Irish New Year's Eve
Join us on New Year’s Eve as we toast to 2025 with our friends in Ireland - and on Irish time! Eddie Delahunt will provide the tunes as we sing our way into the new year.
We Don't Know Ourselves by Fintan O'Toole
We Don't Know Ourselves is a very personal vision of recent Irish history from the year of O'Toole's birth, 1958, down to the present.
In Concert: The Bow Tides
The Bow Tides is a powerhouse Celtic ensemble led by three Irish fiddlers: Ellery Klein, Jessie Burns and champion Irish dancer Katie Grennan. These dynamic women are veterans of the stage and studio, with a collective 16 years as the fiddlers with the Irish-American supergroup Gaelic Storm.
Cyprus Avenue (play) by David Ireland
Gerry Adams has disguised himself as a newborn baby and successfully infiltrated my family home. David Ireland’s black comedy takes one man’s identity crisis to the limits as he uncovers the modern day complexity of Ulster Loyalism.
I Can't Believe It's Not Ireland!
A one-man show about the past and the future, the show explores the history of plantation, partition, and the Irish Protestant contribution to Irish (and American) life - then projects to 2032 to see what a United Ireland will be like.
In Concert: The Jeremiahs
In the year 2013, weathering the initial challenges of starting a band, The Jeremiahs formed to become a welcome gopher in the garden of Celtic music, quickly grabbing the attention of Irish Music Magazine’s Sean Laffey says they are “One of the freshest bands in traditional music “, and Live Ireland who published “They are the real deal”.
Motherfoclóir: Dispatches from a not so dead language by Darach O'Séaghdha
As the title suggests, Motherfoclóir takes an irreverent, pun-friendly and contemporary approach to the Irish language.
In Concert: Neil Byrne
Neil Byrne is an Irish singer, songwriter and musician, best known as a member of the popular group Celtic Thunder. In addition to his work with Celtic Thunder, he is also an accomplished solo artist, having released several albums that showcase his range across genres like folk, pop, and traditional Irish music.
Classic Irish Short Stories, ed. by Frank O'Connor
In his introduction to this collection, Frank O'Connor, himself a distinguished short story writer, emphasizes the richness of the short story tradition in Ireland.
Intermezzo by Sally Rooney
An exquisitely moving story about grief, love, and family—but especially love—from the global phenomenon Sally Rooney.
December Céilí Night
A ceili, or Irish social dance, is the perfect way to spend time with friends, move your body, and celebrate summer! Grab some friends and join us on the dance floor. No experience required!
In Concert: Rory Makem
Through more than 34 years of plying his craft, Rory has established himself as one of the leading forces in the song tradition of Irish music.
December Movie Night: Brooklyn
Join the Irish Center as we screen the big screen adaptation of Colm Tóibín's modern classic, Brooklyn. In Brooklyn, Saoirse Ronan plays Eilis, an Irish immigrant who lands in 1950s Brooklyn.
The Paper Man by Billy O'Callaghan
Based on true events, The Paper Man is the story of twentieth-century Europe and love against the odds. It is a story that will take Jack far from Cork and all the way back to Vienna, and towards The Paper Man.
Opening Doors: The Unlikely Alliance Between the Irish and the Jews in America
The Kansas City Irish Center is partnering with our friends at the American Jewish Historical Society and the Glucksman Ireland House to jointly present, Opening Doors: The Unlikely Alliance Between the Irish and the Jews in America with author Hasia R. Diner in conversation with Terry Golway.
Popular belief holds that the various ethnic groups that emigrated to the United States at the turn of the twentieth century regarded one another with open hostility, fiercely competing for limited resources and even coming to blows in the crowded neighborhoods of major cities. One of the most enduring stereotypes is that of rabidly anti-Semitic Irish Catholics, like Father Charles Coughlin of Boston and the sensationalized Gangs of New York trope of Irish street thugs attacking defenseless Jewish immigrants.
In Opening Doors, Hasia R. Diner, one of the world’s preeminent historians of immigration, tells a very different story; far from confrontational, the prevailing relationships between Jewish and Irish Americans were overwhelmingly cooperative, and the two groups were dependent upon one another to secure stable and upwardly mobile lives in their new home. The Irish had emigrated to American cities en masse a generation before the first major wave of Jewish immigrants arrived, and had already entrenched themselves in positions of influence in urban governments, public education, and the labor movement. Jewish newcomers recognized the value of aligning themselves with another group of religious outsiders who were able to stand up and demand rights and respect despite widespread discrimination from the Protestant establishment, and the Irish realized that they could protect their political influence by mentoring their new neighbors in the intricacies of American life.
