Bolton Irish Community Association

19/10/2026

🎃 Did You Know? Halloween Has Irish Roots! 🇮🇪

With Halloween just around the corner, did you know that many of the traditions we celebrate today have their roots in ancient Ireland?

The Celtic festival of Samhain marked the end of the harvest and the beginning of winter.

Long before pumpkins became popular, people in Ireland carved frightening faces into turnips to make lanterns!

From costumes and storytelling to games and gatherings, Irish traditions have helped shape Halloween celebrations around the world.

💚 Do you remember any Irish Halloween traditions from your childhood?

04/10/2026

Great turnout for our latest Irish Music Sunday Session with Ashley Palmer

We said farewell to our former Committee Member, John McCaffery who will shortly be returning to Ireland.

Everyone at the Bolton Irish Community Association would like to say a big “Thank You” to John for all his help and support over the years and wish him well in his next chapter.

01/10/2026

🎶☘️ Irish Music Sunday Socials – Venue Update!

A quick update for everyone – all of our remaining 2026 Irish Music Sunday Socials will now take place at The Churchgate Bar, Bolton. 📍

And we’re kicking things off this Sunday 4th October with live music from the fantastic Ashley Palmer! 🎤🎸

📍 The Churchgate Bar, Bolton
📅 Sunday 4th October
🕐 From 1:00pm

Coming up next:

🎶 1st November – Peter Mylett
🎶 6th December – Performer TBC

Both will also be at The Churchgate Bar

Come along for an afternoon of live Irish music, good company and a great atmosphere.

28/09/2026

🏠Irish Britain: Homes, Communities and Social Housing

We’re pleased to share details of an upcoming Housing Diversity Network Summit taking place at the Irish World Heritage Centre in Manchester this November.

The conference will explore the important role Irish communities have played in shaping housing and communities across Britain – bringing together housing professionals, community leaders, researchers and residents to discuss **heritage, belonging and the future of social housing.

📅 Thursday 12th November 2026
🕤 9:30am – 4:00pm
📍 Irish World Heritage Centre, Manchester

A great opportunity to celebrate the contribution of Irish communities while exploring how their experiences can help create more inclusive and connected neighbourhoods today. 🇮🇪🤝

21/09/2026

☘️🌍 Irish Culture Around the World 🇮🇪

It was fantastic to see Ireland taking centre stage at the Tocatí Traditional Games Festival in Verona this weekend.

From Gaelic Games and traditional currach building to Aran knitting, Irish music and dance, Irish heritage was proudly celebrated and shared with visitors from around the world.

It’s wonderful to see traditions being passed on, celebrated and continuing to bring communities together wherever in the world they may be. 💚

What part of Irish culture and heritage means the most to you?

04/09/2026

☘️🎶 IRISH MUSIC SUNDAY SESSION – NEW VENUE!

Just a quick update for everyone — this coming Sunday’s Irish Music Session** will now take place at:

📍 THE CHURCHGATE BAR
Churchgate, Bolton
BL1 1HU

Please share and spread the word*so everyone knows about the change of venue.

See you there! 🍻🎶🇮🇪

28/08/2026

26/08/2026

🎶☘️ Irish Music Sunday Socials are back! ☘️🎶

Join us at The Blarney Stone, Bolton on the first Sunday of every month for an afternoon of live music, great company and plenty of Irish spirit! 🇮🇪

🎵 6th September – Burke N Hoff
🎵 4th October – Ashley Palmer
🎵 November – Peter Mylett
🎵 6th December – Patsy Davis Jackson

🕐 Music starts from 1:00pm

Whether you're a familiar face or joining us for the first time, we'd love to see you there.

☘️ Everyone welcome – come along and enjoy a great Sunday afternoon with us! 🎶

24/08/2026

We’re heading to Southport on Sunday 20th September for a great day out with our community!

🚌 Depart Bolton at 11:00am
💷 £5 returnable deposit for coach travel
🍽️ Sunday lunch included at a local Irish bar
🌊 Free time to enjoy Southport
🕗 Depart Southport at 8:00pm

Members only.

Places must be reserved before Friday 11th September

📞 To book your place, please contact Kath Flatley (Secretary) on 07799 626990

We’re looking forward to a brilliant day out and some great company! ☘️🇮🇪

13/08/2026

Proof the cosmos prefers its stout extra dark 😜🌒🌓🌝