Maine Irish Heritage Center

St. Patrick's Day Parade
2026-03-15 12:00 - 13:00 (America/New_York) | Commercial Street, Commercial Street, Portland, ME, 04102, United States
Saint Patrick’s Parade
Portland, Maine – March 15, 2026. The Saint Patrick’s Parade by the Irish American Club of Maine will be held this year on Commercial Street in Portland.
The parade starts at Noon on Sunday, March 15th, beginning at the Portland Fish Pier parking lot on the corner of Center Street and Commercial Street. The parade proceeds east along Commercial Street, ending at the reviewing stand at Bell Buoy Park between RiRa Irish Restaurant and the Casco Bay Parking Garage by Franklin Street.
The parade features the Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band, the Dunlap Highland Band, and the Stillson School of Irish Dance (who will be doing a short performance in front of RiRa at the end of the parade). Other participants include the Maine Irish Heritage Center and Portland Gaelic Athletic Association. They will be joined by, among others, mascots from local teams and companies, superheroes, local dignitaries, public safety representatives, and the Irish American Club Parade of Flags.
Special guest marchers will be the Grand Marshal—Portland Fire Chief Chad Johnston, Maine Maritime Academy from Castine, Maine, along with Saint Patrick himself.
The Irish American Club of Maine was founded in 1973 and has preserved and promoted Irish-American culture, history, and community in Maine for over 50 years. In addition to the parade, the Club offers céilís with live music, Irish language lessons, and opportunities for cultural travel.
For more information on the organization, please visit irishofmaine.org or email club2@irishofmaine.org
Want to march with the MIHC?
We’d love to have you! Meet us at our float at the Portland Fish Pier at 11am on Sunday March 15th! For more information, please email volunteer@maineirish.com!

St. Patrick's Day Celebration at the Maine Irish Heritage Center
2026-03-15 13:00 - 16:00 | Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St, Portland, ME, 04102, United States
Sunday, March 15th
1pm-4pm

Join us after the IAC St. Patrick’s Day Parade over at the Maine Irish Heritage Center for a sham-rocking good time!
Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with music, dance, food, and family-friendly fun at the Maine Irish Heritage Center! This annual community celebration brings together traditional Irish culture, local performers, and festive activities for all ages inside our historic building.
Event Schedule
1:00–3:00 PM – Live music with Jim Sharkey
2:00–2:30 PM – Photo opportunities with Saint Patrick
3:00–3:45 PM – Performance by Stillson School of Irish Dance
3:45–4:00 PM – Raffle winners announced
(times subject to change)
Available Throughout the Event

Traditional Irish Bake Sale – Enjoy a selection of homemade Irish and Irish-inspired treats prepared by community volunteers, including breads, sweets, and seasonal favorites. Items will be available for purchase while supplies last.
Bar Serving Irish Classics – The bar will feature a curated menu of Irish beer, cider, and Irish Coffee, along with non-alcoholic options.
Book and Rummage Sale in the Library – Browse a wide assortment of gently used books, Irish literature, music, and unique finds. Proceeds support ongoing programs, archives, and preservation efforts.
Kids’ Crafts and Activities With Jennifer Comeau – Family-friendly craft stations and hands-on activities designed to introduce children to Irish culture through creativity and play.
Guided Sanctuary Tours – Step inside the historic sanctuary for informal tours highlighting the building’s architecture, history, and its role in Portland’s Irish community.

Check out our Food Trucks!
Noble BBQ
Serving slow-smoked meats and classic barbecue sides, Noble BBQ brings bold flavors and hearty comfort food perfect for a winter celebration. Learn more: noblepizzaandbbq.com
Cheese the Day
Offering gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches with creative combinations, plus vegetarian-friendly options and warm comfort-food favorites. Learn more: www.cheesethedayme.com
Fred’s Fried Dough
Freshly made fried dough served hot with a variety of sweet toppings, delivering a classic festival treat for all ages. Learn more: www.facebook.com/fredsfrieddough/
Plot Twist Pretzels
Handcrafted soft pretzels with both savory and sweet flavor twists, paired with house-made dips and sauces. Learn more: www.facebook.com/plottwistpretzels/

More about our Kids Corner with Jen Comeau!
Author, Songwriter, and Storyteller Jennifer Comeau is excited to read and lead a call-and-response song from her children’s book, “The Inside of ME,” which features nine special outdoor places in Maine. She also has a crafty game she wants to share: Create Me a Story, where families or groups draw 3 characters, 2 places, and 3 objects. Using these prompts, together, they create a story! Expect laughter, props, mischief, broken rules, and always a “happily ever after” ending!

