For Irish People and the People Who Like Them
Our events are designed to connect, engage and inspire our members and strengthen their participation in the broader Chicago business and cultural communities. All are invited! If you're visiting Chicago, please drop into our free First Fridays. Not a member yet? Join today and save!
Upcoming Events
November First Friday
Join us for our monthly happy hour with complimentary beer, wine and light bites as we welcome the cooler months and gather around the fire in cozy back library!
IN Conversation
Tuesday, November 19, 2024
6–8pm
730 W. Grand Ave., Chicago
We are proud to partner with Concern Worldwide for this insightful panel discussion on innovation and sustainability in agribusiness. This event will focus on the evolving landscape of food production, examining the challenges and opportunities in driving advancements, particularly in research and development and sustainable practices.
The conversation will explore how these innovations are shaping global food systems and enhancing competitiveness in key markets like Chicago, where agribusiness and food manufacturing play a vital role. We’ll also showcase compelling case studies on how these advancements are addressing issues of poverty and hunger worldwide through Concern Worldwide’s impactful work.
More details to come as we finalize our expert panelists!
December First Friday
Friday, December 6
6 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Location
216 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago
Members receive 2 free drink tickets
Sign up to become an IN Member
Past Events
October 4, 2024 | First Friday @ Mrs. Murphy's Irish Bistro
September 17, 2024 | IN Conversation: with Irish American Partnership
September 6, 2024 | First Friday @ Corcoran's
August 11, 2024 | VIP Experience for Air & Water Show at B. Coleman Aviation Hangar
August 2, 2024 | First Friday @ Kaiser Tiger
July 12, 2024 | First Friday @ Chief O'Neill's
June 12, 2024 | Annual Boat Cruise
June 7, 2024 | First Friday @ D4 Irish Pub
June 6, 2024 | IN Conversation: Exploring the African American Irish Diaspora
May 3, 2024 | First Friday @ The Wolfhound
April 14, 2024 | Chicago Hounds Rugby Match
April 5, 2024 | First Friday @ The Embassy
March 18, 2024 | IN Conversation: Doing Business In Chicago @ The Gage
March 16–18, 2024 | Ireland Network Women in Business Forum
March 1, 2024 | First Friday @ Fádo
February 9, 2024 | First Friday @ Celtic Crossing
January 3, 2024 | First Friday @ The Kerryman
December 1, 2023 | First Friday @ Emerald Loop
November 3, 2023 | First Friday @ LG's Bar
October 6, 2023 | First Friday @ Galway Arms
September 21, 2023 | Annual Boat Cruise
September 8, 2023 | 4th Annual Golf Outing @ Harborside
September 1, 2023 | First Friday @ Corcoran's
July 7, 2023 | First Friday @ Lizzie McNeill's
June 2, 2023 | First Friday @ Afterbar (The Green at 320)
May 25, 2023 | Annual General Meeting @ Galway Arms
May 5, 2023 | First Friday @ The Wolfhound
April 23, 2023 | Chicago Hounds Rugby Match
April 13, 2023 | Whiskey Tasting @ The Drake Hotel
April 7, 2023 | First Friday @ Celtic Crossing
April 15, 2023 | IN Conversation | Writer's Theatre Glencoe
March 3, 2023 | First Friday @ The Embassy
February 26, 2023 | Community Outreach - Sarah's Circle Walk
February 18, 2023 | Volunteer Outing @ Greater Chicago Food Depository
February 11, 2023 | Ireland Network Annual Ball | Drake Hotel
February 3, 2023 | First Friday @ The Kerryman
January 26, 2023 | IN Conversation - Irish Sport in Chicago @ The Gage
January 6, 2023 | First Friday @ Fadó
December 2, 2022 | First Friday @ Emerald Loop
November 4, 2022 | First Friday @ The Gage
October 29, 2022 | Halloween Hooley @ Chief O'Neill's
October 7, 2022 | First Friday @ Galway Arms
October 1, 2022 | Volunteer Outing @ Feed My Starving Children
September 7, 2022 | First Friday @ Corcoran's
September 29 2022 | Annual Boat Cruise
September 16, 2022 | Annual Golf at Ruffled Feathers Golf Club
August 22, 2022 | Roundtable discussion with Minister Martin Heydon T.D.
August 5, 2022 | First Friday @ Kaiser Tiger
July 24, 2022 | GAA Semi-Finals @Gaelic Park
July 1, 2022 | First Friday @ Chicago Brewhouse
June 2023 | Family Event - Ice Cream Social and reading of Our American Dream with Fiona McEntee at Cone Ice Cream
June 3, 2022 | First Friday @ Celtic Crossing
May 18, 2022 | Annual General Meeting @ Chicago Cut
Event Descriptions
First Fridays
These informal gatherings are typically held on the first Friday of each month at Irish-owned or managed establishments around Chicagoland. Entry is free and includes complimentary drinks and appetizers. All are invited!
IN Conversations
Quarterly speaker series on topics of relevance and interest to the membership. Speakers have included former Taoiseachs, current U.S. and Irish Senators, corporate, community and industry leaders, authors, artists and many more.
Signature Events
Annual Ball – Our black-tie gala in February features a champagne reception followed by a three-course meal, open bar, live music and dancing until late into the night, as well as the presentation of the IN Spirit Award and a raffle benefiting our chosen charities.
Annual General Meeting – Our formal meeting of membership in May reviews past activities, provides an outlook for the year ahead, installs our new Executive Committee and Advisory Board, and welcomes feedback directly from members.
Summer Boat Cruise - We celebrate the end of summer each September with a boat trip along the Chicago River and on Lake Michigan; past guests include former Taoiseach Enda Kenny.
Golf Outing – A beautiful 18-hole golf outing held in late summer features prizes, a post-game ceremony, and raffle fundraiser supporting our chosen charity.
Volunteer Outings
A group representing INC donates their time and energy to a different non-profit organization once a quarter. Please reach out to us at irelandnetworkchicago@gmail.com if you'd like to organize an INC volunteer outing to your charity of choice!
Partner Events
As a strategic partner (and a perk of membership!), INC often takes tables at our partners' events and provides an opportunities for INC members to attend on behalf of INC. 2022 Partner Events included:
- Chicago Irish Film Festival
- Irish American Partnership St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast
- Irish Fellowship Club St. Patrick’s Day Dinner
- iBAM Gala Awards Dinner at Irish American Heritage Center
- Mayo Association Dinner at Gaelic Park
- Galway Fellowship Club Dinner at Gaelic Park
- The Ireland Funds Annual Chicago Dinner
- Padraig Pearse GAA Club 30th Anniversary Dinner
- Irish Fellowship Club of Chicago Christmas Luncheon