Opening Doors draws from a deep well of historical sources to show how Irish and Jewish Americans became steadfast allies in classrooms, picket lines, and political machines, and ultimately helped one another become key power players in shaping America’s future. In the wake of rising anti-Semitism and xenophobia today, this informative and accessible work offers an inspiring look at a time when two very different groups were able to find common ground and work together to overcome bigotry, gain representation, and move the country in a more inclusive direction.
Join the conversation virtually at the link above!
November Movie Night: Verdigris
Trapped in a marriage with a controlling husband, middle-aged, middle-class Marian takes on a secret part-time job as a census enumerator. . On her tough inner-city route, she faces locals who refuse to engage in the census. This includes no-nonsense teenager Jewel, who Marian soon realizes is living alone.
Marian strikes a deal with Jewel – she won't report her to the authorities if Jewel helps her get the locals to fill out their census forms. As they walk the streets of Dublin, an unlikely friendship blooms.
November Céilí Night
A ceili, or Irish social dance, is the perfect way to spend time with friends, move your body, and celebrate summer! Grab some friends and join us on the dance floor. No experience required!
Gramadach/Irish Grammar: Winter 2024
It's getting cold outside this winter, but the Irish language is cooler!
Grammar is for people with basic Irish or who have been through an introduction course or similar.
Improve your grammar, structure, and understanding in this course. Each class will begin with a short comhrá conversation session, followed by structured learning. We will be following along with Basic Irish: A Grammar and Workbook by Nancy Stenson, starting with spelling and punctuation.
Please contact Erin if you want to join us but are new to Irish grammar.
Muinteoir Erin is thrilled to be part of the team at the Irish Center after years of being part of the KC Irish community. Erin studied theatrical design and Spanish at K-State. Drama work actually led to a dabbling in Irish as a hobby. In 2020, with theatres closed, Erin took advantage of the time and began studying Irish in earnest. Since then, Gaeilge has become a true love and passion. Erin is excited to share the grá with the community.
This class will meet on Wednesdays from 6:45 - 8pm from September 11 - October 16. The class will meet in the Irish Center's first floor programming space at 15 W. Linwood Boulevard.
Continuing Irish: Winter 2024
It's getting cold outside this winter, but the Irish language is cooler!
Continuing Irish builds upon our Beginning Irish course. Delve deeper into understanding the history of the Irish language and gain a deeper comprehension of structure and grammar concepts through fun, practical applications of new words. Students will leave being able to hold basic conversations. This course is geared at newer learners wishing to continue improving their Irish skills.
Muinteoir Erin Hartnett is thrilled to be a part of the team at the Irish Center after years of being part of the KC Irish community. Erin studied theatrical design and Spanish at K-State. Drama work actually led to a dabbling in Irish as a hobby. In 2020, with theatres closed, Erin took advantage of the time and began studying Irish in earnest. Since then, Gaeilge has become a true love and passion. Erin is excited to share the grá with the community.
This course is geared at newer learners wishing to continue improving their Irish skills. It is not aimed at absolute beginners. The course will meet from 6:45-7:45pm on Wednesdays from September 11 - October 16.
The course will meet in the Irish Center's programming space at 15 W. Linwood Boulevard.
Beginning Irish: Winter 2024
It's getting cold outside this winter, but the Irish language is cooler!
Basic Irish aims to guide students through a basic understanding of the history of the Irish language and introduce structure and grammar concepts through fun, practical applications of new words. Students will leave being able to hold simple conversations.
Muinteoir Erin Hartnett is thrilled to be a part of the team at the Irish Center after years of being part of the KC Irish community. Erin studied theatrical design and Spanish at K-State. Drama work actually led to a dabbling in Irish as a hobby. In 2020, with theatres closed, Erin took advantage of the time and began studying Irish in earnest. Since then, Gaeilge has become a true love and passion. Erin is excited to share the grá with the community.
This course is geared at brand-new speakers of the Irish language and will meet from 6-7pm on Wednesdays from September 11 - October 16.
The course will meet in the Irish Center's programming space at 15 W. Linwood Boulevard.
'The Hunter' by Tana French
An Instant New York Times Bestseller. From the New York Times bestselling author of The Searcher and “one of the greatest crime novelists writing today” (Vox), a spellbinding new novel set in the Irish countryside.
October Genealogy Workshop: Fun with Family History
This talk is not about names and dates, but family pictures and stories…….and grandma's cookie recipe!
No matter where you are in the genealogy journey, join us for this workshop and learn tips and tricks about how to share and enjoy your family history. Barbara will share ideas for photos, memory books, recipe collections, and all the other fun ways to share all your genealogy information with your family, and preserve it for the future.
This workshop will begin at 10am and will be held in the 15 Linwood programming space.
October Movie Night: The Dead
Join the Irish Center as we screen The Dead. A festive holiday dinner in Ireland at the turn of the 20th century brings epiphanies for a married couple.