About Jennifer:

Of Irish descent, anything connected with creativity, storytelling, singing, and laughter is Jennifer Comeau’s jam. She inspires humans big and small to remember their connection with the rest of the natural world. A certified Forest Therapy Guide, singer-songwriter, and author-speaker, Jen is published in four anthologies. Her children’s book, “The Inside of ME” won a Nautilus Gold for Books that Change the World and received a 5-star rating from Reader Views. Her debut novel, A Moon in All Things—a heroine’s journey to reclaim the old nature ways—[2025 12Willows Press]—was a finalist in the Independent Author Network’s Best Book of the Year contest and received 5 stars from IndieReader Reviewhouse. Jen has produced two albums of original music.
Website: www.jennifercomeau.com Email: jen@jennifercomeau.com

Join us for an afternoon of music, tradition, and community as we celebrate Irish heritage together. This event is family-friendly and open to all.

For more information on the parade, click HERE!

St. Patrick's Day West End Walk
2026-03-17 08:30 - 10:00 | Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St, Portland, ME, 04102, United States
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!
This event is free for all to attend!

World Storytelling Day: The Light in the Dark
2026-03-20 18:30 - 20:30 | Coffee By Design, 1 Diamond St, Portland, ME, 04101
World Storytelling Day: Light in the Dark
With the Maine Irish Heritage Center
Friday, March 20th, 6:30pm
Coffee by Design
1 Diamond St., Portland ME
$10 suggested donation
This 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.
Join 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.
“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!”
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!
Featured Storytellers:
Tae Chong
Tae 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.
Currently 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.

Cathy Furness
Although 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.

Cathy 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.

How World Storytelling Day Happens
World Story Day has been celebrated around the world with great success since 2003.
Throughout 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
Oral 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…

Professional and amateur storytellers all over the world choose a theme together, then find relevant oral stories to inspire adults or children
Storytellers 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!
Audiences gather in person or online, for big group concerts or single stories, for adults or children, for money or free
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!

Learn more at https://momentofimpact.co.uk/wsd
Hosted by Coffee By Design!
Coffee 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.
Learn more at https://coffeebydesign.com/
Featured Tellers
Information Coming soon!

Paddy Cullivan's 'The Murder of Michael Collins'
2026-04-03 19:30 - 21:00 | Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St, Portland, ME, 04102, United States
Friday April 3rd, 7:30pm
Doors open at 7:00pm

Paddy Cullivan returns to the Maine Irish Heritage Center! Join us for an incredible evening of history, entertainment, and good craic.
General 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!

ABOUT THE SHOW: THE MURDER OF MICHAEL COLLINS
Historical 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.
Did 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?
No 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…

ABOUT THE ARTIST:
Paddy 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.
Cullivan’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.
For more info, visit https://www.paddycullivan.com/

REVIEWS
A huge hit online, Paddy has brought this mind-blowing solo show to the stage – here are just some of the reviews…
★★★★★
‘Mesmerising stuff – a complicated story, brilliantly told.’ – Ronan McGreevy (Irish Times)
★★★★★
‘Agatha Christie meets Monty Python – a century-year-old mystery with the best form of comedy; tinged with unpalatable truth’ – Oliver Callan
★★★★★
‘Begging for the live stage – superb job’ – Erskine Childers
★★★★★
‘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)
★★★★★
‘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)
★★★★★
‘Great show Paddy, scholarly and entertaining’ – Mick O’Dea (Former RHA President)
★★★★★
‘A must watch for anyone interested in Irish history and politics’ – Dr. Wayne O’Brien (Northumbia University)
★★★★★
‘Amazing work – hard history told with a light touch. Comhghairdeas’ – Mary Lou McDonald (President of Sinn Fein)
★★★★★
‘Greatest show on the Emerald Isle!…essential viewing for the price of Dublin pint!’ – Sean Napier (The 1798 Belfast walking tour)
Support for Paddy Cullivan’s tour comes in part from Culture Ireland

Maine Irish Poetry Night
2026-04-11 19:00 - 21:00 | Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St, Portland, ME, 04102, United States
Maine Irish Poetry Night
In Celebration of National Poetry Month & Seamus Heaney’s Birthday

Saturday, April 11th

7:00pm
Doors open at 6:30pm
Join 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.
Doors 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
Stay tuned for more details soon!

