BEGIN:VCALENDAR
VERSION:2.0
PRODID:-//Maine Irish Heritage Center - ECPv6.17.4.1//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:20260715T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260715T193000
DTSTAMP:20260415T204223Z
CREATED:20260415T160737Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T204223Z
UID:10001095-1784138400-1784143800@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\, starting June 24. 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-7-15-26/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/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:20260708T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260708T193000
DTSTAMP:20260415T204217Z
CREATED:20260415T155629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T204217Z
UID:10001094-1783533600-1783539000@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\, starting June 24. 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-7-8-26/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/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: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:20260701T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260701T193000
DTSTAMP:20260407T175030Z
CREATED:20260407T174528Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260407T175030Z
UID:10000840-1782930600-1782934200@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Summer Storytelling Series: Flight Deck
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: Flight Deck Brewing\, Brunswick\, 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 Flight Deck: \nFlight Deck was founded in 2017 and is located on the old Navy Base in Brunswick\, Maine. The brewhouse and indoor tasting room were once a small arms firing range while the base was still operational\, and local law enforcement trained there after it was shut down. They strive for high-quality products and customer experience; are a community hub in the greater Brunswick area. Learn more here!\n\n\n\nClick HERE to see other scheduled Summer Storytelling events!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/summer-storytelling-series-flight-deck/
LOCATION:Flight Deck\, 11 Atlantic Avenue\, Brunswick\, ME\, 04011
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Summer-Storytelling-Series-FLIGHT-DECK-2026-banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260701T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260701T193000
DTSTAMP:20260415T204212Z
CREATED:20260415T155504Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T204212Z
UID:10001093-1782928800-1782934200@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\, starting June 24. 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-7-1-26/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/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: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:20260624T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260624T193000
DTSTAMP:20260415T204125Z
CREATED:20260415T155325Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T204125Z
UID:10000843-1782324000-1782329400@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\, starting June 24. 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-6-24-26/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/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: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:20260615T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260615T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T200745Z
CREATED:20260406T194018Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T200745Z
UID:10000839-1781548200-1781551800@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Summer Storytelling Series: Belleflower Brewing
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: Belleflower Brewing\, Portland 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\nClick HERE to see other scheduled Summer Storytelling events!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/summer-storytelling-series-belleflower-brewing-2/
LOCATION:Belleflower Brewing\, 66 Cove Street\, Portland\, ME\, 04101\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Summer-Storytelling-Series-BELLEFLOWER-2026-banner.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:20260611T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T210000
DTSTAMP:20250708T175539Z
CREATED:20250708T175539Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T175539Z
UID:10000733-1781206200-1781211600@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Reads 'Our London Lives' by Christine Dwyer Hickey
