Founded in 1985, the Friends of Ireland Society ACT Inc. or, in the Irish Language, Cairde na hÉireann - reflects the deep interest of many people in the Canberra region in their Irish origins and in the links between Ireland and Australia.

Cairde na hÉireann seeks to promote a better understanding of modern Ireland (both North and South) and of the distinctive contribution that the Irish have made to the Australian way of life.

The Society's guest speaker nights are particularly popular. They are held seven or eight times a year at the Canberra Irish Club usually on the third Wednesday of the month. The talks cover topics of interest about Ireland and Irish-Australia.  Past speakers have included Booker Prize winning author Thomas Keneally, historians Richard Reid and Christine Wright, ANU Chancellor Alan Hawke, H. E. Mairtin O Fainin, Ambassador of Ireland. and H.E. Helen Liddell, the former UK High Commissioner.

Other events throughout the year include the St Patrick's Day Ecumenical Service, the Bloomsday Breakfast, and the Eureka Dinner and Lecture. The Lecture is held as close as possible to the actual anniversary of the Eureka Rebellion (3 December 1854) i.e. usually early December or late November. See below for details of the 2009 Lecture

NEXT EVENT. Seventh Annual St Patrick's Day Ecumenical Service with Bishop Pat Power. 12noon, Wed 17 March, 2010.  Australian Centre for Christianity and Culture, 15 Blackhall Street Canberra. Enquiries to Angela Devlin 6231 9104.

Some highlights from the 2009 program
Prof. A. Ahlquist, Chair of Celtic Studies, Sydney University;'Muse and Music at the Monastery – a residential weekend'; Ireland and the European Union, David Daly, EU representative to Australia; the 2009 Eureka Lecture given by Professor Greg Craven Vice Chancellor, Australian Catholic University.

PUBLICITY
Cairde Na hÉireann publicises its activities on the Irish Voice radio programme on 2XX at 10.30 am on Sundays; Queanbeyan FM Radio; and in the Fridge Door column in The Canberra Times. Details of meetings can also be found on the Community Notices page of the this website

JOIN NOW !

All of our events are open to the public.  But why not become a member?  You'll find a warm welcome!  Membership fees start from a low $7.50, and 2 year memberships and direct debit facilities are available.

Members receive a regular newsletter with upcoming events and interesting articles to keep them up-to-date with Ireland and the rich heritage of Irish Australia.

Membership and other enquiries to Ken Riordan on 6286 1218, Tania Bradley on 6254 4896, or Neil Dwyer on 6231 3660.