Irish American Heritage Center

08/24/2026

📚☘️ THIS SATURDAY: MEET THE AUTHOR & DISCOVER THE STORY BEHIND CELTIC KNOT!

Join us at the Irish American Heritage Center this Saturday, August 29 at 11:00 AM for a special FREE morning with Chicago author Robert Patrick Conlon, featuring a reading, discussion, Q&A, and book signing for his debut novel, Celtic Knot: An Orphan’s Tale of Survival, Family, and Love in Chicago.

Inspired by the remarkable true story of Conlon’s grandfather, Celtic Knot follows eight-year-old Tim, the son of Irish immigrants, after he is orphaned in 1885 and forced to survive on the streets of Chicago. His story unfolds against some of the city’s most defining moments, weaving together Irish-American history, family, resilience, survival, and the changing landscape of Chicago.

Conlon will take guests behind the story and the extensive research that brought it to life, followed by an opportunity to ask questions, meet the author, and have copies of Celtic Knot signed. The book has also been featured on WGN-TV and continues to connect with readers throughout the Chicago area.

☘️ Saturday, August 29
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 Irish American Heritage Center
🎟️ FREE ADMISSION — All are welcome!
📚 Book signing to follow

If you love Chicago history, Irish-American stories, genealogy, or discovering the real family histories behind a book, spend your Saturday morning with us!

RSVP is optional but appreciated. 📖☘️

08/24/2026

☘️ Strengthening the Chicago–Galway Connection! 🇮🇪🤝🇺🇸

It was wonderful for members of the Irish American Heritage Center staff team to recently meet the newly elected Mayor of Galway, Helen Ogbu, and connect with members of the visiting Galway delegation here in Chicago!

As Chicago and Galway approach 30 years as Sister Cities in 2027, opportunities like these are a wonderful reminder of the longstanding cultural ties between our two communities and the importance of continuing to strengthen those relationships through culture, education, tourism, and community connection.

We were delighted to be part of the conversation and look forward to seeing the relationship between Chicago and Galway continue to grow! ☘️🌆🇮🇪

08/24/2026

☕ A WONDERFUL MORNING OF TEA, POETRY & COMMUNITY! 📚

What a beautiful way to welcome back the IAHC Saturday Morning Tea Series! Thank you to everyone who joined us for our special tea celebrating acclaimed Chicago author, poet, educator, and longtime IAHC artist John S. O’Connor. 💚

Guests enjoyed a wonderful morning of tea, sandwiches, scones, sweets, poetry, music, storytelling, and conversation, with John sharing selections from his work and stories from his remarkable career. It was especially meaningful to celebrate one of our own IAHC artists and bring our community together around literature, creativity, and Irish-American culture.

And, of course, a huge thank you to John S. O’Connor for sharing his talents, stories, and time with us and making the morning so memorable! ☕📖🎶

Thank you to everyone who helped make the return of this beloved IAHC tradition such a success. We can’t wait to gather around the tea table again soon! ☘️✨

08/18/2026

⚾☘️ THIS SATURDAY: RIDE WITH US TO CHICAGO DOGS x IAHC PARTNERSHIP NIGHT! 🍻🎆

We’re taking over the ballpark THIS SATURDAY, AUGUST 22, and we want the IAHC community there with us! Join us for a full evening of Irish pride, baseball, live music, fireworks, and plenty of craic as the Chicago Dogs celebrate the Irish American Heritage Center during their St. Pat’s Day & Fireworks Night!

🚌 AND DON’T WORRY ABOUT DRIVING—TAKE THE IAHC TROLLEY!

Start the fun right here at the Fifth Province Pub, then hop aboard our trolley and ride to the game together!

🚌 Leaves the IAHC at 4:30 PM
⚾ Round-trip transportation: $20 per person
🍻 Alcoholic AND non-alcoholic drinks included on the ride!
🚌 Tentative return to the IAHC around 9:30 PM

TROLLEY SEATING IS LIMITED, so if you want to ride with us, reserve your seat in advance! Grab some friends, meet us at the Fifth Province, enjoy a drink on the way, and let us handle the transportation. 🍻🚌

🎶 PLUS—THE GARDA PIPES & DRUMS ARE TAKING THE FIELD!

We’re especially excited to announce that the Garda Pipes and Drums, led by IAHC Board President Tom Herion, will perform the official pregame show at 5:30 PM! Come early and help us give them a huge IAHC welcome as they kick off the evening in true Irish style! 🥁☘️

⚾ Game begins at 6:00 PM
🎟️ Game tickets are only $15.50, including fees!
🎩 St. Patrick’s Day hat giveaway for the first 1,000 fans
🎟️ IAHC 50/50 raffle
⚾ Ceremonial first pitch featuring the IAHC
🎆 Spectacular post-game fireworks!

This isn’t just another baseball game—it’s an entire evening celebrating Chicago’s Irish community and the Irish American Heritage Center!

GET YOUR GAME TICKETS AND RESERVE YOUR TROLLEY SEAT NOW! 🚌⚾☘️

Grab your green, gather your crew, meet us at the Fifth Province, and let’s show up for the IAHC this Saturday! 🇮🇪💚🎆

08/18/2026

🍀 FEELING LUCKY? BINGO IS BACK TOMORROW NIGHT! 🎱

Shake off the midweek slump and join us Wednesday, August 19, for another round of BINGO at the Fifth Province Pub! 🎉

Grab your friends, claim your lucky seat, and get ready for an evening of bingo, prizes, pub food, cold drinks, and plenty of craic! Whether you’re a seasoned bingo pro or playing for the very first time, everyone’s got a chance to yell BINGO! 🏆

📅 Wednesday, August 19
🚪 Doors Open: 6:00 PM
🎱 First Call: 7:00 PM
🎟️ $10 per card — purchase at the door
🔞 21+

🍔🍻 Come hungry! The Fifth Province Pub will be serving up food and drinks throughout the evening.