POSTPONED: A Night in November
The October 11 performance of A Night in November will be postponed. A rescheduled date will be announced on the Irish Center website and social media outlets as soon as possible!
Ticket holders should check their email for further details.
October Céilí Night
A ceili, or Irish social dance, is the perfect way to spend time with friends, move your body, and celebrate summer! Grab some friends and join us on the dance floor. No experience required!
'How to Build a Boat' by Elaine Feeney
This is the story of a remarkable boy and his search for his mother, told with warmth, tenderness and flair
In Concert: The Byrne Brothers
Join us on September 23 as we welcome The Byrne Brothers back to the Irish Center!
The Byrne Brothers, from Donegal, Ireland, are a multi award winning family band currently taking the Irish American scene by storm!
Genealogy Workshop: Using DNA to Find Family
Join KCIC's crackerjack genealogist-in-residence, Barbara, and learn more about how to use our unique DNA to find matches across the world.
September Movie Night: Herself
Join the Irish Center as we screen Herself, the edgy 2022 release from Phyllida Lloyd, the director of Mamma Mia and The Iron Lady.
Gramadach/Irish Grammar: Fall 2024
Get your Gaeilge going this fall at the Irish Center! This class is aimed at students with some experience in the Irish language.
Grammar iis for people continuing from our previous course and/or the Grammar Bootcamps. Improve your grammar, structure, and understanding in this course. We will be working through, 'Basic Irish: A Grammar and Workbook' by Nancy Stenson, from Chapter 11: Present Tense Verbs. If you are new to this text, attendance at the Grammar Bootcamp or previous grammar sessions is highly encouraged. Please contact Erin if you want to join us but are new to Irish grammar.
Muinteoir Erin is thrilled to be part of the team at the Irish Center after years of being part of the KC Irish community. Erin studied theatrical design and Spanish at K-State. Drama work actually led to a dabbling in Irish as a hobby. In 2020, with theatres closed, Erin took advantage of the time and began studying Irish in earnest. Since then, Gaeilge has become a true love and passion. Erin is excited to share the grá with the community.
This class will meet on Wednesdays from 6:45 - 8pm from September 11 - October 16. The class will meet in the Irish Center's first floor programming space at 15 W. Linwood Boulevard.
Beginning Irish: Fall 2024
Get your Gaeilge going with the Kansas City Irish Center!
Basic Irish aims to guide students through a basic understanding of the history of the Irish language and introduce structure and grammar concepts through fun, practical applications of new words. Students will leave being able to hold simple conversations.
Muinteoir Erin Hartnett is thrilled to be a part of the team at the Irish Center after years of being part of the KC Irish community. Erin studied theatrical design and Spanish at K-State. Drama work actually led to a dabbling in Irish as a hobby. In 2020, with theatres closed, Erin took advantage of the time and began studying Irish in earnest. Since then, Gaeilge has become a true love and passion. Erin is excited to share the grá with the community.
This course is geared at brand-new speakers of the Irish language and will meet from 6-7pm on Wednesdays from September 11 - October 16.
The course will meet in the Irish Center's programming space at 15 W. Linwood Boulevard.
September Céilí Night
A ceili, or Irish social dance, is the perfect way to spend time with friends, move your body, and celebrate summer! Grab some friends and join us on the dance floor. No experience required!
'The Bee Sting' by Paul Murray
From the author of Skippy Dies comes Paul Murray's The Bee Sting, an irresistibly funny, wise, and thought-provoking tour de force about family, fortune, and the struggle to be a good person when the world is falling apart.
August Céilí Night
A ceili, or Irish social dance, is the perfect way to spend time with friends, move your body, and celebrate summer! Grab some friends and join us on the dance floor. No experience required!
Ballroom Boxing IV: Brawl in the Hall
Look, we love all of our events here at the Irish Center, but one has a very special place in our hearts. Are you ready for Brawl in The Hall? Mark your calendars for this can’t-miss event!
Church Records
We'll touch on Roman Catholic records, Church of Ireland records, Presbyterian records, and Quaker records and see what we can find out!
July Movie Night: The Commitments
Join the Irish Center as we screen the classic Irish film The Commitments! Funny, musical and occasionally dramatic, this is the story of tumultuous rise and fall of a Dublin Soul band, The Commitments.
Irish Grammar Bootcamp
This bootcamp program is aimed at Irish language students looking to catch up before the fall language term begins. This session will cover chapters 6-10 of Nancy Stenson's Basic Irish.
July Céilí Night
A ceili, or Irish social dance, is the perfect way to spend time with friends, move your body, and celebrate summer! Grab some friends and join us on the dance floor. No experience required!
Irish Language Drop-in Night
Learn something new this summer with the Irish Center! Join us for cluiche cártaí nó cluiche cártaí eile agus comhrá réchúiseach / card games or other games and relaxed conversation.