IRISH
CULTURAL CENTER
About the Center
1106
N. Central Ave.
Phoenix, AZ 85004
602-392-7850 or 602-258-0109
info@azirish.com
IRISH CULTURAL CENTER
The Irish Cultural Center grew out of a cooperative public-private partnership between the City of Phoenix Parks and Recreation Department; the Arizona Department of Transportation; a Sister City relationship with Ennis, Ireland; and the Irish Cultural and Learning Foundation, a local non-profit coalition of affiliated Irish and Celtic organizations. These groups have created on-of-a-kind center of great cultural significance and a point of great pride for the community.
The foundation now known simply as the Irish Cultural Center, has established
the Arizona Irish Endowment Fund with a goal of raising five million dollars
to support scholarships and local charitable endeavors.
EDUCATION AND CULTURE
The Cultural Center is home to affiliated cultural organizations including the Irish Foundation of Arizona, The Ennis Sister Cities Committee, E.R.I.N. (Executive Resources for Irish Networking), the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee, The Emerald Society of Firefighters, The Welsh League, The Irish American Cultural Institute, and many others.
Presenting a wide variety of educational and cultural experiences, The Irish
Cultural Center
is making a dynamic contribution to the community and to the revitalization
of downtown Phoenix. Seating 200 guests, An Halla Mor is a multipurpose building
consisting of the hall, a conference room, and a kitchen. The hall provides
an intimate setting for Irish and Celtic concerts ans is the home to the Academy
of Irish and Celtic Studies.
The Academy of Irish and Celtic Studies is a major program of The Irish Cultural Center. The goal of the Academy is to offer the highest quality educational and cultural programming including music, dance, art, history, literature, drama, crafts, language, and traditional activities.
The Celtic Cultural Series held on Friday evenings features local, national, and international musicians and dancers. The Center has hosted notable performers Lunasa (Ireland), Dervish (Ireland), Celtic Spring (California), Gerry O'Beirne (Ireland), and Robin Huw Bowen (Wales).
ARCHITECTURE
An Halla Mor (The Great Hall) is reminiscent of an 1850's style Irish meeting
hall. Artist Mauree McGuire designed the stained glass windows to suggest 
illuminations
from The Book of Kells. The cornerstone from the historic Buttermarket building
is a gift from Sister City Ennis, Ireland. The Magnificent fireplace made from
Liscannor stone from the cliffs of Moher, was crafted and donated by Master
Stonemason Seamus King. Founders of The Center are recognized on a Founder's
Shield made from Arizona copper anode. The hand carved High Chieftain Shield
honors county sponsors.
The brick and stone Heritage Clos (courtyard) is etched with the map of Ireland,
including the 4 
provinces and
32 counties. The country marker stones are from the Cliffs of Moher. Proceeds
from the sale of memorial bricks support The Center. Outdoor events in the Heritage
Clos can accommodate up to 500 attendees. Annual events hosted by The Center
include The Claddagh Gala, The Winter Solstice Celebration, The Medieval Castle
Dinner, The Los San Patricios Celebration, and The Arizona Irish Festival. The
Irish Cultural Center is also available for rent on a limited basis for private
functions and special events.
The Irish Cottage will open in the spring of 2004, on the northeast side of the courtyard, and will be a replica of an 1800's Country Clare farmhouse. It will house a museum store and exhibits, including a rare fine art facsimile of The Book of Kells, courtesy of Sean Lee.
HONOR & MEMORIAL
The An Gorta Mor (The Great
Hunger) Memorial honors the one and a half million Irish who died of starvation
and disease 150 years ago due to crop failure and social injustice. Between
the years 1845 and 1850, more than one million Irish men and women immigrated
to America. The arch reflects a Celtic passageway, symbolizing entry from the
old world to the new, from despair to hope, from oppression to freedom.
The Irish Center's architect, Paul Ahern, designed the wrought iron gates to the grounds. Jim and Judy Cunningham donated the eastern walkway gate opening to Central Avenue. The lattice work of the Cunningham Gate reflects historic Kilmainham jail, and the shamrocks honor their thirteen grandchildren. The Adams Gate, at the main drive entrance was inspired by the chapel gate in Ennis, Ireland. It honors the memory of Howard Adams his many years of service to the city and the Irish community. Future gates will honor The Emerald Society of Firefighters, The Irish Foundatin of Arizona, and E.R.I.N. (Executive Resources for Irish Networking).
The Ken Clark Bench is a stone monument to the east of The Hunger Memorial. It honors the memory of a man who worked tirelessly for the Park Foundation to make The Irish Cultural Center a reality.
THE CENTER'S HISTORY
The Irish Cultural Center is on two acres adjacent to the International Flag
Plaza at Margaret T. Hance Park. This location was made possible by an agreement
between the City of Phoenix and the Arizona Department of Transportation. Public
funding for construction was enhanced by generous contributions from the local
Irish community. The publicly owned land and structures are operated by the
Irish Cultural Center Foundation through an agreement with the City of Phoenix.
The mission of The Irish Cultural Center is to provide a link between the people of Arizona and the people of Ireland and other Celtic cultures. Programs, classes, festivals, exhibits, and special events include history, music, dance, art, literature, drama, crafts, language, travel, sports, and other traditional activities. The goal is to provide the public with the highest quality educational and cultural programming.
The Irish Cultural & Learning Foundation was founded in 1998 by Bill O'Brien. Bill led a coalition of organizations and families whose goal was the establishment of an Irish Cultural Center in downtown Phoenix. Thanks to incredible supports from the City of Phoenix and the generosity of the Irish community, the project is nearly complete.
Thank you to the many volunteers and donors who make the Irish Cultural Center
possible. Complete volunteer and donor information is available at the Center
or through the website, www.azirish.com.
