about connections between the civil rights movement in Alabama and Northern Ireland”- The Irish Times \n“The new history may well be the definitive account of the connection between the civil rights and liberation movement mounted by Black Americans in the 1960s and its sister campaign in the North.” -The Derry Journal \n“Good Trouble is a fascinating read that connects America’s civil rights movement with Northern Ireland’s movement to end discrimination against Catholics in the 1960s.”- Kristen Green\, NY Times Best Selling Author of ‘Something Must Be Done About Prince Edward County’ \n“Jones creates an insightful and compelling examination of a terrible period in our shared histories.” – Brian McGilloway\, Sunday Times and NY Times Best Selling Author \n  \nAbout Margo Shea:\n Margo Shea is Professor of History at Salem State University\, in Salem\, Massachusetts\, where she teaches public history\, Irish history and world history\, oversees a graduate public history certificate program and supervises internships for History majors. She is the author of Derry City: Memory and Political Struggle in Northern Ireland and many articles and chapters in anthologies on heritage\, memory and collaborative practice. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/forest-isaac-jones-good-trouble/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Good-Trouble-banner-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261028T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261028T193000 DTSTAMP:20261021T185804Z CREATED:20261021T185804Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261021T185804Z UID:10001161-1793210400-1793215800@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Beginner / Intermediate Irish Session DESCRIPTION:Beginner / Intermediate Irish Session at the Maine Irish Heritage Center (MIHC)\nIrish Sessions are social music gatherings\, where musicians play for themselves more so than any audience that might be present. Join us to play Irish Traditional tunes with others and expand your list of tunes over time. We’ll meet in the MIHC Library from 6 – 7:30 pm every Wednesday. All instruments and experience levels are welcome. When you start a tune\, we’ll play at your tempo. There will be some time to socialize or confer before someone starts the next set of tunes. \nThese sessions are free to attend\, and a suggested donation of $5 per session will be gratefully accepted. All funds raised through donations will go straight back into MIHC programming! We ask that you RSVP before each session you expect to attend\, even if at the last minute. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/beginner-intermediate-irish-session-12/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Weekly-Trad-Session-banner-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261026T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261026T210000 DTSTAMP:20261007T202159Z CREATED:20261006T172725Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261007T202159Z UID:10001154-1793041200-1793048400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Casco Song & Ballad Circle DESCRIPTION:Casco Song & Ballad Circle at the Maine Irish Heritage Center\nThe Casco Song & Ballad Circle will meet at the Maine Irish Heritage Center Library on the 4th Monday of every month from 7-9 PM to share traditional songs. Some participants sing ballads: stark\, spellbinding story-songs handed down orally as homespun entertainment. But traditional songs of any kind\, from any tradition\, in any language\, are welcome! The first gathering will be on October 26th\, 2026. \nBring a couple of your favorite old songs\, ballads\, shanties\, seasonal songs\, pub songs\, or what have you—memorized or not—and share them with our friendly circle. Unaccompanied voices are the norm\, but you’re welcome to accompany your own song on an instrument if you choose. Or\, just come to listen and immerse yourself in the world of these tales and their tunes! If a song has a chorus to join in on\, we’ll learn it together by ear\, but solo songs are great\, too. This is a participatory event where everyone is welcome regardless of ability\, expertise\, or confidence. \nThese sessions are free to attend\, and a suggested donation of $5 per session will be gratefully accepted. All funds raised through donations will go straight back into MIHC programming! We ask that you RSVP before each session you expect to attend\, even if at the last minute. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/casco-song-ballad-circle/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Casco-Song-and-Ballad-Circle-Banner.png ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261025T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261025T160000 DTSTAMP:20261024T191334Z CREATED:20260903T161249Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261024T191334Z UID:10001149-1792936800-1792944000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Ishna's “Slí Amach": from There to Here DESCRIPTION:A joyous exploration of the music & stories of Ireland\nSunday\, October 25th\n2:00pm\nDoors open 1:30pm\nGeneral admission $25 advance\, $30 at the door\nAbout Ishna:\nIshna is a Boston-based contemporary Irish folk band\, exploring the traditional repertoire of Ireland within the context of a global setting. It is fronted by husband-wife duo Ciaran Nagle and Tara Novak\, and has been together as this lineup of 6 musicians for more than a decade. Over that time\, the group has evolved\, honing in specifically on the acoustic traditional music of Ireland\, while finding ways to allow each band member to bring their unique musical vocabulary to the overall sound. \nTheir show\, “From There to Here”\, features the music from their debut album\, “Slí Amach: Way Out”.  The album was recorded over a week in 2025\, in a barn in Peterborough NH. It was recorded\, mixed\, and mastered by Oscar-and-Grammy-winning Robert L. Smith at Defy Recordings\, and the artwork was designed by the legendary Steve Averill (creator of all the logos and artwork for U2). \nIshna is fronted by Irish Tenor Ciarán Nagle and fiddler/vocalist Tara Novak (both of Riverdance and the Three Irish Tenors). The husband-and-wife duo bring their humor and dynamic energy to the stage\, and are accompanied by their stellar band of traditional musicians: Dan Meyers: uilleann pipes/whistles; Bjorn Wennas – guitar; David McGrory – piano/accordion/banjo; Brian O’Neill – bodhrán/percussion. \nIshna’s performance is energetic and uplifting\, infusing new rhythms and harmonies into their traditional repertoire. \nFor Ishna\, music is about finding common connections. They invite the audience into the fold of their community and to experience the beloved music of Ireland in a new way. \n  \nFor more information\, go to: https://www.ishnamusic.com \nOr follow Ishna on all social media at: @ishnamusic \n \nCheck Ishna out on YouTube: \nIshna YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@ishnamusic URL:https://maineirish.com/event/ishnas-sli-amach/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Ishna-Banner-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261020T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261020T200000 DTSTAMP:20261002T195238Z CREATED:20261001T181142Z LAST-MODIFIED:20261002T195238Z UID:10001153-1792521000-1792526400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Spooky Storytelling at the Maine Irish Heritage Center DESCRIPTION:The Maine Irish Heritage Center is getting spooky this October! Join us as we take the Irish tradition of storytelling into the realm of the chilling and otherworldly in our dramatic\, historic cathedral space. \nWe invite you to join us this October 20th in the Great Hall! All are welcome to share during the open-mic portion of the evening. Bring your favorite spooky story\, poem\, or song! Enjoy a cocktail or sweet treat as you listen and enjoy an evening among friends—or friends-in-the-making. Stories need not be of Irish origin! Ages 12+ \nEvent Details:\n\nLocation: 34 Gray Street\, Portland ME\nTime: 6:30-8:00 PM\nHost: Cathy Furness\nStory Guidelines:\n\nStories\, songs\, or poems should be 10 minutes or less\nA timekeeper will help us keep things moving\nNo hate speech – creative freedom is welcome\, but kindness and inclusivity are essential\n\n\nAll are welcome\, but parents be advised:– Come to share or simply to listen! Stories may be too scary for children under 12.\n\nStorytelling is central to Irish culture—as it is to so many cultures around the world. This gathering of storytellers is part of MIHC’s mission to share this tradition across Maine. Let’s build community together\, one story at a time. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/spooky-storytelling-at-the-maine-irish-heritage-center/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States CATEGORIES:Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/Spooky-storytelling-Banner.png ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261015T200000 DTSTAMP:20260918T165526Z CREATED:20251126T184543Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260918T165526Z UID:10000771-1792089000-1792094400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:The Irish Famine Immigrant Experience on Staten Island DESCRIPTION:The Irish Famine Immigrant Experience on Staten Island:\nA Lecture with Loretto Leary\nThursday\, October 15th\n6:30pm\nDoors open at 6:00pm\nIn the wake of the Great Irish Famine\, thousands of men\, women\, and children crossed the Atlantic in search of survival and opportunity. For many\, the Port of New York represented the promise of a new beginning. Yet for countless others\, it marked the tragic end of their journey. \nAt the Staten Island Marine Hospital and Quarantine Station—now the site of the Staten Island Ferry Terminal—thousands of famine immigrants perished shortly after arrival. Their suffering and resilience are commemorated in two nearby burial grounds that remain vital to understanding this chapter of Irish and American history. \nJoin Loretto Leary on Thursday\, October 15th at the Maine Irish Heritage Center at 6:30 PM for an illuminating exploration of Staten Island’s profound connection to the Irish Famine immigrant story and the enduring legacy of those who never reached the lives they dreamed of. \nAbout the Speaker:\nLoretto Horrigan Leary\, originally from Portumna\, County Galway\, has made her home in Connecticut for over three decades. A seasoned educator\, she has taught Language Arts at the elementary and middle school levels in Darien\, New Canaan\, Norwalk\, and Stamford. \nAs a freelance journalist\, her writing has appeared in publications such as The Irish Echo\, Irish Central\, Irish Examiner USA\, and Australia’s Irish Scene. \nCurrently\, Loretto serves as the Co-Chair of the Connecticut–Ireland Trade Commission. \nLoretto is pursuing her PhD at Trinity College Dublin\, where her research focuses on Irish American Famine memory and the memorial landscapes of New York\, with particular attention to Staten Island’s role in this transatlantic story of loss\, survival\, and remembrance. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/the-irish-famine-immigrant-experience-on-staten-island/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/11/Irish-Famine-Lecture-banner-.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261013T140000 DTSTAMP:20260916T154454Z CREATED:20260916T154454Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260916T154454Z UID:10001151-1791882000-1791900000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Office Hours with Coco McCracken DESCRIPTION:We are so excited to have the incredible author Coco McCracken on the Maine Irish Team as our Writer in Residence! \nCoco’s next office hours will take place on Tuesday\, October 13th\, from 9am -2pm. Please feel welcome to reserve a 45 minute appointment below and Coco can chat about writing in any way that might be helpful to you!* \n  \nMeet Coco:\nMaine Irish Heritage Center’s 2026-2027 Writer in Residence\nCoco McCracken is a photographer\, public speaker\, and writer based in Portland\, Maine. She is on the board of directors at the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance and an Ashley Bryan Fellow. She is active in many communities from art to photography and non-profits. She’s especially dedicated to raising the voices of BIPOC Mainers and providing transparent access to resources that help creatives. \nCoco is the granddaughter of Kathleen Elizabeth Joan McNeilly\, who was born and raised in Bangor\, Northern Ireland. Her “Nanny\,” never knew her mother\, something that always confused Coco. What started out as a mystery became a detective hunt almost 10 years ago\, when Coco started to visit Ireland and piece together her broken family tree. \nJust after becoming a mother herself\, Coco went back to Ireland twice in order to sleuth around cemeteries\, churches\, and her grandmother’s old neighborhood. She sat in pubs and chatted with locals\, until finally she found her great-grandmother. \nToday\, she’s still working on her family tree\, while writing a book of essays on her process\, her complicated mixed-Chinese/Irish/Canadian identity\, and her bourgeoning passion with her matriarch’s homeland. \nNot only is Coco eager to discover more about her connection to Ireland\, she is passionate about connecting Mainers with the MIHC. Through cross-pollenating the communities she has access to\, with the folks at Maine Irish\, she believes a bountiful relationship could benefit both parties. \nCoco is also the creative director at paletmaine.com and hopes to document her time as a writer in residence with her camera when possible. \nPhoto credit: @Meredith Brockington \n  \n*Please note Coco is not able to edit anything at length but is happy to give feedback on short pitches and pieces. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/october-office-hours-with-coco-mccracken/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States CATEGORIES:Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/Coco-10.13.26-Office-Hours-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261008T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261008T210000 DTSTAMP:20260731T184236Z CREATED:20260731T183704Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T184236Z UID:10001133-1791487800-1791493200@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Maine Irish Reads "The Searcher" by Tana French DESCRIPTION:A New York Times Bestseller\nA New York Times and NPR Best Book of the Year \n“This hushed suspense tale about thwarted dreams of escape may be her best one yet…its own kind of masterpiece.” –Maureen Corrigan\, The Washington Post \nA “taut\, chiseled and propulsive” (Vogue) novel from the author of the forthcoming novel The Hunter and the bestselling mystery writer who “is in a class by herself.” (The New York Times) \nCal Hooper thought a fixer-upper in a bucolic Irish village would be the perfect escape. After twenty-five years in the Chicago police force and a bruising divorce\, he just wants to build a new life in a pretty spot with a good pub where nothing much happens. But when a local kid whose brother has gone missing arm-twists him into investigating\, Cal uncovers layers of darkness beneath his picturesque retreat\, and starts to realize that even small towns shelter dangerous secrets. \n“One of the greatest crime novelists writing today” (Vox) weaves a masterful\, atmospheric tale of suspense\, asking what we sacrifice in our search for truth and justice\, and what we risk if we don’t. \nSee more Maine Irish Reads Events Here URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-reads-the-searcher-by-tana-french/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States CATEGORIES:Maine Irish Reads ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maine-Irish-Reads-Oct-26-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T190000 DTSTAMP:20260724T202933Z CREATED:20260724T201843Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T202933Z UID:10001124-1790874000-1790881200@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Maine Irish Writes: October DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to present our second season of Maine Irish Writes\, an inclusive monthly writers’ group that will meet in the MIHC Library on the first Thursday of each month! \nLed by the incredible poet and author Robert Breen\, this welcoming writers group is open to all—whether you’re just starting out or deep into a manuscript. Bring your works in progress\, share your voice\, and receive supportive\, thoughtful feedback in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Together\, we’ll explore storytelling\, poetry\, memory\, and the written word in all its forms. Come to listen\, come to write\, come to connect. \nA few notes on the format of these Writers’ Group meetings: \nFor all interested writers \n\nDetermine your goal\, the primary target for your project— fiction\, poetry\, nonfiction\, memoir or autobiography.\nFor beginners this will be a discovery time\, your goal should be to have fun with this phase.\nTake time and have patience with yourself!\nWe ask that all members actively bring work to participate in each session\nThose that have work ready will be heard— with a 10-minute reading time and critique so to allow all to be heard.\nHave your written piece of literature with 3 copies allowing the group to follow and partake in the evaluation of the work.\n\nWriter’s Technique Method Used\nThe Layer Cake Method is a classic technique used to deliver constructive criticism without causing defensiveness. And keep the writer motivated while highlighting areas that need improvement. \n\n(Positive): Start with genuine praise. Highlight a specific strength\, like a strong voice\, sharp dialogue\, or an engaging hook.\n(Constructive): Insert the critique or area for improvement. Focus on actionable issues like pacing lags\, confusing plot points\, or passive verbs. Poetry example- the use of metaphors\, and forms.\n(Upbeat): End with encouragement and forward momentum. Reiterate your belief in the story or poem express excitement to read the next draft.\n\nCheck out the rest of the series dates HERE! URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-writes-october-26/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maine-Irish-Writes-oct-26.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260927T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260927T170000 DTSTAMP:20260924T171119Z CREATED:20260805T191759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T171119Z UID:10001143-1790521200-1790528400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:POSTPONED: Susan Donovan Bernhard: WESTERLY DESCRIPTION:A Maine Irish Author Event\nDue to pending inclement weather\, this event has been POSTPONED! We are working with Susan to determine a new date in Spring of 2027. Stay tuned!