A Fragile Peace: Documentary Screening and Talkback
2026-04-19 18:00 - 21:00 | Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St, Portland, ME, 04102, United States
Sunday, April 19th
6:00pm
Doors open at 5:30pm
A FRAGILE PEACE
BREXIT AND NORTHERN IRELAND
THE INTERNATIONALLY AWARD WINNING FILM
Will Brexit destroy the peace and bring back violence to war torn Northern Ireland?
Join us on Sunday, April 19th, 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!
SYNOPSIS
A 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.
The 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.

DIRECTED BY RORY DUFFY
Rory 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.
On stage and screen, he has worked with director Hal Hartley, Academy Award winner Jeremy Irons, and Amy Sherman-Palladino.
His 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.

THE SUBJECTS:
DAMIAN MCGENITY
Political Activist and Farmer
Damian 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.

MARTINA ANDERSON
Politician and former combatant
Martina 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.
In 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.

ARON HUGHES
Political Activist
Aron 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.

CREW CREDITS
HYUN JOO DUFFY
Producer

RONAN KILLEEN
Cameraman

PRESS
“Responsible history as it occurs, frankly portrayed.”
— Hal Hartley, director Henry Fool, Ned Rifle
“The acclaimed documentary keeps picking up prestigious new awards.”
— Cahir O’Doherty
“A Fragile Peace reminds us that we should always be careful whenever we believe history has reached an endpoint.”
— Patricia Harty, Editor in Chief, Irish America

AWARDS
Best Picture
London Movie Awards
Best Documentary Feature – Winner
New York Monthly Film Festival
New York Movie Awards
Crown Points International Film Festival
Queens (Unisphere) Film Festival
Cork Indie Film Award
Massachusetts International Film Festival
Best Film Essay
Area 51 Film Festival
Best International Documentary Feature Film
Austin International Art Film Festival
Best Feature Documentary – Nominee
Copenhagen Doc Only
Big Apple Film Festival
Liverpool Indie Awards
Finalist
Out of the Can International Film Festival
Darkland Film Festival
Hawaii International Film Awards
Prazske Filmove Ceny
Indiemania

GET IN TOUCH
Email
AFRAGILEPEACEFILM@GMAIL.COM
Instagram
@AFRAGILEPEACEMOVIE

Celtic Woman: A New Era at the State Theatre
2026-04-24 19:30 - 22:00 | State Theatre, 609 Congress St., Portland, ME, 04101, United States
Fri, April 24, 2026
State Theatre
Doors: 6:30pm – Show: 7:30pm – all ages
$75-$45 reserved seating
Meet & Greet Package – $100 upgrade
• Private backstage photo opportunity with Celtic Woman pre-show
• Brief chat with the cast
• Early entry
Tickets available through the State Theatre HERE!

GRAMMY ® nominated global music sensation Celtic Woman returns to North America and Canada in Spring 2026 with their all-new show A New Era.
Celebrating 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.
This 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.
A 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.
Since 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.

It's An Irish Thing - Neil Byrne in Concert
2026-05-24 19:30 - 21:30 | ME
Sunday, May 24th
7:30pm
Doors open at 7:00pm
Celebrated 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!
General 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!
With 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.
The 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.
Neil’s music is known for its lyrical depth and evocative soundscapes, earning recognition from awards for short films to documentaries.
“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.”
Learn more about Neil at https://www.neilbyrnemusic.com/

Onóir: Live in Concert
2026-06-09 19:00 - 21:30 | Maine Irish Heritage Center, 34 Gray St, Portland, ME, 04102, United States
Tuesday, June 9

7:30 PM
Doors open at 7:00pm
Meet & Greet from 6:30-7:00pm!
Experience 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.
Known 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.
Whether you’re a longtime lover of Irish music or new to the tradition, this promises to be an exceptionally memorable evening of live performance.
General 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!
About the Band:
Contemporary 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.
Onóir 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.
Learn more about the artists at: https://onoirmusic.com/home
