NEXT UP IN PORTLAND

Open House After St. Patrick’s Day Parade

PARADE: SUNDAY, MARCH 17 ALONG COMMERCIAL STREET

Immediately following the parade, the Maine Irish Heritage Center will open its great green doors at 34 Gray Street from 1:00 to 4:00 for family-friendly fun. Connect with fellow Portlanders and visitors as we come together to celebrate our community’s diversity and vibrancy. There will be building tours, raffles, food trucks, live music, Irish dance, and more!

Free Admission: This celebration is open to all! Bring your friends and family, and let’s make this St. Patrick’s Day Parade a memorable community event. 

Forging Ties With the Mitchell Institute in Irish Studies

TWO MITCHELL SCHOLARS TO BENEFIT IN INAUGURAL YEAR

We are delighted to announce the creation of a new MIHC-Mitchell scholarship fund, augmenting awards for Mitchell Scholars who choose to pursue personal or professional enrichment opportunities in Ireland. The MIHC first established a scholarship fund in 2004 to honor Eddie Murphy (1939-2000), a well-known West End resident who founded the Portland St. Patrick’s parade in 1980. Already. this year the scholarships will double Mitchell Institute travel fellowships for two students. The fund will become a permanent part of the Maine Irish Heritage Center’s philanthropic work, establishing ongoing support for students from Maine interested in Ireland.

Poetry Night in the Great Hall

CELEBRATING SEAMUS HEANEY
WITH THREE MAINE POETS

In celebration of National Poetry Month (and Seamus Heaney’s birthday!), we will be hosting an evening of poetry readings featuring three extraordinary Maine poets: Robert Breen, Maya Stein, and Jeffrey Thomson. Doors open at 6:30 PM, and readings begin at 7:00 PM. Admission is free. Donations in support of the Maine Irish Heritage Center are welcome. A cash bar is available.

New! “Portland Irish” T-Shirt

Show up in style at your St Patrick’s Day Events!

Destined to be a classic, this ultra-cotton Hunter Green long-sleeved T-shirt is perfect for the chilly days ahead and some cool summer evenings as well. Net proceeds benefit the Maine Irish Heritage Center.

ONLY MAINE PERFORMANCE

Celtic Thunder’s Neil Byrne: Eyes of Eire Tour

APRIL 23      6 PM MEET & GREET       7:30 PM SHOW

Neil Byrne, the acclaimed Irish singer/songwriter/musician, is renowned for his captivating performances as lead singer of Celtic Thunder. With a seamless blend of Irish tradition and Americana flair, Neil’s solo shows transport audiences on a musical journey unlike any other. From heartfelt originals to beloved Celtic classics, immerse yourself in an unforgettable evening of storytelling and song. Secure your tickets now and save with exclusive discounts for MIHC members!

Maine Irish Reads

“The Hearts Invisible Furies”

Next Meeting 3/21 at 7:30 PM

A sweeping, heartfelt saga about the course of one man’s life, beginning and ending in post-war Ireland.

In Boyne’s most transcendent work to date, we are shown the story of Ireland from the 1940s to today through the eyes of one ordinary man. The Heart’s Invisible Furies is a novel to make you laugh and cry while reminding us all of the redemptive power of the human spirit.

IRISH GROCERIES AT MIHC
Bangers, Bacon and Beans, oh my!

We’ve restocked many popular items and added meat pasties and McCambridge soda bread mixes – both regular and gluten-free! The freezer is full of bangers, bacon and breads, even a regular and gluten-free soda bread baking kit! Everything in stock will be available for pickup at MIHC on Fridays between 10 AM – 2 PM.

Try Out Our Volunteer Portal

Use our online volunteer portal to discover how you can connect with us and make a difference in our community.  There’s something for everyone, from concerts to genealogy research and office work to greeting visitors and giving tours of our magnificent home in old St. Dom’s. Check out the portal and register at volunteer.maineirish.com or email volunteer@maineirish.com to join the team!

Eric C. Brown, Executive Director of the Maine Irish Heritage Center.

Dr. Eric C. Brown

Newly Appointed Executive Director of MIHC

A hearty Irish welcome to Dr. Eric C. Brown who has been appointed Executive Director for the Maine Irish Heritage Center. Brown, the former Provost for UMaine Farmington, is excited about his new role and promises to open “the great green doors” of the Center to the Portland community even wider. “We are a vital community center and a unique artistic and cultural resource for the Irish community. I am honored and privileged to lead the Center at this pivotal time in its storied history. I am thrilled to build upon many longstanding traditions and collaborations while deepening our connections throughout Portland and the state.”

NEW EXHIBITION

Imbolc 2024

Fáilte and welcome to the Carrickahowley Gallery’s St. Brigid’s Day exhibition. We are proud to feature the work of Jenny Belton, Eamon Colman, Season Dailey, Mary de Blacam, and Louise Neiland. We hope you enjoy the work of these fine artists.

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.

On-Demand Book Talks at MIHC

murky overhead by michael connolly

"Murky Overhead"

Enjoy the official launch of Murky Overhead, the latest book and debut novel from Michael Connolly. Music, special guests, and an engaging lecture about life in Portland Maine in the early 1900s.

murky overhead by michael connolly

"Forgetting Ireland"

Join author Bridget Connelly as she recounts her journey to discover her Connemara family’s roots and uncovers unexpected surprises.

murky overhead by michael connolly

"Old Ireland in Colour"

The Irish lived life in color. Now, you can view the history of Ireland from the mid-1850s through the end of “The Troubles” in stunning detail.

murky overhead by michael connolly

Searching for John Ford

Join author Joseph McBride, and film historian Gerald Peary, for a look at how Ford’s Maine roots shaped his prolific career as arguably the world’s finest film director.

murky overhead by michael connolly

"Women of the Irish Rising: A People's History

Author Michael Hogan writes of the courageous women who were gun runners, cared for the wounded, and even fought in battle themselves during the Easter Rising.  

Fáilte – Welcome!

Discover everything we have to offer as The Hub of All Things Irish in Maine. Enjoy these videos showcasing our organization or head over to our YouTube channel and watch them all.

Genealogy

Home of the Maine Gaeltacht Irish DNA Project.  Download the genealogy form to get started. Learn more…

Celebrations

Our stately, majestic building is the perfect venue for your unforgettable celebration. Learn More

Everything Irish

Irish American Club of Maine, the Claddagh Mhor Pipe Band, the Ancient Order of Hibernians… Learn More

News

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Welcome to the
Maine Irish Heritage Center

Browse around our website or come visit us in person.

Library

Thursdays  10:00 – 2:00

Genealogy Services

Fridays  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.

The Hub Of All things Irish in Maine