\n\nJoin us on Sunday\, September 27th for a lovely afternoon of conversation with bestselling author Susan Donovan Bernhard! \nSusan will discuss her novel WESTERLY in conversation with Louise Miller\, of A CITY BAKER’S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING and THE LATE BLOOMER’S CLUB. \nBooks will be available for purchase and signing at the event\, courtesy of Perkins Cove Bookshop. \n  \nAbout WESTERLY:\nIn an unforgettable saga of survival\, motherhood\, sisterhood\, and the secrets that haunt us\, one desperate decision creates a fault line that spans decades and threatens to break a family wide open. \nIn 1946\, two German sisters\, child refugees in a program dubbed Operation Shamrock\, arrive in West Cork\, Ireland to live in foster care while Europe recovers from war. Nearly fifty years later\, on a fateful day in a bustling Maine farmhouse\, an Irish newspaper clipping threatens to unravel Faye Sullivan’s carefully constructed life with husband William and daughters Maeve and Molly\, a life already on the brink of collapse. \nFrom Germany to Ireland to coastal Maine\, this tender family saga explores identity\, reconciliation\, and the true meaning of home. \nTo purchase in advance\, please visit Perkins Cove Bookshop in Ogunquit or head to https://www.susanbernhard.com/westerly \n\n\n\nAbout Susan Donovan Bernhard:\n \nSusan Donovan Bernhard is the bestselling author of the novels Westerly and Winter Loon\, which won the Boston Authors Club Julia Ward Howe Prize for Fiction. She is a Massachusetts Cultural Council fellowship recipient\, a GrubStreet Novel Incubator program graduate\, and a Tennessee Williams Scholar to the Sewanee Writers’ Conference. A dual citizen of the United States and Ireland\, Susan was born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana and graduated from the University of Maryland. When she’s not traveling\, she lives and writes in Massachusetts. Learn more at https://www.susandonovanbernhard.com/ \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nAbout Louise Miller: \nLouise Miller is the author of THE CITY BAKER’S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING and THE LATE BLOOMERS’ CLUB. In addition to being a novelist\, she is a professional pastry chef\, an art school dropout\, a certified field naturalist\, an old-time banjo player\, an obsessive moviegoer\, a meditation enthusiast and an amateur flower gardener. Louise lives in Boston\, MA\, where she lives with her partner and an assortment of cats. Learn more at http://www.louisemiller.net\n \n \n  URL:https://maineirish.com/event/susan-donovan-bernhard-westerly/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States CATEGORIES:book-talk,Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Susan-Donovan-Bernhard-WESTERLY-banner-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260913T140000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260913T170000 DTSTAMP:20260909T001001Z CREATED:20260827T145950Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T001001Z UID:10001146-1789308000-1789318800@maineirish.com SUMMARY:CANCELLED: Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Party DESCRIPTION:This event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.\nLive Music • Dancing • Sing-Along • Food • Cash Bar\nJoin us for an afternoon of great Irish fun! Grab your dancing shoes for the Ceili (don’t worry\, instruction included!)\, sing along to some folk favorites\, and enjoy a fabulous Irish step dance exhibition from Stillson School of Irish Dance! This family-friendly celebration brings music\, movement\, and community to the start of your fall. Plus\, enjoy light food and soft drinks included with admission\, and a cash bar for something a little stronger. \nProgram:\n1:30 PM: Doors Open\n2:00 – 2:30 PM: Live Irish Traditional Music\n2:30 – 4:00 PM: Ceili Dance with Morrigan Burns & The Portland Ceili Band\n4:00 – 4:30 PM: Irish Folk Song Sing Along\n4:30 PM: Stillson School of Irish Dance Performance \nGet Your Tickets Now!\nAdvance tickets help us plan the food and drinks and prices go up at the door\, so don’t wait!\n• Adults: $20 in advance / $25 at the door\n• Children under 18: Free!\n• Family (4 Adult Tickets): $50 in advance / $60 at the door URL:https://maineirish.com/event/halfway-to-st-patricks-day/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Halfway-to-St.-Patricks-Day-cancelled.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T090000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T140000 DTSTAMP:20260831T174827Z CREATED:20260831T174759Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T174827Z UID:10001148-1789030800-1789048800@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Office Hours with Coco McCracken DESCRIPTION:We are so excited to have the incredible author Coco McCracken on the Maine Irish Team as our Writer in Residence! \nCoco’s first office hours will take place in September on Thursday the 10th\, 9am -2pm. Please feel welcome to reserve a 30 minute appointment below and Coco can chat about writing in any way that might be helpful to you!* \n  \nMeet Coco:\nMaine Irish Heritage Center’s 2026-2027 Writer in Residence\nCoco McCracken is a photographer\, public speaker\, and writer based in Portland\, Maine. She is on the board of directors at the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance and an Ashley Bryan Fellow. She is active in many communities from art to photography and non-profits. She’s especially dedicated to raising the voices of BIPOC Mainers and providing transparent access to resources that help creatives. \nCoco is the granddaughter of Kathleen Elizabeth Joan McNeilly\, who was born and raised in Bangor\, Northern Ireland. Her “Nanny\,” never knew her mother\, something that always confused Coco. What started out as a mystery became a detective hunt almost 10 years ago\, when Coco started to visit Ireland and piece together her broken family tree. \nJust after becoming a mother herself\, Coco went back to Ireland twice in order to sleuth around cemeteries\, churches\, and her grandmother’s old neighborhood. She sat in pubs and chatted with locals\, until finally she found her great-grandmother. \nToday\, she’s still working on her family tree\, while writing a book of essays on her process\, her complicated mixed-Chinese/Irish/Canadian identity\, and her bourgeoning passion with her matriarch’s homeland. \nNot only is Coco eager to discover more about her connection to Ireland\, she is passionate about connecting Mainers with the MIHC. Through cross-pollenating the communities she has access to\, with the folks at Maine Irish\, she believes a bountiful relationship could benefit both parties. \nCoco is also the creative director at paletmaine.com and hopes to document her time as a writer in residence with her camera when possible. \nPhoto credit: @Meredith Brockington \n  \n*Please note Coco is not able to edit anything at length but is happy to give feedback on short pitches and pieces. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/office-hours-with-coco-mccracken-9-10/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States CATEGORIES:Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Coco-9.10.26-Office-Hours-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260827T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260827T193000 DTSTAMP:20260429T165451Z CREATED:20260428T214137Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260429T165451Z UID:10001110-1787855400-1787859000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Summer Storytelling Series: Mast Landing Brewing Company DESCRIPTION:The Maine Irish Heritage Center is bringing the cherished Irish tradition of storytelling back to Maine this summer!\n\nIn days gone by neighbors would gather at night in the local ceili house\, the home of a storyteller. They came for conversation\, and to hear stories of their community\, its history\, old tales handed down by the ancestors\, some music. These gatherings helped build community and preserve the culture and values of the Irish people.\n\nWe invite you to join us this summer at one of our storytelling events! Bring a story\, a poem\, a song\, or simply come to listen and enjoy an evening among friends—or friends-in-the-making.\n\nBut wait\, “Does my story/poem/song have to be Irish?” Absolutely not!  These events are celebrations of the oral tradition of every culture\, and we would love to hear anything you want to tell!\n\nEvent Details:\n\nLocation: Mast Landing\, Freeport\, Maine\nTime: 6:30pm-7:30pm\nHost: Cathy Furness\nStory Guidelines:\n\nStories\, songs\, or poems should be 10 minutes or less\nA timekeeper will help us keep things moving\nNo hate speech – creative freedom is welcome\, but kindness and inclusivity are essential\n\n\nAll are welcome – come to share or simply to listen\n\nStorytelling is central to Irish culture—as it is to so many cultures around the world. These outdoor events are part of MIHC’s mission to share this tradition across Maine while also supporting local businesses and gathering spaces. Let’s build community together\, one story at a time.\n\n\nAbout Mast Landing: \nFreeport was always built into the DNA of Mast Landing. The garage where co-founders Ian\, Neil\, and Mike homebrewed was here in Freeport\, and though we first laid roots in Westbrook\, the hope was always to return at some point. In 2021\, that dream came to fruition as we opened our 2nd taproom at Freeport Crossing. With an expansive bar and seating area\, a spacious patio\, private event space\, and a pilot brewing facility\, Mast Landing Freeport truly is a landmark in our brewery’s journey. Learn more here!\n\n\n\nClick HERE to see other scheduled Summer Storytelling events! URL:https://maineirish.com/event/summer-storytelling-series-mast-landing-brewing-company-2/ LOCATION:Mast Landing\, Freeport\, 200 LOWER MAIN STREET\, Freeport\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Summer-Storytelling-Series-MAST-LANDING-2026-banner.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260717T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260717T210000 DTSTAMP:20260625T165236Z CREATED:20260511T140854Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260625T165236Z UID:10001117-1784307600-1784322000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Irish Night at the Sea Dogs 2026 DESCRIPTION:Irish Night at the Sea Dogs 2026\nFriday\, July 17th | Game Time: 6:20 PM | Hadlock Field\nPurchase Deadline: Jul 10\, 2026 11:59 PM EDT \nJoin us for a festive evening celebrating Irish culture and community at Irish Night at the Portland Sea Dogs! Enjoy an exciting matchup between the Portland Sea Dogs and the Somerset Patriots\, with a full evening of entertainment and Irish spirit. Celebrate community\, heritage\, and hometown baseball at Irish Night with the Sea Dogs!\nTickets:\n\n\n$20 General Admission\n\n\n$18 for Maine Irish Heritage Center and Irish Network members\n\n\n\nEXCLUSIVE Limited Edition Merch:\nThis year\, we are so excited to offer limited edition hats. These stylish caps will only be available for pre-purchase with your tickets\, so make sure to secure them as soon as possible! \n \n\nEvent Highlights:\n\n\nBailey’s Mistake performing live outside the stadium from 5:00–6:00 PM\n\n\nA spirited Parade of Flags kicks off the game pre-show\n\n\nA special performance by Stillson School of Irish Dance\n\n\nFireworks Spectacular immediately following the game\n\n\n⚾ First pitch at 6:20 PM – don’t miss a great night of baseball\, music\, dancing\, and fireworks!\n  \nGet your tickets on FEVO: CLICK HERE\n\n______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________\n\nWant to volunteer to carry a flag in the pre-game Parade of Flags?