Welcome to The London Irish Centre, serving the Irish community in London since 1954.
The casual passer-by probably wouldn’t be immediately aware of the history and importance of the rather unassuming buildings that make up our headquarters, on the corner of Murray Street and Camden Square.
Founded in 1954, to support the needs of thousands of newly-arrived Irish emigrants in London, the London Irish Centre (LIC) has developed into the largest Irish welfare and community organisation in Britain.
Originally opened as a hostel for Irish men (with a female hostel in nearby Horsney), the main buildings became a safe ‘home from home’ for all things Irish in London.
‘It was a tremendous occasion. You could see the tears in people’s eyes. The pride and the hope. They had never been given anything like this before’.
John, attendee at opening of LIC.
The LIC offered the Irish community a place in which they could be proud of their heritage, celebrate their culture and share stories from home. Through the good and not so good times, the doors of the LIC have always been open to people from all walks of life, from labourers to senior politicians (of all different hues), and from nurses to Irish Presidents.
‘The London Irish Centre was a haven for immigrants searching for a welcoming taste of home in an alien city.’ The Guardian
Whilst many things have changed in the past sixty years, the work of the LIC remains as important today as it was at its inception. We are a diverse and vibrant organisation with a very dedicated team of staff and volunteers who continue to adapt to the changing needs of the Irish community in London.
Welfare
Our accredited welfare, advice and day services support thousands of individuals each year. From basic advice on starting out in London, to working with individuals who are trying to rebuild their lives after addiction, serious illness or institutional abuse. Find out more here.
‘The London Irish Centre embodies what Irish people do best – those that have, helping those that need. I’d encourage everyone to support their work.’
Patrick Kielty, comedian
Culture & Arts
At the LIC we also provide one of the most diverse programmes of Irish cultural events in Britain, bringing the cream of Irish creativity to London audiences. Whether you are into traditional Irish music or contemporary Irish literature, you are likely to find us hosting something you’ll enjoy. See upcoming events here or find out more here.
Venue
Alongside our charity’s work, our Camden site has also developed over the decades, and now boasts refurbished public areas from small meeting rooms to the 450 capacity McNamara function suite. If you want somewhere special to hold an event, have a look at our venue hire section.
Strangely, it wasn’t until 1995 that the first tricolour was hastily tied to the building a few minutes before the visit of President Mary Robinson! Today we proudly fly the Irish flag in the heart of London, to celebrate the work the we do and the wonderful contribution that Ireland, Irish people and Irish culture have made to this great international city.
‘In these tough economic times The London Irish Centre carries out crucial work in supporting the most vulnerable members of the city’s Irish community. I am proud to endorse the charity’s work’. Eddie Jordan (F1)
We look forward to welcoming you to The London Irish Centre.
