There are no strangers here, only friends who have not met.
Welcome to the House of Ireland, a member of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. Join us each weekend as we celebrate the rich culture of the Emerald Isle.
St. Patrick's Day Parade
Saturday March 14th, 2026 ~ 9:00AM-6:00PM
Join San Diego's Irish community in celebrating St. Patrick's Day with the 44th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival! This year's theme is "Here, There, Irish Culture Everywhere". The House of Ireland will be marching in the parade, which kicks off at 10:30 AM at 5th &\; Laurel. We will also have a booth at the festival with our friends from Comhaltas Craobh Barry Cogan.
For more information: http://www.stpatsparade.org/House of Ireland Lawn Program
Sunday March 15th, 2026 ~ 11:00AM-5:00PM
Join us for our annual celebration of Irish culture! We will be serving Irish Stew, Irish coffee (non-alcoholic), and delicious baked goods beginning at 11am and continuing until 5pm (or until we run out!). Be sure to grab a seat for our stage performance beginning at 2 pm and featuring live music, traditional Irish dancing and more!
Monthly Meeting
Sunday March 29th, 2026 ~ 5:30PM-6:30PM
Active and prospective members are encouraged to join us at our monthly members meetings.
Other Upcoming Events
Comhaltas Whistle Club
Saturday March 7th, 2026 ~ 10:00AM-11:00AM
Taught by Quin Herron. Hosted by Comhaltas San Diego. If you’re interested in learning more about the Irish whistle or Irish Traditional Music in general, come check out this informal gathering. Free and open to all ages, donations gratefully accepted.
Cottage Open - Saturday Hosting
Saturday March 7th, 2026 ~ 11:00AM-4:00PM
Stop in on Saturday for one of our free drop-in classes, or just to experience a little corner of Ireland!
Celtic Art Class
Saturday March 7th, 2026 ~ 12:00PM-3:00PM
Topic: "St. Patrick's Day flower arranging"
Taught by Sandra Arevalo. Join us at the House of Ireland for an interactive Celtic Art class.
Comhaltas Tune Learning Session
Sunday March 8th, 2026 ~ 9:30AM-10:30AM
Taught by Judy Carlstrom. Hosted by Comhaltas San Diego. If you've ever been interested in playing at an Irish music session, this is the place to start. Tunes are taught at a slow pace and sheet music is provided. Prior experience with your instrument is a must. For more information contact comhaltas.sandiego@gmail.com.
All-Level Irish Music Session
Sunday March 8th, 2026 ~ 10:30AM-12:00PM
Every Sunday morning, there is an open Irish music session at the House of Ireland in Balboa Park. Players of all levels are welcome to participate. Players must bring their own instruments.
Cottage Open - Sunday Hosting
Sunday March 8th, 2026 ~ 11:00AM-4:00PM
Experience a bit of Irish hospitality. Stop in for a cup of Irish tea and a slice of soda bread while enjoying traditional Irish music and dance or joining in for some classic Irish songs.
Beginning Irish Language
Tuesday March 10th, 2026 ~ 7:00PM-7:55PM
Taught by Shanti Hofshi.An introduction to conversational Irish Gaelic. No previous knowledge of the language is required. The class is free of charge and all materials are provided. This class will be offered over Zoom, so you must have Zoom with a camera to participate in the class.
Beginning Irish Conversation
Tuesday March 10th, 2026 ~ 8:00PM-9:00PM
Taught by Shanti Hofshi.
This session will be focused on basic Irish conversation with supporting grammar and vocabulary as well as understanding spoken and written Irish. Basic knowledge of Irish is assumed (one prior beginning class). The class is free of charge and all materials are provided. This class will be taught over Zoom.
Comhaltas Drum and Strum
Thursday March 12th, 2026 ~ 6:00PM-8:00PM
Taught by Daniel Ide and Quin Herron. Sponsored by Comhaltas San Diego. A learning session for all rhythm/accompaniment instruments to collaborate and pick up new techniques for playing Irish music. The first hour is "drum" focused, with several bodhráns available to try. In the second hour, players of "strum" instruments (guitars, mandolins, bouzouki, or other chord playing instruments) can learn to accompany Irish tunes by ear, on the fly! Suggested donation is $10.