\nSign up here: volunteersignup.org/3RAML\nPlease Note: You MUST purchase a ticket in order to participate in the Parade of Flags! \n\n______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________\n\nIMPORTANT\nSpecial pricing in Section 211 is available for members of the Irish Network which includes MIHC\, IAC\, GAA\, Stillson School of Irish Dance\, and the Portland Rugby Club. If you have questions or need to verify your membership\, please contact the organization that you are affiliated with. We’re looking forward to seeing you at the game!! \n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ \nAbout Bailey’s Mistake:\n\n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n \n\n\nCeltic American roots music from Maine’s Bold Coast \n\n\nBailey’s Mistake is a not-quite-traditional\, Celtic-inspired\, four-piece folk band from Maine. The group mixes traditional music from Ireland\, Scotland and Newfoundland with brand new songs about contemporary life in New England. Bailey’s Mistake’s pulsing sound is driven by bass\, drums and guitar and topped off with hearty vocal harmonies and thrilling bagpipe and whistle tunes.Bailey’s Mistake is made up of four seasoned musicians who all went to the same rural high school in Maine — aptly named Bonny Eagle. Collectively\, they have about 110 years of touring musical experience.Troy R. Bennett plays guitar\, sings soulful lead and writes most of the band’s original songs. Travis Cote learned to play the bagpipes at 10 and thrills audiences with his rhythmic\, majestic sound. Dean Clegg is the band’s inventive percussionist and oversees all technical aspects of every show. Rob Babson plays bass\, sings delicate harmonies and is the band’s musical leader.Bailey’s Mistake has played gigs all over New England. The band is also recording and releasing one new song\, every month\, throughout 2025.The band takes its name from a legend told for generations along the Maine coast. Back in the 19th century\, there was a certain ship captain named Bailey. He was trying to guide his vessel safely around West Quoddy Head Lighthouse and into Lubec Harbor. Unfortunately\, it was a foggy night and he missed. Instead of safe harbor\, Bailey ran aground in a shallow\, rocky inlet just south of the lighthouse.But rather than face the wrath of the ship’s furious owners in Boston\, Bailey and his crew unloaded the lumber they had on board\, built houses in the cove and settled down with several local ladies.To this day\, on most good maps\, that little harbor is simply labeled “Bailey’s Mistake.” \nLearn more here: https://www.baileysmistakemusic.com/ URL:https://maineirish.com/event/irish-night-at-the-sea-dogs-2026/ LOCATION:hadlock field CATEGORIES:Community ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/IRISH-NIGHT-at-the-sea-dogs-2026-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T210000 DTSTAMP:20260512T210345Z CREATED:20260512T205429Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260512T210345Z UID:10001119-1783020600-1783026000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:The Power of the Prompt by Lara O'Brien: A Maine Irish Author Event DESCRIPTION:Join us at 7:30pm on Thursday\, July 2nd for an exciting evening with Author Lara O’Brien! \nLara will discuss her new book\, “The Power of the Prompt.” Books will be available for sale at the event! \nInterested in joining Lara for an exclusive writing workshop? Click HERE! \nAbout Lara:\nLara O’Brien is the founder of Howth Writing Workshops and Retreats\, a community group she started at her kitchen table. From this small setting\, Howth Writing Workshops has grown to include writing retreats on Martha’s Vineyard\, New York\, Maine\, and the mountains of Cádiz\, Spain\, where she co-hosts writing and yoga retreats at Suryalila. \n​ \nPassionate about stories\, music\, and community\, in 2023 she combined that passion with “Hooks & Reels” — an evening of story and song where local musicians and writers showcase their work for the community. Hooks & Reels has grown to be a regular and popular fixture on the Howth Community Calendar\, inspiring the work of many upcoming artists\, writers\, and musicians. \nIn 2025\, Trinity College Dublin recruited her to create and present Storytelling for Cultural Communications and Innovation at their Business School. She facilitates youth summits on writing and leadership\, and songwriting workshops for youth groups\, and is an AsIAm Champion supporting the autism community. \n​ \nShe also championed the restoration of the historical Howth ÉIRE 6 sign\, officially launched by President Michael D. Higgins. She is the convener of the ÉIRE 6 Restoration Group and the Howth Community and Arts Group. \nLara divides family life between Howth\, Dublin\, \nand Vinalhaven\, Maine. When not writing\, she is found hiking trails\, listening to music\, or relaxing with her husband\, children\, and friends. \n  \nAbout the book:\n\nTHE POWER OF THE PROMPT\n\n\nGrowing a Writing Community —How a Little Scribble Goes a Long Way\n\n\nWhat happens when a few curious writers gather around a kitchen table in a small coastal village? \nThey begin to write — and something remarkable unfolds. \nThe Power of the Prompt is the story of how a simple writing practice grew into a thriving creative community. Blending memoir\, storytelling\, and practical guidance\, Lara O’Brien invites readers into the heart of her workshops — where words spark connection\, courage\, and friendship. \n​ \nIt’s a book for anyone who’s ever thought\, “I’d love to write\, but I don’t know where to start.” Part inspiration\, part how-to\, and part love letter to creative community\, The Power of the Prompt reminds us that every story begins the same way — with one brave line on the page. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/the-power-of-the-prompt-lara-obrien/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Lara-Obrien-book-event.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T170000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260702T190000 DTSTAMP:20260602T183915Z CREATED:20260512T204942Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260602T183915Z UID:10001118-1783011600-1783018800@maineirish.com SUMMARY:The Power of the Prompt: Writing Workshop with Lara O'Brien DESCRIPTION:Join us from 5-7pm on Thursday\, July 2nd for an exclusive writing workshop with Author Lara O’Brien! \nWorkshop slots are limited\, so don’t wait to secure your spot! \nInterested in hearing Lara talk about her new book\, “The Power of the Prompt”? Check out her Maine Irish Author Event HERE! \n  \nAbout the Workshop:\nEvery workshop and retreat begins the same way — with a simple prompt\, a pen\, and a circle of people ready to explore what stories are waiting to be told. \nThese gatherings are for anyone who wants to write\, whether you’re starting a memoir\, finding your creative spark again\, or simply curious about the stories you carry. Together\, we write to prompts\, listen to one another\, and share encouragement in a kind and supportive space. \nOur writing workshops and retreats take place in atmospheric venues that inspire creativity — from cozy kitchens by the sea and yoga centers under the Spanish sun\, to quiet studios on islands off the coast of Maine or Martha’s Vineyard. Each location has its own magic\, but the spirit is always the same: community\, creativity\, and the power of the prompt. \n  \nAbout Lara:\nLara O’Brien is the founder of Howth Writing Workshops and Retreats\, a community group she started at her kitchen table. From this small setting\, Howth Writing Workshops has grown to include writing retreats on Martha’s Vineyard\, New York\, Maine\, and the mountains of Cádiz\, Spain\, where she co-hosts writing and yoga retreats at Suryalila. \n​ \nPassionate about stories\, music\, and community\, in 2023 she combined that passion with “Hooks & Reels” — an evening of story and song where local musicians and writers showcase their work for the community. Hooks & Reels has grown to be a regular and popular fixture on the Howth Community Calendar\, inspiring the work of many upcoming artists\, writers\, and musicians. \nIn 2025\, Trinity College Dublin recruited her to create and present Storytelling for Cultural Communications and Innovation at their Business School. She facilitates youth summits on writing and leadership\, and songwriting workshops for youth groups\, and is an AsIAm Champion supporting the autism community. \n​ \nShe also championed the restoration of the historical Howth ÉIRE 6 sign\, officially launched by President Michael D. Higgins. She is the convener of the ÉIRE 6 Restoration Group and the Howth Community and Arts Group. \nLara divides family life between Howth\, Dublin\, \nand Vinalhaven\, Maine. When not writing\, she is found hiking trails\, listening to music\, or relaxing with her husband\, children\, and friends. \n  \nAbout the book:\n\nTHE POWER OF THE PROMPT\n\n\nGrowing a Writing Community —How a Little Scribble Goes a Long Way\n\n\nWhat happens when a few curious writers gather around a kitchen table in a small coastal village? \nThey begin to write — and something remarkable unfolds. \nThe Power of the Prompt is the story of how a simple writing practice grew into a thriving creative community. Blending memoir\, storytelling\, and practical guidance\, Lara O’Brien invites readers into the heart of her workshops — where words spark connection\, courage\, and friendship. \n​ \nIt’s a book for anyone who’s ever thought\, “I’d love to write\, but I don’t know where to start.” Part inspiration\, part how-to\, and part love letter to creative community\, The Power of the Prompt reminds us that every story begins the same way — with one brave line on the page. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/the-power-of-the-prompt-writing-workshop-with-lara-obrien/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/Lara-Obrien-workshop.