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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261001T190000
DTSTAMP:20260724T202933Z
CREATED:20260724T201843Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T202933Z
UID:10001124-1790874000-1790881200@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Writes: October
DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to present our second season of Maine Irish Writes\, an inclusive monthly writers’ group that will meet in the MIHC Library on the first Thursday of each month! \nLed by the incredible poet and author Robert Breen\, this welcoming writers group is open to all—whether you’re just starting out or deep into a manuscript. Bring your works in progress\, share your voice\, and receive supportive\, thoughtful feedback in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Together\, we’ll explore storytelling\, poetry\, memory\, and the written word in all its forms. Come to listen\, come to write\, come to connect. \nA few notes on the format of these Writers’ Group meetings: \nFor all interested writers \n\nDetermine your goal\, the primary target for your project— fiction\, poetry\, nonfiction\, memoir or autobiography.\nFor beginners this will be a discovery time\, your goal should be to have fun with this phase.\nTake time and have patience with yourself!\nWe ask that all members actively bring work to participate in each session\nThose that have work ready will be heard— with a 10-minute reading time and critique so to allow all to be heard.\nHave your written piece of literature with 3 copies allowing the group to follow and partake in the evaluation of the work.\n\nWriter’s Technique Method Used\nThe Layer Cake Method is a classic technique used to deliver constructive criticism without causing defensiveness. And keep the writer motivated while highlighting areas that need improvement. \n\n(Positive): Start with genuine praise. Highlight a specific strength\, like a strong voice\, sharp dialogue\, or an engaging hook.\n(Constructive): Insert the critique or area for improvement. Focus on actionable issues like pacing lags\, confusing plot points\, or passive verbs. Poetry example- the use of metaphors\, and forms.\n(Upbeat): End with encouragement and forward momentum. Reiterate your belief in the story or poem express excitement to read the next draft.\n\nCheck out the rest of the series dates HERE!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-writes-october-26/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maine-Irish-Writes-oct-26.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260930T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260930T193000
DTSTAMP:20260806T182932Z
CREATED:20260415T161834Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T182932Z
UID:10001105-1790791200-1790796600@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-8/
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:20260927T150000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260927T170000
DTSTAMP:20260924T171119Z
CREATED:20260805T191759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260924T171119Z
UID:10001143-1790521200-1790528400@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:POSTPONED: Susan Donovan Bernhard: WESTERLY
DESCRIPTION:A Maine Irish Author Event\nDue to pending inclement weather\, this event has been POSTPONED! We are working with Susan to determine a new date in Spring of 2027. Stay tuned!\n\nJoin us on Sunday\, September 27th for a lovely afternoon of conversation with bestselling author Susan Donovan Bernhard! \nSusan will discuss her novel WESTERLY in conversation with Louise Miller\, of A CITY BAKER’S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING and THE LATE BLOOMER’S CLUB. \nBooks will be available for purchase and signing at the event\, courtesy of Perkins Cove Bookshop. \n  \nAbout WESTERLY:\nIn an unforgettable saga of survival\, motherhood\, sisterhood\, and the secrets that haunt us\, one desperate decision creates a fault line that spans decades and threatens to break a family wide open. \nIn 1946\, two German sisters\, child refugees in a program dubbed Operation Shamrock\, arrive in West Cork\, Ireland to live in foster care while Europe recovers from war. Nearly fifty years later\, on a fateful day in a bustling Maine farmhouse\, an Irish newspaper clipping threatens to unravel Faye Sullivan’s carefully constructed life with husband William and daughters Maeve and Molly\, a life already on the brink of collapse. \nFrom Germany to Ireland to coastal Maine\, this tender family saga explores identity\, reconciliation\, and the true meaning of home. \nTo purchase in advance\, please visit Perkins Cove Bookshop in Ogunquit or head to https://www.susanbernhard.com/westerly \n\n\n\nAbout Susan Donovan Bernhard:\n \nSusan Donovan Bernhard is the bestselling author of