Irish Cultural Center Keeps Tradition Alive With Family-Friendly Community Center

Irish Cultural Center Keeps Tradition Alive With Family-Friendly Community Center

“May you always have walls for the winds, a roof for the rain, tea beside the fire, laughter to cheer you, those you love near you, and all your heart might desire.”

~Irish Blessing

For the last 3 years the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center has been in their new location at 6 Lake Avenue in Danbury, members have been working hard to add new and exciting programs to their schedule to keep the Irish heritage alive and well in the Greater Danbury area.  The goals of their organization are to teach about Irish heritage and culture for their own enrichment, as well as the for the next generation.   Classes and workshops for Irish language, dance, music, singing, genealogy, history and Gaelic help preserve the Irish heritage and carry on time-honored traditions. Events  include Irish language days, concerts, plays, games, lectures, book clubs and seisiúin.

Currently, the club offers weekly Irish language for beginners and intermediate levels as well as weekly céilí and set dancing classes and monthly seisiún.  and an annual 3 day Irish Festival (the Danbury Irish Festival) with a full program of traditional Irish cultural entertainment. Working with Irish dance and language instructors Philip Owens and Terry Gillan, owners of Gilleoghan Irish Dance in Bethel, the club brings in high quality lessons and education at affordable prices. Children and adults alike participate in the family friendly events and classes in the warm and welcoming atmosphere.

In addition to traditional Irish offerings, the club blends the old world with the new with fun nights such as Trivia Tuesdays and  Karaoke Thursdays with host Johnny Love, and live bands on Friday and Saturday evenings.  People of all backgrounds are considered for membership to the Irish Club under a sponsorship program, however to become a member of the Ancient Order of  Hibernians which also meets at the club, one must be of Irish Catholic descent.

New this summer is a brand new menu, created by their Johnson and Wales trained alum, Chef Brian. Working to keep traditional Irish fare on the menu while also adding American favorites, Chef Brian prepares food to please all palettes. Dinner is served Thursday through Saturday evening. The pub offers imported and domestic bottled and tap beers, as well as wine and liquor all at very reasonable prices.

The Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center’s biggest event of the year is the Danbury Irish Festival- a weekend of Irish food, culture, music and vendors- held at the Ives Center, September 28, 29, and 30, 2012. More details to follow.

For more information about the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center, please click here.

For more information about the Danbury Irish Festival, please click here.