A social, professional and cultural network for Irish, Irish Americans and friends of Ireland
Members represent a dynamic array of industries including professional services, real estate, hospitality, government and public affairs. We also welcome J1 students seeking to network with the business community as well as visiting members from other Irish Network chapters and incoming Irish delegations. Learn more here.
Membership Benefits
Membership is $125/year and has its perks!
- Free or discounted invitations to our rich roster of events, comprised of networking, educational, industry and philanthropic programming
- Free or discounted invitations rates to INC partner events (savings of more than $1,000/year!)
- Exclusive INC Restaurant Loyalty Card featuring discounts to local Irish-owned establishments
- Ability to share news and thought leadership throughout our communications channels
- Access to the gated INC membership LinkedIn group
- Access to Irish-related news, policy and thought leadership
- And more!
Connecting the Dots
"Ireland Network Chicago has been great to me both personally and for my business. I’ve made so many friends as a result of partaking in the numerous events the committee has organized over the years. However, it was when I joined the Committee, and in turn became President, that I got the most out of the IN. I was exposed to people and events I might not have found on my own. INC helped me grow on a personal level too by honing the skills of teamwork, public speaking and high level networking."
First Friday is a great way to keep in touch with friends and acquaintances throughout the year. It’s a bit like meeting an old friend you haven’t seen in a while where you just show up and pick up where you left off. It’s a relaxed way to network, make connections which on numerous occasions have turned into business opportunities. I have helped many members of IN over the years with their real estate needs and am excited to share my 21+ years of experience with anyone that likes to chat over a beer. Next time you see me, ask me “How’s the market?” and I can assure you we’ll have lots to discuss both locally and nationally.
My mother and father emigrated from Tralee, Co. Kerry and Oughterard, Co. Galway, respectively, and settled in Chicago. Not having any relatives here, my family always participated in Ireland-oriented events, including benefits, Irish dance lessons, and the annual Easter Mass at Old St. Pat's Church. When I learned about the Ireland Network a couple of years ago, it was so nice to reconnect with the Irish culture and people. INC is a unique organization where people are so friendly, fun, approachable, and supportive. In my business, FastSigns Lincolnwood, I'm very grateful to be the sign provider for INC events such as the golf outing and the ball. The Ireland Network has provided wonderful business and personal connections, and we're thrilled to be part of it.
The best thing about Ireland Network Chicago is the people! Meeting people with a love for Ireland and who are happy to help each other out and make introductions. There have been some fantastic speakers and great events in places I had never visited before. It is a true network.
After arriving from Ireland in 2015 I couldn’t help but notice the geographical similarities between Dublin and Chicago – the water on the east, the city split in two by the river. Next, I looked for some connections in the big city and luckily I stumbled upon the Ireland Network. The friendly banter over a pint (rarely one I’d admit), the wealth of information and the business connections made the city feel welcoming and easy to navigate. A lot of these connections have helped me along the journey of building my digital health startup, Tell Health. The Ireland Network truly exemplifies the best of the Irish traditions and the American spirit and I’m delighted to be a part of it.