Irish Heritage Clubs to Join in All 50 States

Our Irish heritage is celebrated in style once a year in March, but Irish Heritage Clubs, found all over the United States, celebrate Irish culture all year round.

Saint Patrick’s Day comes but once a year, and once it has passed by you may tend to forget about your Irish heritage. If you’re anything like me, you loved the opportunity to celebrate your heritage, and you’re wishing you had more opportunities to do so.

Well, look no further! I've created a guide to Irish heritage organizations, museums, and significant historical locations all over the US that you could join to learn about Irish history, explore Irish language workshops, see performances of Irish music, help create a St. Patrick's Day parade, and get to know the Irish-American community in your area.

This is by no means a comprehensive of all there is in every state, but it will hopefully give you a helpful place to start in your area. If you know of any clubs that should be added to the list, simply let me know in the comments section and we'll grow this list over time.

I hope you enjoy exploring your Irish heritage, wherever you may be in the USA. Before we delve into a state-by-state guide let me first introduce you to some major Irish American organizations and Irish fraternal organizations that are found all over the United States to promote Irish culture and heritage.

Table of Contents

Irish Organizations Found All Over the US

The Ancient Order of Hibernians is an Irish Catholic society, that was first founded in New York City way back in 1836.

This organization still hosts local group meetings in many cities all over the US. If you are interested in learning more about the Irish in America, the Ancient Order of Hibernians has archive facilities in Washington DC, Philadelphia, Albany, NY, and Notre Dame, Indiana.

They organize many Irish parades throughout the USA during the month of March, and for decades were the sponsors of the largest parade in New York City.

In 1992, the National AOH made the decision that the NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade should be run under a separate corporation, St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Inc.

The Catholic Daughters of the Americas is one of the largest Catholic women’s organizations in the world. This group is not specifially limited to those with Irish roots, but many of their members are of Irish descent. Founded in 1903, this group was an excellent resource for Irish Americans, especiall in New York and the northeast.

The Knights of Columbus was not founded as an Irish-centric organization, but many of its members in the United States are Irish Americans. The group was founded by an Irish priest, Fr. Michael McGivney. This group is dedicated to educational, charitable, religious and social welfare works.

The Irish Network USA is a national organization that helps to connect many different Irish Networks that exist all over the United States. It is an Irish Networking Society. Their goal is to bolster busines opportunities and promote economic development in the US and on the entire island of Ireland through job creation and cross-community projects.

They also work to support and encourage Irish Arts and Culture with a focus on theater, dance, movies and film, literature, concerts, lectures, and language. They also focus on expanding Irish sports in America.

Irish Organizations in All 50 States

Here's a list of organizations that share and promote Irish heritage all over the United States. The states are listed alphabetically. If you enjoy the companionship of other Americans of Irish descent who wish to celebrate and embrace their Irish heritage, then you might love to particiate in one of these Irish American organizations.

Check out the links included here, since many of these organizations are a brilliant information resource information resource and forum for state specific Irish communities.

Alabama

The Irish Society of North Alabama allows anyone who’s passionate about Irish society to become a member for free - although, they do prefer a small donation to help cover the costs of participation.

Alaska

The Irish Club of Alaska provides a lot of fun ways to celebrate your Irish culture! You can become a member online for up to five years for between $25-$77.

Arizona

If you’re near Phoenix, you’re in luck! Irish Network Arizona hosts events at the Irish Cultural Center Great Hall on the 2nd Friday of the month. If you want to join in on their monthly meetings, you and/or your company can apply to become a member on their website for $100-$250 a year. They also organize the annual Arizona Irish Festival.

Arkansas

The Irish Cultural Society of Arkansas is a particularly lively organization who has several events per month, as well as a very prominent St. Patrick’s Day Parade. They don’t seem to have any membership requirements on the website, but feel free to contact them here!

California

If you’re an Irish American living in California, you can participate in the United Irish Societies of San Francisco’s events! If you'd like to find all the details about their upcoming events, you can also join their Facebook group!

The Irish Center of Southern California promotes Irish culture and supports our local Irish and Irish-American community.

Colorado

Irish Network Colorado has been bringing together Irish Americans since 2010. You, your family, or your business can become members on their website for $40-$100 annually.

Connecticut

If you live in Connecticut, the Irish Heritage Society of Milford is the place to go! If you’d like to join in on the fun, you can apply online.

Delaware

There are a lot of options in Delaware to celebrate your Irish cultural background, including the Irish Culture Club of Delaware, the New Castle County Irish Society, and the Irish Society of Delmarva.

Florida

The United Irish of Southwest Florida is a club of over 300 members that hosts Irish picnics, dances, parties, and parades. You can see their events list on their website.

In Orlando you will find the Irish American Cultural Society of Central Flroida. They organize annual parades around Saint Patrick's Day and also sponsor Irish cultural programs year-round including Irish dance,music and Irish language classes.

There's also a very active Irish club in Vero Beach, Florida. This community group promotes all things Irish, spirit, culture and heritage. They organize weekly lunches and monthly meetings, and also host dinners, dancing and live entertainment throughout the year.

Georgia

The Augusta Irish is a group that celebrates the Irish community in Augusta, Georgia. If you'd like to, you can become a member by applying on their website.

The Hibernian Society of Savannah was founded in 1812 with a mission of assisting newly arrived immigrants to this coastal Georgia community. The society is still going strong to this very day.

Hawaii

Friends of St. Patrick Hawaii is a fun, informal group that hosts unique activities and provides scholarships to local students. They are already planning their Emerald Ball for 2023, and they also have an annual game of kilted golf, featuring a silent auction and a raffle.

Idaho

Unfortunately, the Irish American club in Idaho has closed, but if you are interested in participating in Irish culture in another way, you can attend some dance classes at Irish Dance Idaho or Killarney Irish Dance Company, or go watch one of their Irish dancing shows.

Illinois

The Irish Heritage Society is an organization in McLean County. They have a particular focus on stories of members' Irish ancestry, as well as cultural events.

Gaelic Park Chicago has a mission to preserve and promote the heritage of Ireland. They host an Irish festival, the Chicago Feis, an Irish Heritage and Harvest Day, plus Irish theatre productions.

Gaelic games are the traditional sports played in Ireland and the Irish sports grounds at Gaelic Park Chicago are among the best in North America. This amazing athletic facility hosts the two main Gaelic games, Gaelic Football and Hurling.

The Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago cultivates the cultural bonds of the Irish and Irish Americans to Ireland. They also work for the advancement of business relations for people of Irish extraction, and support charitable causes in the area.

Indiana

The Ireland Historical Society is one of the Irish American organizations that are focused on studying the rich history of Irish immigrants in Indiana, and you can check it out to visit important sites to learn about Irish culture.

Indy Irish Fest is a prominent festival in the area that also has an Irish-American club.

Iowa

The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick has a chapter in central Iowa, but even more prominent than that is the Iowa Irish fest, an Irish festival featuring Irish traditional music and dance in Waterloo on an annual basis. They are a very charitable organization that partners with a lot of nonprofits in Iowa.

Kansas

The Kansas City Irish Center is an Irish American heritage center that hosts a lot of classes related to all sorts of Irish interests.

Kentucky

According to their website, the Ancient Order of Hibernians is the oldest Irish Catholic organization in America. They have a chapter in Louisville, Kentucky that focuses on educating the community about Irish culture.

In Louisville you will also find the Irish Society of Kentuckiana, a group established to promote Irish heritage, culture and friendship. This group preserves, enhances and fosters pride in our Irish ancestry.

Louisiana

Louisiana is the home of the Baton Rouge Irish Club, where you can meet other Irish Americans in your area!

Maine

If you live in Maine, you have to visit the Maine Irish Heritage Center to learn more about Irish culture and the history of the Irish community in Maine.

Maryland

The Emerald Isle Club was created by Americans of Irish descent over 65 years ago, and it provides educational opportunities and social networking for people who want to learn about Irish culture in North America.

Massachusetts

The Eire Society of Boston celebrates the diversity of Irish culture. They have a mix of social gatherings and educational programs in the Boston area.

Michigan

The Muskegon Irish American Society has a bunch of Irish-related resources, as well as newsletters if you'd like to keep up with Irish news in the area.

The Detroit Irish is another active Irish group who promote Irish news, Irish dance, Gaelic games, Irish musicians and entertainers plus listings of other interesting Irish groups found in southeast Michigan.

Minnesota

A cultural organization called the Irish Rose has a full list of Irish dance and music schools, bands, pups, activities, and organizations in Minnesota!

My top recommendation is the Irish American Cultural Institute.

Mississippi

If you're near Jackson, you have to check out the Celtic Heritage Society! The next festival, called Celtic Fest on the Rez, is on June 3-4.

Missouri

There's a really fun organization called St. Louis Irish Arts that combines Irish dance, music, and culture.

Montana

If you've ever thought about trying out the tin whistle, check out the Montana Gaelic Cultural Society! They have social events to feature Irish music, Irish dance, and Irish media, as well as l classes focusing on the Irish language. In years gone by, Irish Montana was centered around the mining town of Butte.

The Friends of Irish Studies in the West is a group in Montana whose goals are to grow and sustain the Irish Studies program at the University of Montana in Missoula.

Nebraska

Omaha Irish Cultural Center is a nonprofit organization that partners with organizations in Ireland and the US to bring Irish culture to the United States.

Nevada

Sons and Daughters of Erin in Nevada has individual and family memberships, with discounts for seniors and senior couples. They have a renewal program where renewing your membership each year is much cheaper than your first year.

New Hampshire

Unfortunately, New Hampshire only has a society for Irish college students through Saint Anselm College. There are a few other college programs at this link, so you can check those out or think about starting your own Irish cultural organization.

New Jersey

The New Jersey Irish Society hosts many activities of an Irish cultural nature, including decorating contests with cash prizes.

The Order of the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh in another Irish culture group found in New Jersey. For short it's called the Shillelagh Club. Their goal is to preserve Irish traditions and heritage.

New Mexico

The Irish American Society of New Mexico is one of the most affordable Irish heritage organizations, with membership prices at only $10-$20 per person to participate in their fun cultural events.

New York

The American Irish Historical Society in New York City exists to celebrate Irish history. They are currently in the process of relocating their Irish cultural center and discovering their future, but you can follow their Facebook page, which has over 3,000 likes to hear news of the Irish community.

In the Catskills you'll find the Michael J. Quill Cultural and Sports Centre in East Durham, New York, a location fondly referred to as the Emerald Isle of the Catskills or the Irish Alps. This center is home to the Irish Park, which is a one-acre map of Ireland. Each county is identified and named in a map constructed entirely of red bricks. It's reportedly the largest map of Ireland in the world.

East Durham in New York earned the nickname "Irish Village USA" due to its historical ties to Irish immigration and the development of a strong Irish-American community. In the 19th and early 20th centuries, East Durham became a hub for Irish immigrants who settled in the area, bringing their culture, traditions, and work ethic with them. Many of these immigrants were drawn to East Durham due to opportunities in industries like quarrying, farming, and the hospitality sector.

Gaelic Park in the Bronx, New York hosts the New York local Gaelic Athletic Association or GAA. Since 1926 these sports grounds have been used as the venue for Gaelic sports in New York.

North Carolina

Charlotte Irish Connection is a non-profit organization that was created to promote Irish cultural activities. You can join their mailing list if you're interested!