The more cards, the more chances to win—so bring your lucky charm, round up your crew, and join us tomorrow night!

08/18/2026

✒️ CALLIGRAPHY & COCKTAILS IS TOMORROW! 🍸

Grab a drink, pick up a pen, and get creative with us tomorrow night, Wednesday, August 19, at the Fifth Province Pub!

This month’s Calligraphy & Cocktails Drop-In will explore the Neuland Hand, a bold, fun, and expressive lettering style. Whether you’re an experienced calligrapher or have never tried calligraphy before, all skill levels are welcome!

The evening will be led by Lisa Kivland and Laurie Paolinetti of the Chicago Calligraphy Collective, who will guide you through the basics while you enjoy a relaxed and creative night in the pub.

✒️ Bring your own broad-edge pen or marker and paper if you have them — don’t have supplies? No worries! We’ll have a few available to borrow.

📅 TOMORROW — Wednesday, August 19
⏰ 7:00–9:00 PM
📍 Fifth Province Pub at the IAHC
🎟️ $10 Admission

Come for the calligraphy, stay for the cocktails and craic! 🍸☘️ Reserve your spot today at the IAHC website!

08/18/2026

08/18/2026

☘️ THIS FRIDAY: GEORGE MURPHY LIVE AT THE IAHC — GET YOUR TICKETS NOW! 🎶

If you’ve been thinking about getting tickets, now is the time! This Friday, August 21, acclaimed Irish singer-songwriter George Murphy brings his 2026 U.S. Tour to the Fifth Province for a special live performance—and you don’t want to be the one hearing about how great it was afterward!

With his powerful, unmistakable voice, heartfelt songwriting, and deep connection to the Irish folk tradition, George has earned a reputation as one of Ireland’s most compelling contemporary folk performers. Many will also recognize him from his time performing with the internationally renowned The High Kings.

And this isn’t a concert where you’ll be watching from the back of a huge venue. You’ll experience George up close in the intimate atmosphere of the Fifth Province, surrounded by fellow music lovers with a pint in hand. 🍻🎸

📅 THIS FRIDAY, AUGUST 21
🕗 8:00 PM
📍 Fifth Province at the Irish American Heritage Center
🎟️ $30 General Admission | $25 IAHC Members

Whether you already know George’s music or simply love an incredible night of live Irish folk music, this is one to experience in person.

⚠️ DON’T WAIT UNTIL FRIDAY TO DECIDE! Purchase your tickets now, gather your friends, and make a night of it at the IAHC.

GET YOUR TICKETS TODAY AND JOIN US THIS FRIDAY! 🇮🇪🎶☘️

08/17/2026

CHICAGO, IT’S TIME TO CHEER ON OUR ROSE!🌹

What an incredible journey it has already been for our 2026 Chicago Rose, Fiona Gaffney, and tonight she takes the international stage at the Rose of Tralee International Festival!

Fiona’s journey began right here in Chicago, where she was selected as our 2026 Chicago Rose in April. A proud first-generation Irish American, Fiona’s connections to Ireland stretch across Westmeath, Waterford, Wexford, Galway, and Leitrim, and her commitment to Chicago’s Irish community runs just as deep. She has studied the Irish language for three years, is actively involved with organizations including Ireland Network Chicago and the Young Irish Fellowship Club, and has continually celebrated and strengthened the connection between Chicago and Ireland.

Since earning the Chicago Rose title, the excitement has been building toward this week in Ireland, where Fiona has joined Roses representing communities from across Ireland and around the world for the 2026 Rose of Tralee International Festival, taking place August 14–18.

And now, the moment we’ve all been waiting for is here! 🌹

TONIGHT, MONDAY, AUGUST 17, Fiona takes the stage representing CHICAGO! The International Roses will appear across the televised selection nights on August 17 and 18.

📺 WATCH LIVE ON RTÉ ONE
🌹 TONIGHT — MONDAY, AUGUST 17
🕑 STARTING AT 2:00 PM CHICAGO TIME

From Chicago all the way to Tralee, we could not be more excited to see Fiona represent our city and the incredible Irish-American community that calls Chicago home.

Let’s make sure Fiona feels the support from across the Atlantic! Tune in this afternoon, cheer her on, share your support, and show Ireland just how proud Chicago is of our Rose! 💚🤍🧡

GO FIONA! GO CHICAGO! 🌹☘️🇮🇪🇺🇸

08/13/2026

☕ Last Chance! Only a Few Seats Remain for This Saturday’s Tea! ☕

Our beloved Saturday Morning Tea Series returns this Saturday, August 15, and we have just a handful of tickets remaining!

Join us for a delightful morning of tea, conversation, and Irish culture as we celebrate acclaimed Chicago author, poet, educator, and longtime IAHC artist John S. O’Connor. John will be with us in person to share stories from his remarkable career, read selections of his poetry, and perform some of his music. His latest poetry collection, Streets & San, was named the 2025 Book of the Year by the Illinois State Poetry Society.

Enjoy a delicious assortment of tea sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cookies, desserts, seasonal fruit, and tea while spending the morning in wonderful company.

📅 Saturday, August 15
🕚 11:00 AM
📍 Irish American Heritage Center
🎟️ $35 per person

These are our final remaining tickets, so don’t wait! Reserve your seat today and join us for a memorable morning celebrating literature, music, community, and Irish hospitality. ☘️