Irish Benevolent Society of London & Area

Irish Benevolent Society of London & Area Working together in harmony for the purpose of preserving our Irish heritage and performing works of benevolence. The President holds office for two years.

On March 12th, 1877 in London, Ontario, Canada, a small group of Irish born and others of Irish descent from different religions and politics organized The Irish Benevolent Society. Its purpose was, and remains, to provide opportunities for members and their friends to engage in benevolent activities and to preserve their Irish heritage. Item 17 of the Society’s Constitution and By-laws is a good

example of one of the unique features of this organization:

At the election of officers it has been a rule of the Irish Benevolent Society and shall so continue that Presidents shall be alternately Protestant and Catholic. The Executive Officers are equally representative of the Roman Catholic and Protestant religions. The ability of this group to work in harmony to the benefit of their community continues to provide a fine example of mutual respect. The Society’s history became the subject of a book entitled “The Luck of the Irish in Canada: A History of the Irish Benevolent Society of London and Middlesex” by Gordon J. Sanderson. We have created this page to further promote our mission statement and celebrate our Irish culture. We will be posting acts of kindness, events, historical information, images, art/music, videos, community connections, information on searching Irish genealogy and other Irish content. We hope you will share your stories as well!

04/05/2026

The Irish Benevolent Society invites you to embrace the renewal of Easter, a time to rediscover hope and foster positive transformation in your life and community.

03/14/2026

St. Up at Cove Road for the St. Patrick's Day Celebrations.

03/14/2026

Setting up at Cove Road for the St. Patrick's Day Festivities!

With Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉
03/14/2026

With Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre – I just got recognized as one of their top fans! 🎉

03/12/2026

It is with great regret that we announce the passing of Harvey Gleason. Mr. Gleason was a former President of the Irish Benevolent Society, serving in 1998. He will be deeply missed by his family and the members of the Society.

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal; Love leaves a memory no one can steal."

03/11/2026

At midnight tonight, the doors close for tickets to our St. Patrick's Day Lunch.

If you're coming, now's the time!

☘️ An Unforgettable Celebration of Irish Music & DanceThis year’s 149th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon is more than a...
03/07/2026

☘️ An Unforgettable Celebration of Irish Music & Dance

This year’s 149th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon is more than a meal — it’s a live showcase of extraordinary Irish talent.

From the moment you arrive to the final applause, you’ll be surrounded by the sounds, stories, and spirit of Ireland — both traditional and modern.

The afternoon begins gently, as Bob Peel welcomes guests with the timeless beauty of the Irish harp — setting the tone with elegance and heritage.

Then the energy builds.

Tony Nother brings his accordion to life, leading the room in spirited sing-alongs that have tables swaying and voices rising together.

You’ll be moved by the breathtaking vocals of Katie MacLeod, whose rendition of Grace has brought many to tears.

The rich harmonies and shared passion of Mna na hEireann remind us of the power of women’s voices in Irish music — heartfelt, proud, and timeless.

Mentored by two of Ireland’s finest musicians, Rachel & Johnny bring the distinctive East Clare style to life with concertina, tenor banjo, bouzouki and song. When they’re not in Ireland, they’re building the Irish music community right here at home — through seisiúns, céilís, and the Forest City Irish Fest.

Direct from Ireland, Johnny Murphy delivers authentic Irish song straight from the source — a true connection to home.

Then comes the vibrant next generation of Celtic sound.

Feed the Ducks, a dynamic duo blending fiddle, whistles, bodhrán, guitar and vocals, bring a fresh, modern pulse to ancient melodies — rooted in tradition, alive with energy.

And no St. Patrick’s Day celebration would be complete without dance.

The Goggin Stewart Irish Dancers will light up the room with traditional team and solo dances that have remained virtually unchanged for over 150 years — alongside contemporary choreography that keeps the tradition evolving.

Together, this lineup creates something special:

Not a performance.

Not background music.

But a shared Irish experience.

A celebration of heritage.

A celebration of talent.

A celebration of community.

And it all happens March 17. At the Best Western Plus Lamplighter Inn & Conference Centre

Our St. Patrick's Day LunchThe afternoon begins with the gentle elegance of the Irish harp. Bob Peel welcomes guests wit...
03/04/2026

Our St. Patrick's Day Lunch

The afternoon begins with the gentle elegance of the Irish harp. Bob Peel welcomes guests with music that instantly transports you across the Atlantic — a beautiful and fitting start to our celebration.

Always a welcoming tradition.

Start St. Patrick’s Day the right way.A good, solid 3-course meal.Fantastic live entertainment.Music, dancing, laughter ...
03/04/2026

Start St. Patrick’s Day the right way.

A good, solid 3-course meal.
Fantastic live entertainment.
Music, dancing, laughter — and a room full of community.

Join us for the
149th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Luncheon

📍 Lamplighter Inn
📅 Tuesday, March 17
🕦 doors open at 11:00 AM for registration

It’s March Break — bring the kids.
It’s lunchtime — treat your staff to a festive Paddy’s Day celebration.
It’s been a while since you joined us? We’d love to welcome you back.

This isn’t a late-night pub crawl.
It’s a joyful, welcoming, high-energy Irish celebration for all ages.

🎟️ Ticket sales end March 10.

No tickets available after that date.

If you’ve been thinking about it — this is your moment.
We’d love to have you with us on March 17th. ☘️

There’s still time to send your favourite child to Ireland this summer. A great opportunity to build leadership, make ne...
03/01/2026

There’s still time to send your favourite child to Ireland this summer.

A great opportunity to build leadership, make new friends and have the time of their life.

The Irish Benevolent Society, with support of the London Irish Canadian Cultural Society and Nothers The Award Store, is proud to once again sponsor three local high school students to attend the Celtic Irish American Academy in Galway, Ireland. This is more than a trip — it’s a life-shaping exp...

Here’s a chance to get a bit of practise in before the BIG day. Hope to see you there.
03/01/2026

Here’s a chance to get a bit of practise in before the BIG day. Hope to see you there.

Address

London, ON
N5X4J8

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