the novels Westerly and Winter Loon\, which won the Boston Authors Club Julia Ward Howe Prize for Fiction. She is a Massachusetts Cultural Council fellowship recipient\, a GrubStreet Novel Incubator program graduate\, and a Tennessee Williams Scholar to the Sewanee Writers’ Conference. A dual citizen of the United States and Ireland\, Susan was born and raised in the Bitterroot Valley of western Montana and graduated from the University of Maryland. When she’s not traveling\, she lives and writes in Massachusetts. Learn more at https://www.susandonovanbernhard.com/ \n  \n  \n  \n  \n  \nAbout Louise Miller: \nLouise Miller is the author of THE CITY BAKER’S GUIDE TO COUNTRY LIVING and THE LATE BLOOMERS’ CLUB. In addition to being a novelist\, she is a professional pastry chef\, an art school dropout\, a certified field naturalist\, an old-time banjo player\, an obsessive moviegoer\, a meditation enthusiast and an amateur flower gardener. Louise lives in Boston\, MA\, where she lives with her partner and an assortment of cats. Learn more at http://www.louisemiller.net\n \n  \n 
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/susan-donovan-bernhard-westerly/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:book-talk,Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Susan-Donovan-Bernhard-WESTERLY-banner-1.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260923T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260923T193000
DTSTAMP:20260806T183010Z
CREATED:20260415T161751Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T183010Z
UID:10001104-1790186400-1790191800@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/
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:20260916T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260916T193000
DTSTAMP:20260806T183048Z
CREATED:20260415T161717Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T183048Z
UID:10001103-1789581600-1789587000@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/
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:20260913T140000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260913T170000
DTSTAMP:20260909T001001Z
CREATED:20260827T145950Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260909T001001Z
UID:10001146-1789308000-1789318800@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:CANCELLED: Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Party
DESCRIPTION:This event has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances.\nLive Music • Dancing • Sing-Along • Food • Cash Bar\nJoin us for an afternoon of great Irish fun! Grab your dancing shoes for the Ceili (don’t worry\, instruction included!)\, sing along to some folk favorites\, and enjoy a fabulous Irish step dance exhibition from Stillson School of Irish Dance! This family-friendly celebration brings music\, movement\, and community to the start of your fall. Plus\, enjoy light food and soft drinks included with admission\, and a cash bar for something a little stronger. \nProgram:\n1:30 PM: Doors Open\n2:00 – 2:30 PM: Live Irish Traditional Music\n2:30 – 4:00 PM: Ceili Dance with Morrigan Burns & The Portland Ceili Band\n4:00 – 4:30 PM: Irish Folk Song Sing Along\n4:30 PM: Stillson School of Irish Dance Performance \nGet Your Tickets Now!\nAdvance tickets help us plan the food and drinks and prices go up at the door\, so don’t wait!\n• Adults: $20 in advance / $25 at the door\n• Children under 18: Free!\n• Family (4 Adult Tickets): $50 in advance / $60 at the door
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/halfway-to-st-patricks-day/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Halfway-to-St.-Patricks-Day-cancelled.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260910T140000
DTSTAMP:20260831T174827Z
CREATED:20260831T174759Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260831T174827Z
UID:10001148-1789030800-1789048800@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Office Hours with Coco McCracken
DESCRIPTION:We are so excited to have the incredible author Coco McCracken on the Maine Irish Team as our Writer in Residence! \nCoco’s first office hours will take place in September on Thursday the 10th\, 9am -2pm. Please feel welcome to reserve a 30 minute appointment below and Coco can chat about writing in any way that might be helpful to you!