ENTER THE GREAT IRISH GETAWAY SWEEPSTAKES: DESTINATION DINGLE – Win a week in an oceanview cottage and a $1,000 airfare credit!
Claddagh Awards 2025
Thursday, November 20th, 2025
Reception begins: 5:30pm
Programming begins: 7:00pm
The Maine Irish Heritage Center proudly announces the return of the Claddagh Awards, a cherished tradition honoring the Irish values of friendship, loyalty, and community. Each year, the award is presented to a distinguished individual in Maine whose life of service strengthens our communities and inspires others through their leadership and commitment.
This year, we are honored to present the 2025 Claddagh Award to Congresswoman Chellie Pingree, in recognition of her decades of dedicated public service to Maine. The award will be presented by Ambassador Geraldine Byrne Nason, Ireland’s 19th Ambassador to the United States, who will be making an official visit to Maine.
The evening will also include the presentation of the Halla Cairde Award to Will Woodson and Cait Finley, recognizing their enduring contributions to our community.
The Great Irish Getaway Sweepstakes
Destination: Dingle!
One lucky winner. One unforgettable trip.
Whether you’re packing your bags for Dingle or settling into the best seat at MIHC, The Great Irish Getaway, Destination: Dingle is your ticket to culture, community, and adventure. Enter today—your Irish journey begins here!
Grand Prize: A Dream Getaway to Dingle, Ireland
Imagine yourself strolling the colorful streets of Dingle, perched along Ireland’s Wild Atlantic Way. With music in the air, cliffs at your feet, and pints waiting in cozy pubs, it’s the perfect mix of adventure and charm.
2nd Prize: MIHC Season Pass for Two
Stay closer to home while still traveling through music, stories, and community with the Maine Irish Heritage Center.
Rent Our Space
The perfect venue for any occasion!
Host your event in the heart of Portland at the Maine Irish Heritage Center, one of the most magnificent buildings in Maine. It’s the ideal venue for weddings, music, theater productions, film screenings, workshops, business meetings, club gatherings, lectures, luncheons, parties, reunions, funerals, and life celebrations.
Meet Deklin Fitzgerald, the first Mitchell Scholar to benefit from the fellowship-funding partnership between the Maine Irish Heritage Center and the Mitchell Institute. Our scholarship honors the memory of Eddie Murphy, and supports Mitchell Scholars who pursue fellowship opportunities in Ireland.
The Maine Irish Heritage Center Hours
Library and Self-Guided Genealogy Research
Thursdays 10:00 – 2:00
Our sincere thanks to our members, donors, business sponsors, grant and foundation supporters.
Special thanks to the Irish government for their investment in the Maine Irish Heritage Center.