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.
Monthly Meeting
Sunday June 1st, 2025 ~ 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 May 17th, 2025 ~ 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 May 17th, 2025 ~ 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!
Irish Knitting Class
Saturday May 17th, 2025 ~ 12:00PM-3:00PM
Taught by Erin Ratelle. Classes are free. Advanced knitters will be on hand with demonstration materials to teach beginning techniques, but knitters of all levels are also encouraged to bring their own projects. Our resident "knit-wits" look forward to seeing you and sharing the joy of Irish Knitting!
Comhaltas Tune Learning Session
Sunday May 18th, 2025 ~ 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 May 18th, 2025 ~ 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 May 18th, 2025 ~ 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.
Irish Dancing
Sunday May 18th, 2025 ~ 12:30PM-2:00PM
All Irish step dancers are invited to perform their favorite steps at the cottage to live music. Visitors can enjoy watching the dancing, or join in for a ceili dance.
Beginning Irish Gaelic
Tuesday May 20th, 2025 ~ 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.
Irish Conversation
Tuesday May 20th, 2025 ~ 8:05PM-9:00PM
Taught by Shanti Hofshi.
This session will be focused on Irish conversation and comprehension. In addition to conversation, we will be looking at pieces from books, magazines, newspapers, radio programs, TV programs and films as an aid to understanding the language in the various forms you may encounter it. Prior to taking this class, you should have gone through at least one beginner class or have experience with Irish from other sources. The class is free of charge and all materials are provided via email.