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T183000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T203000 DTSTAMP:20260616T174128Z CREATED:20260402T185657Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260616T174128Z UID:10000836-1782412200-1782419400@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Irene M. Drago's Irish Timber DESCRIPTION:Irene M. Drago’s Irish Timber\nA Maine Irish Author Event\nThursday\, June 25th\n6:30pm\nDoors open at 6:00pm\nJoin us for an incredible evening of literature and history with Maine Author Irene Murtagh Drago as she discusses her latest novel Irish Timber. \nBooks will be available for sale and signing at the event from Print: A Bookstore! \nAbout the Book:\nInspired by true events\, Irish Timber is a standalone novel and a follow-up to Lavinia Wren and the Sailmakers. In the summer of 1931\, Susie Rowley travels to Ireland with her cousin\, a friend\, and the undoubtable Eliza Willey Walker. Eliza convinces the band of Yankee scholars to investigate the wreck of her grandfather’s ship\, the Alfred D. Snow. When Susie falls for Hugh Larkin\, a medical student from County Wexford\, their quest takes a detour. Later\, she returns to Dublin and takes a job at the national library working for Dr. Richard Hayes. The librarian is soon drafted by Irish Military Intelligence\, and Susie\, a gifted linguist\, is asked to join him to catch a German spy. As war engulfs their world\, Yankee and Irish families alike demonstrate the power of love and the enduring value of Irish timber. \n\n\n\nAbout the Author:\nIrene M. Drago is the award-winning author of three historical novels\, Daughters of Long Reach\, The Maine Point\, and Lavinia Wren and the Sailmakers. She also speaks three languages. During the Cold War\, she honed her Russian skills by working for the D.O.D. Later\, she taught Spanish at the high school and college level. Irene Murtagh Drago learned how to tell sea stories from her father\, a chief petty officer who served on U.S. Navy ships from 1940 to 1980. Her paternal grandparents were born in Ireland and her maternal grandparents were the children of Irish immigrants. Their voices bring a lilt to Irish Timber. \nLearn more at irenemdrago.com URL:https://maineirish.com/event/irene-m-drago-irish-timber/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States CATEGORIES:book-talk ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Irene-M.-Dragos-Irish-Timber-banner-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T150000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260620T170000 DTSTAMP:20260618T201938Z CREATED:20260428T193853Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260618T201938Z UID:10001109-1781967600-1781974800@maineirish.com SUMMARY:POSTPONED: Plight of the Bumble Bee: Film Screening with Live Soundtrack DESCRIPTION:*****EVENT POSTPONED*****\nPlight of the Bumble Bee: Film Screening with Live Soundtrack          \nSaturday\, June 20th\n3:00pm\ndoors open at 2:30pm\nJoin us on Saturday\, June 20th at 3:00pm for a truly one-of-a-kind experience! We will be screening Brenda Castle’s outstanding short film\, “Plight of the Bumblebee\,” complete with a LIVE musical soundtrack performed by three phenomenal musicians\, including Brenda herself! \nGeneral admission tickets are available for $25\, and you can snag priority seating for $40. Don’t wait! General Admission goes up to $35 at the door\, and priority seating is only available in advance! \n  \nDo you think you know about bees?\nPlight of the Bumble Bee is a captivating short film that takes you deep into the world of bees and their profound connection to Irish religion\, folklore\, and biodiversity. This thought-provoking documentary explores the vital role bees play in our ecosystems\, the challenges they face\, and how we can help ensure their survival. \nWith moments of sadness\, humour and ultimately hope\, the film beautifully weaves a narrative that highlights the urgent need to protect biodiversity\, both in Ireland and across the globe. It debunks common myths about bees and biodiversity\, offering fresh insights and inspiring viewers to take action. \nThe documentary features heartfelt interviews\, including with the likes of Kilkenny native\, 81-year-old Peter Walsh\, who has been counting bees in the same spot in Kilkenny since 1959\, environmental psychologist Christine Mullan-Jensen\, and Skerries locals Charlie and Marion Heasman\, who have created a remarkable 5km-long biodiversity corridor. The stories of the Irish saints associated with our bees are colourfully animated by Ruth Clinton and Clare Henderson. \nAccompanied by a unique live soundtrack of traditional Irish music composed by Brenda Castles and performed by Brenda on concertina\, guitarist Tony Byrne\, and violinist Erin Hennessey\, Plight of the Bumble Bee is a celebration of nature\, community\, and resilience. \nPrepare to be inspired. Prepare to act. This is a story not just about bees\, it’s about us all. \nAbout Brenda Castles:\n \nBrenda Castles hails from Co. Meath and honed her concertina skills under the tutelage of Rena Traynor and Mícheál Ó’Raghallaigh. She released two solo albums of concertina music in 2016 and 2021. \nBrenda is a seasoned performer and often graced stages alongside Mick Moloney’s Green Fields of America. Beyond her musical endeavours\, Brenda has delved into the realm of film\, creating and producing the evocative short film ‘Plight of the Bumble Bee\,’ complete with a traditionally inspired soundtrack of her own composition\, for which she received the Brian O’Donovan Award in January 2025. The film was shortlisted for the 2025 Powerscourt Nature Media award. \nNotable recent Irish performances include a headline solo concert at Temple Bar TradFest\, Dublin\, an appearance on Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ’s Late Late Show\, Earth Rising Festival in the Irish Museum of Modern Art\, and the ITMA’s Drawing From the Well concert in Dublin’s National Concert Hall. \nAbout the Other Musicians!\nEimear Arkins\nEimear Arkins is an award winning musician and singer from County Clare. She has toured throughout the US\, Ireland and beyond with acclaimed bands like Cherish The Ladies\, Téada\, and Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas. She is regularly seen performing with harp player and St Louis native\, Eileen Gannon and guitar/bouzouki player and singer David McKindley-Ward. Eimear has also toured extensively with the international music organization Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann on concert tours throughout Ireland\, Britain\, North America and Canada and with the internationally renowned show Brú Ború. Eimear is a qualified Irish music and dance instructor and has performed and given workshops at festivals all over the world including Féile Séamus Creagh\, Newfoundland; Catskills Irish Arts Week; Viljandi Pärimusmuusika Festival\, Estonia; St Louis Tionól; Canadian Celtic Celebration\, and Festival Interceltique de Lorient\, France. In June 2018 she released her debut album\, What’s Next? and was awarded “Best Newcomer” from LiveIreland in 2019. Eimear released her second album\, Here & There\, in 2024 featuring collaborations with David McKindley Ward\, Eileen Gannon\, Alan Murray and Kevin Buckley. She was named one of The Irish Echo’s top 40 under 40 honorees in 2025 and was awarded ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ from Ireland Tonight. Eimear and Eileen Gannon recently released their duet album The Belles of St. Louis. \nLearn more: www.eimeararkins.com or www.facebook.com/eimeararkinsmusic \nEamon O’Leary\nEamon O’Leary\, from Dublin\, is a long time resident of New York City. A singer and string player\, with deep roots in the world of Irish trad\, he is one half of The Murphy Beds with Jefferson Hamer. Their debut album was described by The Hufffington Post as one that “bears repeated listening from start to finish\, with ten beautiful\, crystalline songs.” He is also a member of The Alt with Nuala Kennedy and John Doyle. His songwriting can be heard\, most recently\, on The Silver Sun from Reveal Records. \nLearn more here: https://www.westcorkmusic.ie/artists/2025/eamon-oleary/ \n\n\nCheck out the trailer for the film here:\n  URL:https://maineirish.com/event/plight-of-the-bumble-bee-film-screening-with-live-soundtrack/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Plight-of-the-bumblebee-banner-postponed.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260613T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260613T203000 DTSTAMP:20260608T174104Z CREATED:20260529T171925Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260608T174104Z UID:10001121-1781377200-1781382600@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Ulysses for Beginners 2.0 DESCRIPTION:BLOOMSDAY PORTLAND 2026\nMIHC and AIRE THEATER\nCELEBRATE JAMES JOYCE’S ULYSSES \nSATURDAY\, JUNE 13\, 7:00pm \nBloomsday returns! In a Portland tradition that dates back to 2004\, the MIHC and AIRE Theater proudly presents Ulysses for Beginners (Version 2.0) This entertaining performance piece\, written by AIRE Artistic Director Tony\, uses lots of humor to explain the story line of James Joyce’s masterpiece Ulysses. Compressing the entire 818 pages of the novel into one packed hour. Come celebrate with the rest of the world that Dublin day\, June 1904 that the book Ulysses takes place. \nThis is a guide through the intricacies of what some consider the greatest novel ever written — with a touch a wit and a bit of irreverence. “This piece is designed for those that have never read the book and have absolutely no intention of doing so.” Saturday\, June 13\, at 7 p.m. At the Maine Irish Heritage Center at 34 Gray Street\, Portland\, ME This event is free with a suggested donation of $10! \nWe’ll also have a cash bar with exciting Joyce-themed menu options! URL:https://maineirish.com/event/ulysses-for-beginners-2-0/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/ulysses-for-beginners-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260609T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260609T213000 DTSTAMP:20260609T184226Z CREATED:20251222T193345Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260609T184226Z UID:10000818-1781031600-1781040600@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Onóir: Live in Concert DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, June 9\n7:30 PM\nDoors open at 7:00pm\nMeet & Greet from 6:30-7:00pm!