* \n  \nMeet Coco:\nMaine Irish Heritage Center’s 2026-2027 Writer in Residence\nCoco McCracken is a photographer\, public speaker\, and writer based in Portland\, Maine. She is on the board of directors at the Maine Writers and Publishers Alliance and an Ashley Bryan Fellow. She is active in many communities from art to photography and non-profits. She’s especially dedicated to raising the voices of BIPOC Mainers and providing transparent access to resources that help creatives. \nCoco is the granddaughter of Kathleen Elizabeth Joan McNeilly\, who was born and raised in Bangor\, Northern Ireland. Her “Nanny\,” never knew her mother\, something that always confused Coco. What started out as a mystery became a detective hunt almost 10 years ago\, when Coco started to visit Ireland and piece together her broken family tree. \nJust after becoming a mother herself\, Coco went back to Ireland twice in order to sleuth around cemeteries\, churches\, and her grandmother’s old neighborhood. She sat in pubs and chatted with locals\, until finally she found her great-grandmother. \nToday\, she’s still working on her family tree\, while writing a book of essays on her process\, her complicated mixed-Chinese/Irish/Canadian identity\, and her bourgeoning passion with her matriarch’s homeland. \nNot only is Coco eager to discover more about her connection to Ireland\, she is passionate about connecting Mainers with the MIHC. Through cross-pollenating the communities she has access to\, with the folks at Maine Irish\, she believes a bountiful relationship could benefit both parties. \nCoco is also the creative director at paletmaine.com and hopes to document her time as a writer in residence with her camera when possible. \nPhoto credit: @Meredith Brockington \n  \n*Please note Coco is not able to edit anything at length but is happy to give feedback on short pitches and pieces.
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/office-hours-with-coco-mccracken-9-10/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
CATEGORIES:Community
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/Coco-9.10.26-Office-Hours-banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260909T193000
DTSTAMP:20260806T183149Z
CREATED:20260415T161635Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T183149Z
UID:10001102-1788976800-1788982200@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-5/
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:20260903T193000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T210000
DTSTAMP:20260731T183336Z
CREATED:20260731T183154Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260731T183336Z
UID:10001132-1788463800-1788469200@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Reads "TransAtlantic" by Colum McCann
DESCRIPTION:In the National Book Award–winning Let the Great World Spin\, Colum McCann thrilled readers with a marvelous high-wire act of fiction that The New York Times Book Review called “an emotional tour de force.” Now McCann demonstrates once again why he is one of the most acclaimed and essential authors of his generation with a soaring novel that spans continents\, leaps centuries\, and unites a cast of deftly rendered characters\, both real and imagined. \nNewfoundland\, 1919. Two aviators—Jack Alcock and Arthur Brown—set course for Ireland as they attempt the first nonstop flight across the Atlantic Ocean\, placing their trust in a modified bomber to heal the wounds of the Great War. \nDublin\, 1845 and ’46. On an international lecture tour in support of his subversive autobiography\, Frederick Douglass finds the Irish people sympathetic to the abolitionist cause—despite the fact that\, as famine ravages the countryside\, the poor suffer from hardships that are astonishing even to an American slave. \nNew York\, 1998. Leaving behind a young wife and newborn child\, Senator George Mitchell departs for Belfast\, where it has fallen to him\, the son of an Irish-American father and a Lebanese mother\, to shepherd Northern Ireland’s notoriously bitter and volatile peace talks to an uncertain conclusion. \nThese three iconic crossings are connected by a series of remarkable women whose personal stories are caught up in the swells of history. Beginning with Irish housemaid Lily Duggan\, who crosses paths with Frederick Douglass\, the novel follows her daughter and granddaughter\, Emily and Lottie\, and culminates in the present-day story of Hannah Carson\, in whom all the hopes and failures of previous generations live on. From the loughs of Ireland to the flatlands of Missouri and the windswept coast of Newfoundland\, their journeys mirror the progress and shape of history. They each learn that even the most unassuming moments of grace have a way of rippling through time\, space\, and memory. \nThe most mature work yet from an incomparable storyteller\, TransAtlantic is a profound meditation on identity and history in a wide world that grows somehow smaller and more wondrous with each passing year. \n______ \nReviews and Praise\n“What distinguishes TransAtlantic from McCann’s earlier work isn’t the stunning language or the psychological acuity or the humor and imagination on display—all of that has been there before. It’s the sheer ambition\, the audacity to imagine within the same novel the experience of Frederick Douglass . . . then the first nonstop trans-Atlantic flight . . . then to leap into the near-present and embody