St. Patrick's Day Parade and Irish Festival
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House of Ireland
The House of Ireland (HOI) was founded during the California Pacific International Exposition of 1935-36, held in Balboa Park. Today, it is on of thirty-three national groups represented as part of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages (HPR).
 
Since its inception, the House of Ireland has served to promote good citizenship, to bring people together in friendship, and to disseminate both Irish and Irish-American history and culture. The Cottage fosters strong ties to the greater San Diego Irish community through relationships with the Irish Congress of Southern California, Irish musicians, San Diego's schools of Irish dance, HPR members and organizations, and much more.
 
The Cottage’s motto is “There are no strangers here, only friends who have not met.” The cottage is open each weekend from noon to 5 pm with activities on Saturdays and Sundays.
 
Activities include:
 
House of Ireland Lawn Program held on the Sunday prior to St. Patrick’s Day at the International Cottages in Balboa Park celebrating Irish heritage and culture.  They serve Irish dishes (typically stew or bangers on a roll), Irish coffee (non-alcoholic), and delicious baked goods beginning at 11am and continuing until 4pm. Be sure to grab a seat for our stage performance beginning at 2 p.m. and featuring traditional Irish music, dance, and song.
 
Irish Language Class. Free. Classes in Irish Gaelic are offered frequently at the cottage, depending upon instructor availability. Instructor: Shanti Hofshi. Times: Tuesdays 7 pm to 9 pm. Next session begins March 1st. Classes are currently (2022) offered by ZOOM.  Check HOI website and calendar for contact and updates.

​Visit the House of Ireland website.



Saturdays:
1st Saturday 12 to 3 pm: Celtic Art Class.  Free interactive art activities.
2nd Saturday 12 to 3 pm: Irish Knitting Class. Free demonstrations to teach beginning techniques, but knitters of all levels welcome.


Each Saturday:
Intermediate Irish music session from 3 to 5 pm. An Intermediate Irish Session meets at the cottage each week. Musicians at an intermediate level are welcome to join in, and members of the public are welcome to stop in and enjoy the music. Players must bring their own instruments. Session times may change seasonally, so please check the website or calendar to double check!
 
Sundays: (usually from noon to 2 pm when HPR lawn program begins)
1st Sundays:  Irish Step Dancing
2nd Sundays: Irish Step Dancing
3rd Sundays:  Irish Instrumental Music Session
4th Sundays:  Irish Singing
5th Sundays:  
Irish Instrumental Music Session
​

Each Sunday:
Introductory Irish music session from 10:30 am to Noon. Every Sunday morning, the House of Ireland offers a free introductory Irish session music class at the House of Ireland Cottage in Balboa Park, San Diego. All players of all levels are welcome to participate. Players must bring their own instruments.
 
Please note: Activities, music, dance, and cottage opening may depend on participation and pandemic guidelines. Some times may change seasonally, so please check the website or calendar for any updates.
 
Irish Congress of Southern California, 415 Laurel Street, PMB #113, San Diego, CA 92101
Contact us at IrishCongress317@gmail.com