DESCRIPTION:Maine Irish Reads\, our monthly book club\, meets every second Thursday here at the Center!\n\n\n\nFrom 7:30 – 9 PM in the MIHC Library. Bring a friend. The more\, the merrier. \nAbout this month’s book:\n‘Huge of heart and soaring of soul’ CLAIRE KILROY\n‘A profound love story…Like Barbara Kingsolver\, Hickey captures the pulse of the living moment’ COLUM McCANN \n1979. In the vast and often unforgiving city of London\, two Irish outsiders seeking refuge find one Milly\, a teenage runaway\, and Pip\, a young boxer full of anger and potential who is beginning to drink it all away. \nOver the decades their lives follow different paths\, interweaving from time to time\, often in one another’s sight\, always on one another’s mind\, yet rarely together. \nForty years on\, Milly is clinging onto the only home she’s ever really known while Pip\, haunted by T.S. Eliot’s The Waste Land\, traipses the streets of London and wrestles with the life of the recovering alcoholic. And between them\, perhaps uncrossable\, lies the unspoken span of their lives. \nDark and brave\, this epic novel offers a rich and moving portrait of an ever-changing city\, and a profound inquiry into character\, loneliness and the nature of love.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-reads-june-2026/
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/2025/07/Maine-Irish-Reads-June-26-banner.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:20260514T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260514T210000
DTSTAMP:20250708T175258Z
CREATED:20250708T175258Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T175258Z
UID:10000732-1778787000-1778792400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Reads 'Conversations with Friends' by Sally Rooney
DESCRIPTION:Maine Irish Reads\, our monthly book club\, meets every second Thursday here at the Center!\n\n\n\nFrom 7:30 – 9 PM in the MIHC Library. Bring a friend. The more\, the merrier. \nAbout this month’s book:\nFrances is a coolheaded and darkly observant young woman\, vaguely pursuing a career in writing while studying in Dublin. Her best friend is the beautiful and endlessly self-possessed Bobbi. At a local poetry performance one night\, they meet a well-known photographer\, and as the girls are then gradually drawn into her world\, Frances is reluctantly impressed by the older woman’s sophisticated home and handsome husband\, Nick. But however amusing Frances and Nick’s flirtation seems at first\, it begins to give way to a strange—and then painful—intimacy. \nWritten with gemlike precision and marked by a sly sense of humor\, Conversations with Friends is wonderfully alive to the pleasures and dangers of youth\, and the messy edges of female friendship. \n  \nNOW A HULU ORIGINAL SERIES • From the New York Times bestselling author of Normal People . . . “[A] cult-hit . . . [a] sharply realistic comedy of adultery and friendship.”—Entertainment Weekly \nSALLY ROONEY NAMED TO THE TIME 100 NEXT LIST • WINNER OF THE SUNDAY TIMES (UK) YOUNG WRITER OF THE YEAR AWARD • ONE OF BUZZFEED’S BEST BOOKS OF THE DECADE • ONE OF THE TEN BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Vogue\, Slate • ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR: Elle \nSHORTLISTED FOR THE INTERNATIONAL DUBLIN LITERARY AWARD \n“Sharp\, funny\, thought-provoking . . . a really great portrait of two young women as they’re figuring out how to be adults.”—Celeste Ng\, Late Night with Seth Meyers Podcast \n“The dialogue is superb\, as are the insights about communicating in the age of electronic devices. Rooney has a magical ability to write scenes of such verisimilitude that even when little happens they’re suspenseful.”—Curtis Sittenfeld\, The Week
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-reads-may-2026/
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/2025/07/Maine-Irish-Reads-May-26-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:20260507T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260507T190000
DTSTAMP:20250806T180259Z
CREATED:20250806T180259Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T180259Z
UID:10000748-1778173200-1778180400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Writes: May
DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to present our inaugural season of Maine Irish Writes\, an inclusive monthly Writer’s 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. \nCheck out the rest of the series dates HERE!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-writes-may-26/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Maine-Irish-Writes-banner-MAY.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:20260501T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260501T193000
DTSTAMP:20260406T194758Z
CREATED:20260402T191503Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260406T194758Z
UID:10000837-1777660200-1777663800@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Summer Storytelling: Kick-Off at the Center
DESCRIPTION:Friday\, May 1st\n6:30pm\nThe Maine Irish Heritage Center is bringing the cherished Irish tradition of storytelling back to Maine this summer! Following the success of last summer’s programs\, we are excited to invite you back for another summer of stories\, community\, and some good craic. According to the Celtic Calendar\, May 1st\, or Bealtaine is the first day of summer – so we’re starting summer early! \nWe are kicking the summer off with a storytelling evening here at the Maine Irish Heritage Center\, in our glorious Great Hall. \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\, and some music. These gatherings helped build community and preserve the culture and values of the Irish people. \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. \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! \nEvent Details:\n\nLocation: Maine Irish Heritage Center\, Portland\, 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 summer 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. \nThese events are free and open to all. We offer a donation option when RSVPing – all funds raised go straight back into our future programming! \n  \nClick HERE to see other scheduled Summer Storytelling events!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-summer-storytelling-kick-off-at-the-center/