the former senator George Mitchell . . . and finally to unite these stories\, to give them even larger purpose than the historical significance they already possess\, by knitting through and around them the stories of four generations of women.” —Joel Lovell\, The New York Times Magazine \n“This novel is beautifully hypnotic in its movements\, from the grand (between two continents\, across three centuries) to the most subtle. Silkily threading together public events and private feelings\, TransAtlantic says no to death with every line.” —Emma Donoghue \n“A masterful and profoundly moving novel that employs exquisite language to explore the limits of language and the tricks of memory . . . epic in ambition . . . audacious in format.” —Kirkus Reviews (starred review) \n“McCann weaves an intricate tapestry… reminiscent of the finest work of Michael Ondaatje…Transatlantic is McCann’s most penetrating novel yet.” —O\, The Oprah Magazine \n“Expertly constructed … At its best\, as in the superbly rendered early scene of Alcock and Brown’s flight\, the prose is poetically vivid.” —The Observer \n“Few contemporary writers are better at subtracting the sublime from the base … A kind of cat’s cradle of transatlantic journeys\, all connected\, all built on another thing.” —The Guardian \n“A beautifully woven novel about the real and imagined. Fans of Ian McEwan will love it.” —Red \n“McCann is no stranger to literary prizes — but if I were him\, I’d start clearing my mantelpiece for a few more” —The Daily Mail \n“Ingenious . . . The intricate connections he has crafted between the stories of his women and our men will\, by the end\, have you trying to figure out\, in pencil\, what he seems to have written in air\, in water\, and—given that his subject is the confluence of Irish and American history—in blood.” —Tom Junod\, Esquire \n“An ambitious\, poetic novel . . . McCann is blessed with a reckless imagination.” —Bob Minzesheimer\, USA Today (3 1/2 stars) \n  “Let the Great World Spin is one of the twenty-first century’s most celebrated novels thus far—with a National Book Award and an IMPAC Dublin Literary Award among its lauds. Not an easy act to follow. But McCann is an acrobat\, and TransAtlantic is entrancing . . . Trusting and economic\, McCann folds his epic meticulously into this relatively slim volume like an accordion; each pleat holds music—elation and sorrow.” —Tucker Shaw\, Denver Post \n“Lyrical . . . The prose throughout is vivid and forceful.” —Thomas Chatterton Williams\, The Wall Street Journal \n“Can the story of the wife of an ice merchant in Grand River\, Michigan\, compete with the remarkable history of Douglass in Ireland? Indeed. Maintaining the continuity of our interest is the essence of McCann’s talent . . . Under the influence of his serene melody . . . the small\, unlikely moments accrue lasting importance in a ‘silence . . . lined with tenderness.’” —Ron Charles\, The Washington Post Book World \n “Another sweeping\, beautifully constructed tapestry of life . . . Like Virginia Woolf\, McCann is a master of stream-of-consciousness narrative . . . [His] short phrases overlap\, like dabs in a pointillist painting\, creating a richly detailed picture that feels like slipping inside the characters’ heads\, joining them as they live their lives\, if only for a moment . . . Reading McCann is a rare joy.” —Moira Macdonald\, The Seattle Times \n“[In] this beautifully wrought novel . . . [McCann] expertly juggles a cast of fictional and historical characters.” —“The Must List\,” Entertainment Weekly \n“Gripping\, immersive\, and suspenseful\, written in words that sing.” —Amy Driscoll\, Miami Herald \n“McCann moves seamlessly among centuries and generation . . . integrat[ing] his characters’ disparate stories\, times and places with astonishing skill. Indeed\, our admiration for this feat of literary legerdemain almost causes us to overlook the novel’s other virtues—the depth of McCann’s characters\, the beauty of his prose and the sheer power of his story.” —Mike Snyder\, Houston Chronicle \n “The stories told in TransAtlantic combine tight\, intensely lyrical writing . . . and a nearly epic scope involving events unfolding over three different centuries.” —Mike Fischer\, Milwaukee Journal Sentinel \n “When McCann is engaged with the particularities of place and character\, on either side of the Atlantic\, he is in the premier league of contemporary novelists.” —Robert Cremins\, Minneapolis Star Tribune \nSee more Maine Irish Reads Events Here
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-reads-transatlantic-by-colum-mccann/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maine-Irish-Reads-Sept-26-banner.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T170000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260903T190000
DTSTAMP:20260724T202927Z
