Féile John Ford
Féile John Ford is a unique cultural festival held in An Spidéal, Co. Galway, celebrating one of Hollywood’s greatest directors. The festival runs from Friday, 5th to Sunday, 7th September.
John Ford, both of whose parents came from the area known as Cois Fharraige (‘beside the sea’), holds the record for the most Academy Awards won by a director, with six Oscars to his name. Four as Best Director – The Informer (1935), The Grapes of Wrath (1935), How Green was my Valley (1941) and The Quiet Man (1952) and two for best documentary, The Battle of Midway (1942) and December 7th (1943).
A true giant of cinema, Ford shaped the course of American film and influenced generations of filmmakers around the world and this three-day festival brings his legacy home, honouring him through film screenings, talks, and a special exhibition.
PLUS! Local Author and Historian Michael Connolly has been asked to contribute to the program’s panel discussion entitled: From Cois Fharraige to Portland Maine: John Ford and The Irish-American Experience and The View from Portland, Maine!
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.
2025 Maine Irish Golf Scramble
September 20th at Riverside Golf Course
Shotgun Start at 1:00 PM | BBQ Dinner + Raffles
It might look like a long shot… but September 20th is just around the corner! Join us for a full day of fairways, fun, and fundraising at our annual Maine Irish Heritage Center Golf Scramble. Whether you’re in it to win it or just here for the BBQ and prizes, it’s always a blast.
Space is limited, so register early to secure your spot!
Bring your friends, your A-game (or just your sense of humor), and help support a great cause.
All proceeds benefit the Maine Irish Heritage Center.
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.