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Saturday & Sunday Hosting
Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00AM - 4:00PMThe cottage is open to the public every weekend. Stop in for a cup of Irish tea and a slice of soda bread while enjoying traditional Irish music or joining in for some classic Irish songs.
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Free Tuesdays
Fourth Tuesdays, 12:00PM - 2:00PMAs a part of Balboa Park's Free Tuesdays rotation, the cottage is often open on the fourth Tuesday of the month.
Free Classes & Activities
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Irish Language Class
Classes in Irish Gaelic are offered frequently at the cottage, depending upon instructor availability. Be sure to check our calendar below to see what our current offerings are.
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Beginning Irish Gaelic
Instructor(s): Shanti Hofshi
Class Times: Tuesdays, 7:00PM - 7:55PM
Next Class: May 13th, 2025An 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.
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Irish Music Sessions
For more information: HOI Irish Music Sessions
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Musical Resources:
-The Session
-O'Neill's Music of Ireland by Miles Krassen, Oak Publications
-Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: Irish Session Tune Book by Kevin Gow
All-Level Irish Music Session
Session Times: Sundays, 10:30AM - 12:00PM
Next Session: May 11th, 2025Every 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.
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Irish Dancing
Irish Dancing
Times: 3rd Sundays, 12:30PM - 2:00PM
Next Dancing Date: May 18th, 2025All 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.
Comhaltas Whistle Club
Instructor(s): Quin Herron
Class Times: Saturdays, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
Next Class: May 10th, 2025Hosted 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.
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Celtic Art Class
Instructor(s): Sandra Arevalo
Class Times: 1st Saturdays, 12:00PM - 3:00PM
Next Class: May 10th, 2025
Topic: Mother's Day silk painted potpourri bagsJoin us at the House of Ireland for an interactive Celtic Art class.
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Comhaltas Tune Learning Session
Instructor(s): Judy Carlstrom
Class Times: Sundays, 9:30AM - 10:30AM
Next Class: May 11th, 2025Hosted 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.
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Irish Conversation
Instructor(s): Shanti Hofshi
Class Times: Tuesdays, 8:05PM - 9:00PM
Next Class: May 13th, 2025This 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.
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Irish Knitting Class
Instructor(s): Erin Ratelle
Class Times: 2nd Saturdays, 12:00PM - 3:00PM
Next Class: May 17th, 2025Classes 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!
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Comhaltas Bodhrán Circle
Instructor(s): Brian Grady
Class Times: 2nd Thursdays, 6:00PM - 8:00PM
Next Class: June 12th, 2025Sponsored by Comhaltas San Diego. Come learn to play the Irish drum in this fun and easyclass. Drum along to live traditional tunes! Bodhráns are provided. Suggested donation is $10.
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