\nMeet and Greet doors open at 6:00pm \nExperience the electrifying sound of Onóir live in concert at the Maine Irish Heritage Center. Hailing from Ireland’s West Coast\, Onóir brings a fresh\, contemporary edge to traditional Irish music\, blending rich vocal harmonies with modern arrangements and deep roots in the Irish tradition. \nKnown for their dynamic performances and innovative sound\, Onóir creates music that is both grounded in heritage and unmistakably of the moment. This concert offers an intimate opportunity to hear one of Ireland’s most exciting young groups in a historic setting that celebrates Irish culture\, past and present. \nWhether you’re a longtime lover of Irish music or new to the tradition\, this promises to be an exceptionally memorable evening of live performance. \nGeneral admission tickets are $40 in advance\, and Meet and Greet tickets are $55 in advance. Don’t wait to get your tickets\, prices will go up at the door! \nAbout the Band:\nContemporary Irish folk group Onóir formed in 2020\, when Donegal musicians; Tom McHugh\, Declan Gaughan\, Deane Connaghan\, and Diarmaid McGee\, joined forces to create a contemporary version of the famous Irish folk ballad; “The Auld Triangle”\, the video went on to be seen by over 3 million people worldwide. These talented musicians with distinctive vocal styles are setting new standards with incredible musical arrangements and harmonies that mark them out as unique.  \nOnóir are selling out venues in record time as their impassioned audiences are taken on a musical odyssey. From their new take on traditional Irish ballads all the way through to up-tempo modern Irish classics. From tears to laughter\, enjoy the onstage chemistry\, excitement\, and banter in a show not to be missed.   \nLearn more about the artists at: https://onoirmusic.com/home URL:https://maineirish.com/event/onoir-live-in-concert/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Onoir-Banner-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260524T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260524T213000 DTSTAMP:20251202T181912Z CREATED:20250827T171808Z LAST-MODIFIED:20251202T181912Z UID:10000762-1779651000-1779658200@maineirish.com SUMMARY:It's An Irish Thing - Neil Byrne in Concert DESCRIPTION:Sunday\, May 24th\n7:30pm\nDoors open at 7:00pm\nCelebrated and award winning Artist Neil Byrne brings Soulful Storytelling and Ancient Tradition to The Maine Irish heritage Center on Sunday\, May 24th\, bringing the haunting beauty of Celtic tradition and the intimacy of modern folk songwriting to audiences from Chicago to Portland Maine. PLUS\, we’re offering the opportunity to meet the artist before the show: from 6:30pm-7:00pm\, before the house opens\, we’ll have a Meet & Greet with Neil! M&G Ticket holders only\, don’t miss out on great conversation\, good craic\, and the chance to ask all your burning questions! \nGeneral Admission tickets are $45 and you can snag an exclusive Meet & Greet ticket (complete with priority seating) for just $70! Don’t wait to buy your tickets\, prices will increase at the door! \nWith a voice described as “both timeless and contemporary” and performances that weave together myth\, memory\, and melody\, Neil has captivated audiences across America\, Canada\, Australia\, Ireland and beyond  drawing on the deep well of Celtic heritage\, while blending in personal storytelling\, creating a sound that is rooted in tradition and alive with fresh emotion. \nThe East Coast tour will include stops at iconic venues offering listeners a rare opportunity to experience the raw power and delicate grace of Neil Byrne’s music in an intimate live setting. \nNeil’s music is known for its lyrical depth and evocative soundscapes\, earning recognition from awards for short films to documentaries. \n“Touring the East Coast is always an exciting opportunity\,” says Neil. “The connection between Celtic folk music and the American folk tradition runs deep. It always excites me to share stories and songs with audiences who feel that same spirit of home and journey.” \nLearn more about Neil at https://www.neilbyrnemusic.com/ \n  URL:https://maineirish.com/event/its-an-irish-thing-neil-byrne-in-concert/ LOCATION:ME ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Neil-Byrne-Banner-MAY.jpg END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T100000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260516T160000 DTSTAMP:20260402T195542Z CREATED:20260402T195542Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T195542Z UID:10000838-1778925600-1778947200@maineirish.com SUMMARY:MIHC Day of Caring 2026 DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 16th\n10:00am-4:00pm\nWe are looking for:\nPainters | Carpenters | Cleaners | Gardeners\n  \nThe Center – originally St. Dominic’s Church – was constructed in the late 1800s\, and has long served as one of Portland and Maine’s preeminent cultural centers\, meeting spaces\, research institutions\, libraries\, concert halls\, wedding venues\, and more. \nWe are hosting this Day of Caring to ensure our beloved space receives the attention it needs and deserves. With many important concerts\, fundraisers\, and cultural festivals on the horizon\, this is the perfect chance to donate your skills\, tools\, and passion for just a few hours. \nIf you or your organization are interested in volunteering for this event\, please contact us at volunteer@maineirish.com. We want to ensure your skills and expertise are put to the best use possible! \nDay of Caring Project Options:\nInterior Cleaning: \nSweeping\, mopping\, vacuuming\, and dusting \nExterior Cleaning: \nPicking up trash\, removing debris\, etc \nGardening: \nWeeding\, pruning\, and otherwise tending to flowerbeds \nPainting: \nRepainting doors\, pillars\, walls\, and trim \nCarpentry: \nFixing doors & cabinets\, repurposing old scrap wood \nSpecial Projects: \nWe have a number of larger carpentry & electrical projects for larger\, experienced teams. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/mihc-day-of-caring-2026/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Day-of-Caring-Graphic-2026-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260509T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260509T173000 DTSTAMP:20260421T193825Z CREATED:20260421T191524Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260421T193825Z UID:10000842-1778342400-1778347800@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Myths\, Fables\, and Fairies DESCRIPTION:Join us on Saturday\, May 9th from 4:00pm for Myths\, Fables\, and Fairies\, a workshop with Ann V. Quinlan!\nThis will be a 90 minute workshop\, with a Q&A following. Light refreshments will be available\, and doors open at 3:30pm.\nLike a pot of strong Irish tea\, Irish native Ann V. Quinlan is steeped in an unending discovery of Ireland’s ancient past. In “Myths\, Fables\, and Fairies”\, Ann draws on childhood memories of open fields\, woodland fairies\, and the joy of living close to the earth. She remains connected to ongoing discoveries by Irish archaeologists and storytellers. The workshop will connect the vivid\, mythic past of Ireland with the achingly beautiful landscape of today. \nGeneral Admission entry is $25\, or snag priority seating for $40. Act fast – general admission goes up to $35 at the door\, and priority seating is only available in advance! \n  \nAbout Ann:\n \nAs a native Irish-born and raised storyteller\, educator\, and creative leader\, Ann V. Quinlan’s work bridges Ireland’s rich mythic traditions with contemporary life. Drawing on a childhood immersed in Ireland’s landscapes and folklore\, she brings a deep\, personal connection to the themes explored in her workshop\, “Myths\, Fables\, and Fairies.” Professionally\, Ann is an accomplished entrepreneurial strategist\, and she has also served in leadership roles across nonprofit\, arts\, and civic organizations\, including here at the Maine Irish Heritage Center. Through her storytelling and teaching\, Ann invites participants to rediscover Ireland’s ancient past and its enduring resonance in the present day. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/myths-fables-and-fairies/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Myths-Fables-and-Fairies-BANNER.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T110000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260502T123000 DTSTAMP:20260416T141622Z CREATED:20260416T141422Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260416T141622Z UID:10001108-1777719600-1777725000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Jane's Walk - Arts and Culture: Essential Anchors for Portland’s Community DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, May 2nd\n11:00am\nA walking conversation co-presented by Maine Irish Heritage Center\, Mayo Street Arts\, and Maine Public as part of the Jane’s Walk ME festival.\nDoors open at 10:30 AM at Mayo Street Arts with free coffee compliments of Tandem Coffee Roasters!