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/Summer-Storytelling-2026-May-1-kickoff-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:20260409T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260409T210000
DTSTAMP:20250708T175021Z
CREATED:20250708T175021Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250708T175021Z
UID:10000731-1775763000-1775768400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Reads 'The Spinning Heart' by Donal Ryan
DESCRIPTION:Maine Irish Reads\, our monthly book club\, meets every second Thursday here at the Center!\n\n\n\nFrom 7:30 – 9 PM in the MIHC Library. Bring a friend. The more\, the merrier. \nAbout this month’s book:\nWinner of the Irish Book Award\nFinalist for the Booker Prize \nThis “affecting” debut is “reminiscent of William Faulkner’s As I Lay Dying” as it paints a vivid portrait of a working-class community in contemporary rural Ireland (New York Times Book Review). \n“One of my favorite Irish books . . . Moving\, atmospheric and beautiful.” —Tana French \nIn the aftermath of Ireland’s financial collapse\, dangerous tensions surface in an Irish town. As violence flares\, the characters face a battle between public persona and inner desires. Through a chorus of unique voices\, each struggling to tell their own kind of truth\, a single authentic tale unfolds. \nThe Spinning Heart speaks for contemporary Ireland like no other novel. Wry\, vulnerable\, all-too human\, it captures the language and spirit of rural Ireland and with uncanny perception articulates the words and thoughts of a generation. Technically daring and evocative of Patrick McCabe and J.M. Synge\, this novel of small-town life is witty\, dark\, and sweetly poignant. Donal Ryan’s brilliantly realized debut announces a stunning new voice in fiction.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-reads-april-2026/
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/2025/07/Maine-Irish-Reads-Apr-26-banner.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
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260402T190000
DTSTAMP:20250806T180059Z
CREATED:20250806T180059Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20250806T180059Z
UID:10000747-1775149200-1775156400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Writes: April
DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to present our inaugural season of Maine Irish Writes\, an inclusive monthly Writer’s 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. \nCheck out the rest of the series dates HERE!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-writes-april-26/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/08/Maine-Irish-Writes-banner-APR.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T183000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260320T203000
DTSTAMP:20260317T175438Z
CREATED:20260219T170028Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260317T175438Z
UID:10000832-1774031400-1774038600@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:World Storytelling Day: The Light in the Dark
DESCRIPTION: World Storytelling Day: Light in the Dark\n With the Maine Irish Heritage Center\nFriday\, March 20th\, 6:30pm\nCoffee by Design\n1 Diamond St.\, Portland ME\n$10 suggested donation \nThis celebration of the power of the spoken word has been spreading throughout the world since 2003. Join story lovers from over 70 countries who are gathering on this day to share stories that reflect the theme for 2026.  Bring a story\, a poem\, or a song for the open mic and help us fill the night with light.\nJoin the Maine Irish Heritage Center at Coffee By Design where we will take part in a worldwide day of storytelling.  This global celebration of oral storytelling has been held on March 20 since 2003 with an annual theme chosen by participating storytellers themselves. Light in Darkness was the theme chosen for 2026.  