Irish Cultural Center

Our group of senior adults visited the Irish Cultural Center/​Museum today (3÷31÷15).
Parking was difficult, especially for a van. When we arrived at about 10:30 a.m., all the spaces had been occupied and our bus driver required to park in an adjacent lot. Luckily we weren’t towed because there were signs posted that it was for hotel/​restaurant patrons only; not additional parking for the Cultural Center.
No entrance fee was required but a guided tour carried a charge, though nominal ($ 3 for seniors; $ 5 for adults).
Also a couple of exhibits required tickets to view, being private collections and closed to the casual walk-​about.
The farmer’s cottage was free and was interesting only because the docent gave us historical information about it (despite the fact that we did not pay), but the museum part was closed because of a «meeting.»
Here’s my gripe:
I understand that meetings are a necessary part of business, especially a non-​profit. Donors/​stakeholders/​managers/​staff have to communicate and be on the same page to keep such a large project running smoothly. However, instead of availing themselves of other classrooms/​office space within the project where they wouldn’t be disturbed and wouldn’t have to displace their customers (especially the paid tours), they closed one of the main features of the exhibit that should have been accessible whenever the project was open. Convenience to the managers seems to have taken precedence over the interests of their customer (and potential members/​donors as well). As it was, there wasn’t enough to see to actually warrant a paid guided tour. Too bad.

Went to the Irish Cultural Center for the first time. Saw Tartanic, a crazy bagpipes and drums group that we love.
The cultural center was informative, had ample parking and was really cool. I recommend it for those who want a peek at their Irish heritage.

We had out of town visitors — folks with Ireland in their blood — so, of course, one of our stops was the Phoenix Irish Cultural Center. We stopped in the day before Easter to find we were just in time for their special annual presentation commemorating the 1916 Easter Rebellion.
It was a multimedia presentation — film, history and live music. Not your typical pub laments, but «them are fighting songs» from the souls of the men and women who fought to gain their freedom during a rocky time in their history. Songs all the way from «The Croppy Boy» to «Whack fol a Diddle.» Songs that bring tears to your eyes and a tug at your heart.
Irish beer & whiskey, plus traditional Irish soda bread, were served during the intermission.
If you have Ireland in your heart, Irish blood in your veins, or local friends who are part of the Valley of the Sun Irish roots community, you won’t want to miss this Irish Cultural Center historical event next year. Make plans. Put it on your calendar.

What a treasure! It’s hidden behind downtown skyscrapers so you would never imagine it existed. The contra dancing once a month is a ton of fun and it’s done to eclectic live music that sounds like a cross between Irish folk music and hillbilly blue grass.
The wood dance floor can get crowded and in the summer the air conditioning doesn’t get the job done for the people who do this very aerobic dance. If a/​c was better I would give it a 5 star.
Parking is easy and seems to be very safe.

What a beautiful addition to the downtown area. The architecture and stonework make this one of the nicest buildings in the downtown area.

Beautiful building and a real Phoenix treasure. I’ve been going to their gift shop for years, even when it was still located at Dunlap/​I-​17. Lots of gifts and memorabilia from Ireland as well as the various countries of the UK. The main owner/​organizer is very nice and seems to have dedicated his life to bringing the Irish history of Arizona to the people.
Went in today to have a gander at the tea selection and two older Irish gentleman were working. It was great to listen to some stories and some Irish language while looking around the shop. Only wish more people cared about this place so that it could grow a bit more.

Did you know that there is a replica of an Irish Cottage in Downtown Phoenix? Did you know that you can take Gaelic, dance or music lessons? You can also rent the hall for parties, receptions and other events.
The Irish Cultural Center hosts an amazing variety of events. Céili dances complete with lessons are tons of fun for the whole family, and feature great music.
Irish authors, poets, musicians and education experiences can bring you closer to your Irish heritage. Throuout the year you can come for special events like the Solstice ritual, the Arizona Irish Festival, and of course, First Fridays.