\nArts and culture organizations are vital to Maine’s economy and what makes it a special place to live. Maine policy makers at all levels support this because it makes each of us\, both individuals and communities\, stronger. Nowhere is this more evident than in the City of Portland\, where the most recent City of Portland’s Local Economy Report states that “a vibrant arts and culture community is essential to the City’s economic well-being.” Yet a recent and novel interpretation by the City of Portland’s Tax Assessor has put many of these vital community anchors at risk. \nJoin us for a walk through the City’s neighborhoods to understand the important contributions – and significant structures – that make Portland a special and vibrant community. We’ll start at Mayo Street Arts\, formerly St. Ansgar Danish Lutheran Church (circa 1890) and now a vibrant space for music\, art\, and theater\, located in the most ethnically diverse\, densely populated square mile in the state of Maine. Next\, we’ll visit the former Portland Public Market building\, where we’ll hear Maine Public Broadcasting’s vision to build studios\, production facilities and a community event space while providing an economic revitalization engine; a plan that is now in serious jeopardy. Finally\, we’ll stroll down State Street\, pointing out arts and culture gems along the way\, ending with a tour of the Maine Irish Heritage Center\, a landmark in Portland’s iconic West End Historic District. The MIHC serves as a vibrant community center that provides a wide array of cultural resources and programming that is a draw for both the local community and visitors alike. The transformation of the stunning Neo-Gothic St. Dominic’s Church is a stabilizing force for the neighborhood\, preserving its historic character while celebrating and sharing the contributions of the Irish in Maine. It is a destination that tells a compelling story about the history of both Portland and Maine. \n\n\n\nAccessibility:\nThe approximately 1.5 mile walk travels Cumberland Avenue\, High Street to Congress\, and then south on State Street. This is mostly on paved or historic brick sidewalks. \n\n\n\nStarting Location:\nNear the corner of Mayo Street and Cumberland Avenue \n\n\nMayo Street Arts\, 10 Mayo Street\nPortland\, Maine 04101\n\n\n\nEnding Location:\nThe walk ends with a tour and place to have a conversation in the former St. Dominic’s soaring sanctuary. Located at the corner of State and Gray Streets \n\n\nMaine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray Street\nPortland\, Maine 04102\n\n\n\n\nLearn More Here: Jane’s Walk ME URL:https://maineirish.com/event/janes-walk-arts-and-culture-essential-anchors-for-portlands-community/ LOCATION:Mayo Street Arts\, 10 Mayo Street\, Portland\, ME\, 04101 ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Janes-Walk-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T220000 DTSTAMP:20260120T205133Z CREATED:20260120T205133Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260120T205133Z UID:10000827-1777059000-1777068000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Celtic Woman: A New Era at the State Theatre DESCRIPTION:Fri\, April 24\, 2026\nState Theatre\nDoors: 6:30pm – Show: 7:30pm – all ages\n$75-$45 reserved seating\nMeet & Greet Package – $100 upgrade\n• Private backstage photo opportunity with Celtic Woman pre-show\n• Brief chat with the cast\n• Early entry \nTickets available through the State Theatre HERE!\n\nGRAMMY ® nominated global music sensation Celtic Woman returns to North America and Canada in Spring 2026 with their all-new show A New Era. \nCelebrating their rich musical and cultural heritage with a fresh and contemporary spirit\, A New Era marks the beginning of a new chapter for the world-renowned ensemble. \nThis tour marks a new\, exciting chapter in the group’s celebrated 21-year journey\, blending the ensemble’s signature sound with fresh arrangements and dynamic stage production. \nA New Era showcases the timeless traditions of Irish music and culture while reflecting on Celtic Woman’s continued evolution. Audiences can expect a captivating performance featuring new orchestrations\, exquisite harmonies and world-class musicianship brought to life by sopranos Mairéad Carlin\, Muirgen O’Mahony\, Sean-Nós singer Caitríona Sherlock\, and fiddle player Ciara Ní Mhurchú\, together with the Celtic Woman band and dancers. \nSince their debut in 2004\, Celtic Woman has captivated millions of fans worldwide with their powerful performances and storytelling. The group has achieved over 3 billion streams\, 12.5 million global equivalent album sales\, and performed to millions of fans across 23 countries. With A New Era\, the group invites audiences to experience the next chapter in their extraordinary story\, one that honours the past while embracing the future. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/celtic-woman-at-the-state-theatre/ LOCATION:State Theatre\, 609 Congress St.\, Portland\, ME\, 04101\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/png:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/01/celtic-women-poster.png ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T173000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260424T180000 DTSTAMP:20260414T223028Z CREATED:20260414T222501Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260414T223028Z UID:10000841-1777051800-1777053600@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Easter Rising Commemoration DESCRIPTION:Friday\, April 24th\n5:30pm\nOn the Steps of the Center\n\nPlease don your Easter Lily and join us for a reading of the Irish Proclamation on the steps of the Irish Heritage Center before we ring the bell in honor of those brave Irish men and women who\, against all odds and despite defeat\, shook the British Empire to the core as we commemorate the 110th anniversary of the Easter Rising.\n\n\n110 years ago\, a group of 1200-1600 members of Irish Volunteers\, Irish Citizen Army\, and Cumann na mBan marched into Dublin city center to face a British force of approximately 16000. The event that took place from April 24th until April 29th 1916 would become forever known as the Easter Rising. The heavy-handed British response to the Rising turned a largely unpopular rebellion into the catalyst for Irish Independence.\n\n\nThe rising began shortly after Padraig Pearse read the Irish Proclamation aloud on the steps of the General Post Office in Dublin at 12:45 PM on April 24th.\n\n\nThe Proclamation had seven signatories: Thomas Clarke\, Seán Mac Diarmada\, Thomas MacDonagh\, Padraig Pearse\, Éamonn Ceannt\, James Connolly\, and Joseph Plunkett\, all of whom were executed by firing squad in the days immediately following the Rising. URL:https://maineirish.com/event/easter-rising-commemoration/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Easter-Rising-Commemoration.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T160000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260421T190000 DTSTAMP:20260401T195511Z CREATED:20260401T195511Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T195511Z UID:10000835-1776787200-1776798000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:National Library Week: Extended Hours! DESCRIPTION:Tuesday\, April 21st\n4pm-7pm\nApril 19th-25th is National Library Week! In honor of that\, we are keeping our Library open late on Tuesday\, April 21st. If you’re not able to visit the library during our regular operating hours\, this is your chance to check out the library and if you are a member you can check out a book. Join us for light snacks and tea! \nWhile here\, you can: \n\nTry out our Irish trivia game or one of our Irish themed puzzles\nWe’ll also put out a few crossword puzzles to challenge you\nCheck out our extensive collection of LP’s and CD’s (and maybe take a listen!)\nSee what we have on local history and genealogy\nChallenge yourself with some Irish Language books\nLearn more about the MIHC\, and the programs we offer\nJust enjoy our lovely space and connect with other members.  URL:https://maineirish.com/event/national-library-week-extended-hours/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/National-Library-Week.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260418T180000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260418T210000 DTSTAMP:20260324T224810Z CREATED:20260312T155632Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260324T224810Z UID:10000833-1776535200-1776546000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:A Fragile Peace: Documentary Screening and Talkback DESCRIPTION:Saturday\, April 18th\n6:00pm\nDoors open at 5:30pm\nA FRAGILE PEACE\nBREXIT AND NORTHERN IRELAND\nTHE INTERNATIONALLY AWARD WINNING FILM\nWill Brexit destroy the peace and bring back violence to war torn Northern Ireland? \nJoin us on Saturday\, April 18th\, for a screening of this incredible documentary\, immediately followed by a talkback with Director Rory Duffy! General admission tickets are just $20\, or snag priority seating for just $30! Don’t wait to buy your tickets – prices go up at the door\, and priority seating is only available in advance! \n**please note\, the date has changed from the original post\, and will now be SATURDAY\, April 18th!** \nSYNOPSIS \nA Fragile Peace: Brexit and Northern Ireland is a film about the intersection of history and the present\, about a peace agreement that many assumed was solid but now faces new and unexpected challenges due to Brexit. \nThe Good Friday Agreement\, signed in 1998\, created a delicate balance of identities\, political parties\, and loyalties within Northern Ireland. However\, Brexit has reopened a wound that many thought was healed\, casting uncertainty on the future of this hard-won peace. \n  \nDIRECTED BY RORY DUFFY\nRory Duffy is an award winning documentary filmmaker\, and adjunct professor of United States history at City College of New York. As an actor\, Rory has had recurring roles on Blue Bloods\, Law and Order SVU\, and The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. His masters thesis on the John F. Kennedy Administration won the Judith Stein Prize in Political Economy. \nOn stage and screen\, he has worked with director Hal Hartley\, Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons\, and Amy Sherman-Palladino. \nHis production company Maci Duffy Productions\, which he co-runs with his wife Hyun Joo Lee\, produces films with a concentration on history\, politics\, and art. \n  \n\nTHE SUBJECTS:\nDAMIAN MCGENITY \nPolitical Activist and Farmer \nDamian McGenity is a political activist and farmer who faces financial ruin due to Brexit. A supporter of peace in Northern Ireland\, Damian joined Border Communities Against Brexit to maintain the peace and save his family farm. \n  \nMARTINA ANDERSON \nPolitician and former combatant \nMartina Anderson is an Irish politician from Northern Ireland. She became involved in the Irish Republican movement in the late 1970s and is a former IRA volunteer. \nIn June 1986\, she was convicted of conspiring to cause explosions and sentenced to life in prison. Today\, she is working towards uniting Ireland through politics. \n  \nARON HUGHES \nPolitical Activist \nAron Hughes was too young to vote in the Brexit referendum and has taken to the streets to advocate for a second Brexit vote. He now runs an organization that brings the youth of Belfast together in a safe welcoming space. \n  \nCREW CREDITS\nHYUN JOO DUFFY\nProducer \n \nRONAN KILLEEN\nCameraman \n \n  \nPRESS\n“Responsible history as it occurs\, frankly portrayed.”