The Irish have had a long history of organizing groups for various functions and activities. It is an Irish and Celtic tradition to stick together to accomplish a goal that will be better for the whole.
The Irish associations now may be made up of like-minded Irishmen such as those from county Mayo in the Mayo Association or simply anyone of Irish decent. Some Irish associations are meant to study the beauty of the culture and language as in the Gaelic Leagues.
Several Irish associations are involved in charity work for the good of the downtrodden. Many of the Irish themselves have been downtrodden over the centuries and so they understand and have ingrained in them a sense of camaraderie for the downtrodden.
There are Celtic clubs that promote the wearing of the kilt and Irish clubs that only serve to continue Irish traditions in America. In any case you should be able to find an Irish or other Celtic group that will interest you. Many don’t have regular meetings but most have at least a yearly gathering that you can attend if you are not living close by.
The descriptions of each directly come from the websites.
Pittsburgh
Irish Center of Pittsburgh
This organization promotes the education, both spiritual and intellectual, of the membership and the community through the media of lectures, instruction classes, guided study, arts and crafts groups, music, and drama, together with social and athletic endeavors appropriately supplementary of the a fore stated educational programs, especially within the areas of the culture of the Gaelic people. They have Irish language classes and Tin Whistle lessons. Ceoltas Ceolteoiri Sessiuns take place weekly in the Bar. The Pittsburgh Feis (Irish Dancing Competition) was established at the Centre in 1972. The West Virginia Feis was established in 2004.
Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (pronounced coal-tis kyol-tory air-in, but often just called “CCÉ”) is the international, non-profit organization dedicated to the preservation of traditional Irish music, dance, song, and language. Founded in 1951 in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath, Ireland, CCÉ has grown to over 400 branches on four continents, forming a worldwide cultural movement. Members of CCÉ Pittsburgh carry out this tradition in the “Three Rivers” area. Whether you enjoy playing, singing, dancing to, or simply listening to traditional Irish music, we hope you’ll consider supporting us.
The Gaelic League – Pittsburgh
The Gaelic League sponsors classes and works to promote an appreciation of the beauty, culture and historical significance of the Irish Language.
Pittsburgh Irish and Classical Theatre
Founded in 1996 by Andrew S. Paul and Stephanie Riso, (PICT) has, in ten short years emerged as a significant contributor to the cultural fabric of Pittsburgh with almost 2000 loyal season subscribers, and annual attendance of over 23,000. PICT is committed to telling the world’s greatest stories and to using only the finest actors, directors, and designers in Pittsburgh and across the globe.
Philadelphia
The Philadelphia Donegal Association
The Philadelphia Donegal Association is an Irish-American cultural organization founded in Philadelphia in 1888. It traces its roots back to County Donegal, Ireland. Actually, there exists several associations around the world; New York-USA, Coventry-United Kingdom, New South Wales, Australia and Dublin, Ireland. The group evolved from a need in the late 1800′s to take care of immigrants who were in need of aid and comfort. The vast influx of immigrants during those years prompted a growth of various Irish social societies in the United States. The first formal meeting of this association was held on September 18, 1888 at the Lewars Hall, Ninth & Spring Garden Street.
Friendly Sons of St. Patrick
This society formed in Philadelphia from 1771-1798. At that time the members were mostly devoted to the cause of liberty. They grew into an organization concerned with helping the poor and starving coming out of Ireland. Still later they began offering educational help to the Irish wanting to study in America. Today they serve the poor and needy as well as offer scholarships. The Society is, as it has been since its inception, non-denominational and welcomes persons from all religious backgrounds. Citizens of the United States of Irish lineage, over eighteen and of good moral character are eligible for membership.
The Society exists to promote Irish culture, education and provide aid. It performs these duties in the form of scholarships and benevolence as well through events and activities.
Mayo Association
They are a non profit Irish American association made up of descendants of County Mayo, Ireland The association was founded in 1905. This association donates to a number of charities in the Philadelphia area, County Mayo, and other parts of the world. We have worked with other organizations in contributing to the construction of Knock Shrine and Knock Airport in County Mayo, the Galway Cathedral and The Irish Memorial at Penn’s Landing in Philadelphia.
Irish Center of Philadelphia
The Society of Commodore John Barry USN, also known at the Irish Center, was established in 1951 to promote Irish culture and traditions in the Delaware Valley area. The Irish Center is a large facility located at Carpenter Lane and Emlen Streets in the Mt. Airy section of Philadelphia, rental facilities are available for meetings, weddings, parties and any other occasions of all sizes. Additionally, the Irish Center serves as a “home” to several Irish organizations.
Irish Philadelphia
This site serves as a portal to a lot of Irish happenings in the Philadelphia area, including genealogy, dance, music, food & drink, sports and travel.
Other Pa. Areas
69th Pa. Irish Volunteers
During the American Civil War, the lads of the 69th Pa Irish Volunteers fought in every campaign with the Army of The Potomac. From 1861 to 1865 they were in the midst of almost every major battle. These men, mostly born in Ireland, fought under their green battle flag to save the Union. Today, we reenactors honor their memory by participating in living history programs, parades, grave site ceremonies, history trips, music programs and battle recreations.
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