North Dakota

Unfortunately, there are no social groups or cultural centers to celebrate Irish heritage in North Dakota that are still active. But there is one interesting place that you may enjoy visiting to learn about Irish American history: an Irish ghost town called Bantry in McHenry County. It was a city created by Irish immigrants and is now laid bare.

Ohio

The Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati has several upcoming events this year that you can join in on! If you aren’t that far south, you can also check out the West Side Irish American Club.

Further north in the great state of Ohio, you'll find the Irish Garden Club of Cleveland. This organization was founded to raise capital funding for the restoration of the Irish Cultural Garden, one of 24 gardensn found in Rockefeller Park in the city.

The United Irish of Dayton Society hosts the annual Dayton Celtic Festival, to help the people of Ohio "saturate their senses in the sights, sounds, and tastes of our Celtic heritage."

Oklahoma

If you live in Oklahoma, you need to look into the Oklahoma Irish Heritage Society! You can check out their Facebook group here to see all the latest information about their organization, and join in on their educational activities.

Oregon

The Oregon Irish Society is one of the community groups available in Portland to celebrate the Irish Americans in the area. They have free videos and events available, including virtual options.

Pennsylvania

The Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick is an organization that celebrates Irish-American culture in Philadelphia.

Rhode Island

If you are interested in learning about Irish history in Rhode Island, even if it's your first time studying Irish culture, you are welcome at the Museum of Newport Irish History! Check out their events calendar if you'd like to see their listings of Irish events.

South Carolina

Charleston Irish is the club for you if you want to participate in Irish activities in South Carolina. You can find their contact information and stay up to date on their events through their Facebook page.

South Dakota

There are two Facebook pages you should follow if you're in South Dakota-- the Sioux Falls Irish Club and the Irish Club of Central South Dakota. This way, you can find the best Irish events in the area!

Tennessee

If you want to celebrate your Irish culture, get yourself to Memphis, Tennessee! The Memphis irish Society meets at an Irish pub in Memphis called The Brass Door.

Texas

Texas is way too big to only have one Irish heritage club. The Irish Society of Houston and the Irish Cultural Society of San Antonio are two amazing options where you can participate in beautiful cultural exchanges.

Utah

The Hibernian Society of Utah is a FREE organization that was created to foster community among Irish Americans, support charities, and advocate for better immigration policies.

Vermont

The Fenian Brotherhood was an Irish group in America that fought for Irish independence from British rule. The Fenian Historical Society in Vermont celebrates their contributions in Irish history.

Virginia

The Irish American Society of Greater Richmond is a thriving community where you can celebrate the cultural links between your Irish and American family history. They have a genealogy program where you can learn about your family history, pub nights, and Irish sports celebrations.

Washington

The Irish Heritage Club of Seattle is a non-religious organization in the Seattle area that offers many special events throughout the year. You, your family, or your business can join from $25-$100 a year. They also organize cultural exchanges with their sister city of Galway, Ireland.

Spokane, Washington is tied to the city of Limerick in Ireland. They have a website dedicated to the twinning of their city with other cities around the world.

West Virginia

If you've wanted to try out a fun Irish recreational sport, you have to try Irish road bowling in West Virginia! You can learn all about its history and upcoming events on the West Virginia Irish road bowling website. If you're curious about when the Irish set foot in West Virginia and how the community has developed over time, you can purchase a resource called "The Irish Immigration Into Ritchie County, WV" on the Ritchie County Historical Society's website.

Wisconsin

The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin was founded over 60 years ago, and they still host Irish festivals, parades, and Irish cance events, and they also provide scholarships.

Wyoming

Nebraska and Wyoming share a volunteer-run Irish cultural club called the Wyo-braska Inter-Celtic Heritage Society. If you would like to learn more about Irish history, you can follow their Facebook page.

I hope you find this resource and Irish notes helpful as we celebrate the achievements and union of Irish people all over the world.

Don't forget to add your local Irish club in the comment section below.