\n— Hal Hartley\, director Henry Fool\, Ned Rifle \n“The acclaimed documentary keeps picking up prestigious new awards.”\n— Cahir O’Doherty \n“A Fragile Peace reminds us that we should always be careful whenever we believe history has reached an endpoint.”\n— Patricia Harty\, Editor in Chief\, Irish America \n  \nAWARDS\nBest Picture\nLondon Movie Awards \nBest Documentary Feature – Winner\nNew York Monthly Film Festival\nNew York Movie Awards\nCrown Points International Film Festival\nQueens (Unisphere) Film Festival\nCork Indie Film Award\nMassachusetts International Film Festival \nBest Film Essay\nArea 51 Film Festival \nBest International Documentary Feature Film\nAustin International Art Film Festival \nBest Feature Documentary – Nominee\nCopenhagen Doc Only\nBig Apple Film Festival\nLiverpool Indie Awards \nFinalist\nOut of the Can International Film Festival\nDarkland Film Festival\nHawaii International Film Awards\nPrazske Filmove Ceny\nIndiemania \n  \nGET IN TOUCH\nEmail\nAFRAGILEPEACEFILM@GMAIL.COM \nInstagram\n@AFRAGILEPEACEMOVIE URL:https://maineirish.com/event/a-fragile-peace-documentary-screening-and-talkback/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/fragile-peace-banner-CORRECT-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T190000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260411T210000 DTSTAMP:20260402T140643Z CREATED:20260313T204726Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T140643Z UID:10000834-1775934000-1775941200@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Maine Irish Poetry Night DESCRIPTION:In Celebration of National Poetry Month & Seamus Heaney’s Birthday\n\n\nSaturday\, April 11th\n\n7:00pm\nDoors open at 6:30pm\nJoin us for an evening of poetry in celebration of National Poetry Month and Seamus Heaney’s birthday! We will have readings from three incredible poets\, followed by a Q&A with the audience. \nDoors open at 6:30 PM\, and readings begin at 7:00 PM. Admission is free\, and books will be available for purchase at the event \n\n\n\nFeaturing:\n\n\nAudrey Gidman\, Luke Morgan\, Julia Bouwsma\n\n\n\nAbout the Poets:\nLuke Morgan\nLuke Morgan is an Irish poet and filmmaker. He was the recipient of the Lawrence O’Shaughnessy Award 2025\, an award given annually by the University of St. Thomas\, Minnesota. “Blood Atlas”\, his third collection from Arlen House\, was published in 2025 and completed with the assistance of a bursary from The Arts Council of Ireland. His other two collections are “Beast” (2022)\, and “Honest Walls” (2016). As well as poetry\, Luke is also part of an award-winning Irish filmmaker duo\, “Morgan Brothers”\, with his brother\, the composer Jake Morgan. Among their recent work is the film\, “The Boat”\, which was Executive Produced by Brendan Gleeson and longlisted for an Academy Award. He lives and works in Galway\, Ireland.\n\nBooks by Luke Morgan:\nBlood Atlas (2025: Arlen House\, distributed in US by Syracuse University Press)\nBeast (2022: Arlen House\, distributed in US by Syracuse University Press)\nHonest Walls (2016: Arlen House\, distributed in US by Syracuse University Press)\n\n\n\n\nAudrey Gidman\nAudrey Gidman is a queer poet living in the midcoast. She is the author of the chapbooks body psalms (Slate Roof Press\, 2023)\, which won the Elyse Wolf Prize\, and griefnotes (Porkbelly Press\, 2026). She has received fellowships from Out in the Open and Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance\, and her work has been supported by The Sable Project and Vermont Studio Center. She serves as guest editor for Frontier Poetry\, chapbook editor for Newfound\, and occasional manuscript reader for Alice James Books. She is the Poet Laureate of Belfast\, Maine. Connect with her here: audreygidman.substack.com\n\nBooks by Audrey Gidman\nbody psalms (Slate Roof Press\, 2023)\ngriefnotes (Porkbelly Press\, 2026)\n\n\n\nJulia Bouwsma\nJulia Bouwsma lives off-the-grid in the mountains of western Maine where she works as a poet\, homesteader\, editor\, teacher\, and small-town librarian. She is Maine’s sixth Poet Laureate\, currently serving a term from 2021 to 2026\, and is the author of three poetry collections: Death Fluorescence (Sundress Publications\, June 2025)\, Midden (Fordham University Press\, 2018)\, and Work by Bloodlight (Cider Press Review\, 2017). She is also the librettist for the short chamber opera\, Ghost Apples\, created in collaboration with composer Nathan Davis and to be performed by the Halcyon Quartet in the fall of 2025. Bouwsma’s honors include a 2024 Poet Laureate Fellowship from the Academy of American Poets and two Maine Literary Awards. Her work can be found in various publications including Ecotone\, Green Mountains Review\, Kenyon Review\, Plume\, and Poetry Daily. She has taught in the Creative Writing department at the University of Maine at Farmington\, serves on the Community Advisory Board for the Maine Writers & Publishers Alliance\, and works as the Library Director for Webster Library in Kingfield\, ME.\n\nBooks by Julia Bouwsma\nDeath Fluorescence (Sundress Publications\, June 2025)\nMidden (Fordham University Press\, 2018)\nWork by Bloodlight (Cider Press Review\, 2017)\n\n  URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-poetry-night-2/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/03/Poetry-night-2026-1.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT BEGIN:VEVENT DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260403T193000 DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260403T210000 DTSTAMP:20260402T222317Z CREATED:20251031T121416Z LAST-MODIFIED:20260402T222317Z UID:10000770-1775244600-1775250000@maineirish.com SUMMARY:Paddy Cullivan's 'The Murder of Michael Collins' DESCRIPTION:Friday April 3rd\, 7:30pm\nDoors open at 7:00pm\n  \nPaddy Cullivan returns to the Maine Irish Heritage Center! Join us for an incredible evening of history\, entertainment\, and good craic. \nGeneral admission tickets are $25 in advance\, or snag priority seating for $35! Don’t wait to get your tickets: general admission goes up at the door\, and priority seating is only available in advance! \nPlease note\, Priority Seating is SOLD OUT! \nABOUT THE SHOW: THE MURDER OF MICHAEL COLLINS\nHistorical Entertainer Paddy Cullivan brings you the incredible story of the death of Ireland’s first Commander-in-Chief. An audio-visual spectacular featuring hundreds of images\, shocking new research and incredible songs\, Paddy dares to unravel the secrets and lies around what happened that fateful day in Béal na mBlath\, 22nd August 1922. \nDid Michael Collins have a secret son in London? Was he really going to keep to the Anglo-Irish Treaty or was he planning to resume the war? If the anti-treaty side shot him\, why did the Free State instigate a massive cover-up? How can one of the most important men in Irish history have no autopsy report\, no investigation\, inquest or even a death cert? And who really shot Michael Collins? Why is there such reticence from certain quarters – to this day – to find out the truth? \nNo less complex or mysterious than the death of JFK and with as many twists and turns\, ‘The Murder of Michael Collins’ is a fascinating rollercoaster ride that will change your perceptions of Irish history forever… \n  \nABOUT THE ARTIST:\nPaddy Cullivan is an acclaimed Irish entertainer renowned for his versatility in music\, comedy and historical storytelling. As frontman of The Camembert Quartet he captivated audiences for 20 years with the band’s unique blend of humor and musical talent. This led to their becoming House Band on the world’s longest running chat show\, the (Irish) ‘Late Late Show’ for over a decade\, along with presenter Ryan Tubridy. \nCullivan’s passion for history is evident in his solo ‘historical entertainment’ shows which he devised and performed since 2016\, including “The Murder of Wolfe Tone” and “The Murder of Michael Collins”. These shows combined storytelling\, music and visuals to explore pivotal events in Irish history. His latest project\, “I Can’t Believe It’s Not Ireland\,” offers an optimistic vision of a future United Ireland\, combining humor and hope to inspire audiences. Paddy Cullivan continues to be a dynamic force in Irish culture\, engaging and educating through his diverse creative endeavours. \nFor more info\, visit https://www.paddycullivan.com/ \n  \nREVIEWS\nA huge hit online\, Paddy has brought this mind-blowing solo show to the stage – here are just some of the reviews… \n★★★★★ \n‘Mesmerising stuff – a complicated story\, brilliantly told.’ – Ronan McGreevy (Irish Times) \n★★★★★ \n‘Agatha Christie meets Monty Python – a century-year-old mystery with the best form of comedy; tinged with unpalatable truth’ – Oliver Callan \n★★★★★ \n‘Begging for the live stage – superb job’ – Erskine Childers \n★★★★★ \n‘This is worth watching for the tune about mediocre Irish political leaders through the ages alone! ‘Safe Pair of Hands’ – instant classic.’ – Tadhg Hickey (online political comedy genius) \n★★★★★ \n‘In awe of the research you have done\, the way you have put the story together and presented it.’ – Mags Amond (Trinity College School of Education) \n★★★★★ \n‘Great show Paddy\, scholarly and entertaining’ – Mick O’Dea (Former RHA President) \n★★★★★ \n‘A must watch for anyone interested in Irish history and politics’ – Dr. Wayne O’Brien (Northumbia University) \n★★★★★ \n‘Amazing work – hard history told with a light touch. Comhghairdeas’ – Mary Lou McDonald (President of Sinn Fein) \n★★★★★ \n‘Greatest show on the Emerald Isle!…essential viewing for the price of Dublin pint!’ – Sean Napier (The 1798 Belfast walking tour) \n\n \n\nSupport for Paddy Cullivan’s tour comes in part from Culture Ireland URL:https://maineirish.com/event/paddy-cullivans-the-murder-of-michael-collins/ LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/10/Paddy-Cullivan-MOMC-banner.jpg ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com END:VEVENT END:VCALENDAR