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Islington Irish Month

A month-long celebration of Irish community and culture in Islington, March 2022

Click here to view the full programme for Islington Irish Month

To celebrate an historic year in Islington’s history with our first Irish-born Mayor, Cllr Troy Gallagher, Islington Council has partnered with the London Irish Centre to showcase the best of Irish culture and heritage across the borough.

Marking an historic year for Islington and the Irish community, Mayor Troy Gallagher concludes his term as the first Irish-born Mayor of Islington in 2022. Islington Irish Month is a programme of events for all residents of Islington – those who have an Irish connection and those who don’t – to enjoy the diversity and richness of Irish culture and heritage.

Islington has one of the biggest populations of people who identify as Irish in the UK, along with Camden and Brent. Many people in Islington also identify as second or third-generation Irish. This month-long programme of events will focus on their stories, to explore personal heritage, share cultural traditions and encourage others to get involved.

Islington Council is working with London Irish Centre to organise these events, strengthening and furthering existing relationships, in support of the Mayor’s chosen charities: icap, James’ Place and forum+.

Scheduled events include:

Islington delegation at St. Patrick’s Day Parade (Sunday, 13 March) led by Mayor of Islington Cllr Troy Gallagher
Islington Trad Trail, Thursday 17 March: a mixture of classic and contemporary takes on Irish trad music at various stops across the borough. Featuring musicians, spoken word artists, song and poetry, with the trail accompanied by the Mayor.

Islington’s Big Charity Céilí, Friday 18 March, Islington Assembly Hall: an energetic night of dancing and traditional Irish music with Louise O’Connor and Celtic Dance Party. Don’t worry if you’re unsure as all instructions are given from a ‘caller’. Cabaret performer, Mark T Cox will set the tone as the MC for the evening, and there will be a raffle. All profits will go the Mayor’s charities.

The St Patrick’s Weekend & Centenary Year Celebration Ball, Saturday March 19, Islington Assembly Hall: A gala dinner in support of the Mayor’s charities and in the spirit of the Irish dancehalls that were once an integral part of the Irish community. Tickets include a three-course meal and star entertainment on the night, speeches, special guests and a celebration on Irish heritage.

Business breakfast at the DoubleTree Hilton, Friday 18 March: a special networking opportunity for businesses and organisations in the borough to connect with Irish companies and industries.

Family Day, Sunday March 20 from 12pm: free family activities at Navigator Square throughout the day, plus music performances from Irish legends KILA and Goats Don’t Shave. A fun, creative, entertaining day for all the family.

Schools activities: a programme of activities for up to four schools in the borough, with workshop leaders presenting a bespoke package of music, culture and history, created by the London Irish Centre.