The London Irish Centre has been a ‘home away for home’ for the city’s Irish community for over fifty years. Established in the 1950s to meet the welfare needs of the huge wave of Irish emigrants arriving in the UK, the Centre continues to provide a wide range of quality services.
“The Centre is an invaluable space for the local Irish community, a place of belonging, of recognition, where you can find a friend or get a helping hand, celebrate or get some advice; it is a credit to its founders and to the generations who have sustained and developed it.” President of Ireland, Mary McAleese
Our work covers three key areas – community welfare, culture, and conferencing and banqueting.
Community welfare involves looking after the needs and interests of the Irish community in London, of which a large number are elderly, and in many cases isolated. Our drop in advice service, outreach workers, and friendly Day Centre Lunch Club provide support, social opportunities, and a friendly face to our elderly clients.
Our doors are also open to recent arrivals from Ireland. We can offer help and support in getting started in the big city.
The London Irish Centre is also home to the ‘Irish Healthy Living Project’, which works to maintain independence and improve the quality of life amongst the elderly, through an eclectic mix of top quality classes, groups and activities.
Let’s not forget our large troop of volunteers that provide invaluable support to our work across the board..
The second aspect of our work involves the promotion of contemporary and traditional Irish culture. We deliver a diverse programme of music, dance, film, comedy and more, showcasing the very best of Irish creativity and tradition. This programme includes the Return to Camden Town Festival, the UK’s largest Irish music festival.
Alongside these events we run a strong education programme, which offers the opportunity to learn to play Irish music, learn a jig or reel, or even study towards the European Qualification in The Irish Language.
Finally, our great facilities are available for hire. We have spaces that can facilitate everything from small meetings up to 300-capacity concerts or conferences, all at reasonable rates, with the assurance of a top quality experience. Click here for more info.