The event will be open to storytellers from across Maine’s vibrant communities\, offering a rich diversity of voices and perspectives. The program will begin with two featured storytellers sharing their tales. After a brief break\, we will have an open mic\, inviting attendees to sign up and share a 5-10 minute story. \n“Storytelling creates community\, breaks down barriers\, shares wisdom and tradition\, with vivid and intimate experiences\, powerful and deep. More and more people each year discover what they’ve been missing!” \n Join us for our World Storytelling Day event\, and become part of an global community that can inspire us all\, and help build bridges between fellow Mainers! \nFeatured Storytellers:\nTae Chong\nTae Chong is a dedicated advocate for Maine’s underserved communities and a pioneer in local leadership. In 2019\, he became the first Asian American elected to both the Portland City Council and the Portland School Committee. \nCurrently the Executive Director of Furniture Friends\, Tae leverages over 30 years of experience in economic development and workforce diversity. An MBA graduate from the University of Southern Maine\, he has consulted for major organizations like Allagash Brewing and Hannaford. Beyond his professional impact\, Tae is an acclaimed storyteller\, frequently sharing his journey from South Korea to Maine on stages like WGBH. \n\nCathy Furness\nAlthough three generations removed from the family farm in County Laois\, Cathy felt drawn to Ireland from a very young age. She followed that gravitational pull to Dublin\, where she earned a graduate degree in Irish literature and folklore. She also studied traditional music while she was there by attending sessions at O’Donohue’s on Merrion Row nearly every night.\n\nCathy retired early from her professional life in New York to take a deep dive into storytelling. Since then\, she has told stories on two continents to audiences of all ages. She likes to share the layered wisdom of folktales of many cultures\, but is especially drawn to the heroes\, heroines and stories of her Irish ancestors. Now living in the woods outside Brunswick\, Maine\, she shares her home with Redmond\, Conor\, Molly and Desmond\, four very spoiled cats.\n\n\nHow World Storytelling Day Happens\nWorld Story Day has been celebrated around the world with great success since 2003. \nThroughout that one day\, oral storytellers around the world are busy inspiring audiences\, and creating community\, by telling classical tales\, local stories\, glorious\, horrendous\, happy\, challenging\, spooky\, romantic and dramatic epic stories. Some wrapped in music\, some staged and others intimate – but every story is told in a unique and compelling way\, by a storyteller whose heart is full of great tales to bridge our divides and remind us what it is to be human \nOral storytelling is tens of thousands of years old\, and has strongly regained popularity because of its deeply satisfying power to unite and entertain. Here’s what storytellers have in store for you on this special day… \n\nProfessional and amateur storytellers all over the world choose a theme together\, then find relevant oral stories to inspire adults or children\nStorytellers schedule live local events\, and virtual online events\, on or around 20th March each year\, to celebrate\, entertain\, and inspire with these themed oral tales. You’re welcome to join in!\nAudiences gather in person or online\, for big group concerts or single stories\, for adults or children\, for money or free\nStorytelling creates community\, breaks down barriers\, shares wisdom and tradition\, with vivid and intimate experiences\, powerful and deep. More and more people each year discover what they’ve been missing!\n\nLearn more at https://momentofimpact.co.uk/wsd \nHosted by Coffee By Design!\nCoffee By Design is a woman-owned\, Maine-made\, farmer-focused coffee roaster\, retail\, and wholesale business. Since 1994\, Coffee By Design has always been about doing things the right way\, not the easy way. From day one\, we made choices rooted in values\, not shortcuts. We believe every bean has a story. Every farm deserves respect. And every cup should be as thoughtful as it is delicious. Every coffee we roast reflects our commitment to quality\, integrity\, and impact. This isn’t coffee made for trends. It’s coffee for people who care. You’ll taste layered\, complex flavors — because we roast to reveal the bean’s origin\, not hide it. And you’ll know every cup supports real farmers\, real communities\, and real change. \nLearn more at https://coffeebydesign.com/ \n 
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/world-storytelling-day-the-light-in-the-dark/
LOCATION:Coffee By Design\, 1 Diamond St\, Portland\, ME\, 04101
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/World-Storytelling-Day-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T083000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260317T100000
DTSTAMP:20251230T185418Z
CREATED:20251230T185418Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251230T185418Z
UID:10000822-1773736200-1773741600@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:St. Patrick's Day West End Walk
DESCRIPTION:Join us for a celebratory walk through the West End\, and an Irish flag raising in Harborview park! We will gather in the Function Room before ringing our historic bell to kick off our walk. Followed by tea and Irish bread at the Center to warm up and celebrate St. Patrick’s Day! \nThis event is free for all to attend!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/st-patricks-day-west-end-walk-2026/
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/St.-Patricks-Day-West-End-Walk-2026.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR