Friends of Ireland

Cairde Na hÉireann

'Ourselves are not only where we are, but where we have come from'  the late Professor Patrick O'Farrell, historian of Ireland and Australia

Founded in 1985, the Friends of Ireland Society (or in Irish, 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.

The Society 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.

Up Coming Events 

Keep watch....our next event will loaded.

Our guest speaker events are particularly popular & are usually held at the Canberra Irish Club with an optional pre-meeting meal beforehand.

The Annual St Patrick's Day Ecumenical Service  is always a most popular event and very well attended.

Our Yeats Day in August 2015 at the National Library was a wonderful success.  This was the 150th anniversary celebration of the birth of Ireland's first Nobel Prize winner and internationally regarded poet.

Past speakers at FoI meetings include Booker Prize winning author, Thomas Keneally; Susan Ryan, the Federal Age Discrimination Commissioner; Frank O'Shea, writer and book critic; H.E.Noel White, Ambassador of Ireland; ACT Magistrate Dr. Bernadette Boss; Historian, Dr Patricia Clarke;  Canberra University's Assistant Dean, Prof Francis Shannon and historian, Dr Richard Reid.

Activities 

Irish language classes 

For more information see Irish Language classes page on this menu, call Conor Bradley on 6251 4838, or visit Canberra Irish Language Association website http://cila.org.au/

The Society is supported by the Canberra Irish Club

We encourage members & their friends to support the Club. Becoming a Club member, enjoying a bistro meal at Molly Bloom's, or arranging your work / family function at the Club are all practical ways to ensure the continuation of an Irish Club in Canberra. 

All of our events are open to the public.  Why not become a member? You'll find a warm welcome!  Annual membership per household is $20 or $10 (concession) and 2 year memberships  of $40 or $20 (concession)
Direct debit facilities are available.Beyond Bank  BSB 325185  Acc Number 03405456. Please identify yourself on the payment.
Members receive an occasional  newsletter advising them of our varied functions and events.