CREATED:20260724T201725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260724T202927Z
UID:10001123-1788454800-1788462000@maineirish.com
SUMMARY:Maine Irish Writes: September
DESCRIPTION:We are thrilled to present our second season of Maine Irish Writes\, an inclusive monthly writers’ group that will meet in the MIHC Library on the first Thursday of each month! \nLed by the incredible poet and author Robert Breen\, this welcoming writers group is open to all—whether you’re just starting out or deep into a manuscript. Bring your works in progress\, share your voice\, and receive supportive\, thoughtful feedback in a relaxed and inspiring setting. Together\, we’ll explore storytelling\, poetry\, memory\, and the written word in all its forms. Come to listen\, come to write\, come to connect. \nA few notes on the format of these Writers’ Group meetings: \nFor all interested writers \n\nDetermine your goal\, the primary target for your project— fiction\, poetry\, nonfiction\, memoir or autobiography.\nFor beginners this will be a discovery time\, your goal should be to have fun with this phase.\nTake time and have patience with yourself!\nWe ask that all members actively bring work to participate in each session\nThose that have work ready will be heard— with a 10-minute reading time and critique so to allow all to be heard.\nHave your written piece of literature with 3 copies allowing the group to follow and partake in the evaluation of the work.\n\nWriter’s Technique Method Used\nThe Layer Cake Method is a classic technique used to deliver constructive criticism without causing defensiveness. And keep the writer motivated while highlighting areas that need improvement. \n\n(Positive): Start with genuine praise. Highlight a specific strength\, like a strong voice\, sharp dialogue\, or an engaging hook.\n(Constructive): Insert the critique or area for improvement. Focus on actionable issues like pacing lags\, confusing plot points\, or passive verbs. Poetry example- the use of metaphors\, and forms.\n(Upbeat): End with encouragement and forward momentum. Reiterate your belief in the story or poem express excitement to read the next draft.\n\nCheck out the rest of the series dates HERE!
URL:https://maineirish.com/event/maine-irish-writes-september-26/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Maine-Irish-Writes-sept-26.jpg
ORGANIZER;CN="Maine Irish Heritage Center":MAILTO:maineirish@maineirish.com
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260902T193000
DTSTAMP:20260806T183238Z
CREATED:20260415T161523Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T183238Z
UID:10001101-1788372000-1788377400@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-4/
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:20260826T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260826T193000
DTSTAMP:20260415T204257Z
CREATED:20260415T161434Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T204257Z
UID:10001100-1787767200-1787772600@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-3/
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:20260819T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260819T193000
DTSTAMP:20260806T183351Z
CREATED:20260415T161324Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T183351Z
UID:10001099-1787162400-1787167800@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-2/
LOCATION:Maine Irish Heritage Center\, 34 Gray St\, Portland\, ME\, 04102\, United States
ATTACH;FMTTYPE=image/jpeg:https://maineirish.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/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:20260812T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260812T193000
DTSTAMP:20260806T183426Z
CREATED:20260415T161234Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260806T183426Z
UID:10001098-1786557600-1786563000@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/
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:20260805T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260805T193000
DTSTAMP:20260415T204241Z
CREATED:20260415T161025Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T204241Z
UID:10001097-1785952800-1785958200@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-8-5-26/
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:20260729T180000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260729T193000
DTSTAMP:20260415T204233Z
CREATED:20260415T160900Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260415T204233Z
UID:10001096-1785348000-1785353400@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-7-29-26/
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: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: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: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: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
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END:VCALENDAR