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Where Irish Roots Connect in Chicago

From cultural mixers to business networking and social nights, our events bring together Irish people—and those who simply love Irish culture. Whether you're here for connection, heritage, or good craic, you're in the right place. Drop into our free First Fridays if you’re visiting town—it’s open to everyone!

Not a member yet? Join today and save!

Upcoming Events

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Annual Chicago Hounds Rugby Match

Memorial Day just got better with big hits, cold pints, and a bus full of legends. Whether you know your rucks from your mauls or just come for the vibes—we’ve got your ticket. Cheer on the Chicago Hounds as they take on the Seattle Seawolves—Scrum, sip, repeat!

Here’s how we’re doing it:
🍺 Kick things off with a proper tailgate featuring Wolfhound’s premium food spread, plus beer & seltzers flowing (and N/A's!)
👀 Get up close with exclusive pre-match on-field warm-up viewing
🎟️ Private seating area in the Hounds Lounge for the match
🐺 You may event get to snap a pic with Houndy McHoundface!
🚌 Leave the driving to us with round-trip bus transport from: Pricing:
  • $35 – Members
  • $45 – Non-Members
Ticket includes round trip bus transport to either location (Wolfhound or Celtic Crossing - choose at checkout), premiuim tailgate, exclusive pre-match field access, match ticket in private Hounds Lounge.

Date
Sunday, May 24
 
Schedule
  • 11am Bus Pick-up @ Wolfhound
  • 11:30am Bus Pick-up @Celtic Crossing
  • 12:30pm Pre-game tailgate
  • 2:30pm pre-game access to the field to watch warm ups
  • 3pm match at SeatGeek Stadium
  • Return bus to leave 30 minutes after full time.
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June First Friday

Join us for our monthly happy hour with complimentary beer, wine and light bites in the private party space in the back coach house, plus the lively beer garden!

Members receive 2 free drink tickets
Not a member? Join today!

Date & Time
Friday, June 5
6 PM - 8:00 PM CDT

Location
Corcoran's
1615 N. Wells St., Chicago

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Annual Boat Cruise

Join our unforgettable annual boat cruise along the Chicago River, aboard the Fort Dearborn! Enjoy stunning skyline views, dinner, drinks, and live music—all while gliding through the heart of the city. Don’t miss the best way to see Chicago lit up at night. This event sells out every yearsave your spot now! 

Date & Time
Thursday, June 25
Boarding: 6PM
Cruise: 6:15-9:30pm

Location
North Pier Docks on Ogden Slip – 465 N McClurg Ct, Chicago, IL 60611
(McClurg Court and Illinois Street)

Tickets
INC Member: $80
Non-Member: $95
[Includes food + premium beer & wine]
Not a member? Join today!


What to expect at our events

Ireland Network Community of events
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!

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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.

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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.

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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!

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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

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Past Events

April 3, 2026 | First Friday @ The Kerryman
March 6, 2026 | First Friday @ Galway Arms 
February 6, 2026 | First Friday @ Celtic Crossing
January 9, 2026 | First Friday @ Butch McGuire's
December 5, 2025 | First Friday @ Emerald Loop
November 2, 2025 | IN Conversation with Irish Rugby Legend Peter O'Mahony @ The Gage
October 23, 2025 | IN Conversation: Chicago Sports - The Irish Impact @ Fadó Irish Pub
October 3, 2025 | First Friday @ LGs Bar 
Sept 6, 2025 | First Friday at Arriba Rooftop
August 1, 2025| First Friday @ D4
July 11, 2025| First Friday @ Guinness Open Gate Brewery
Jun 19,2035 | Annual Boat Cruise
Jun 6, 2025 | First Friday @ The Embassy
May 31, 2025 | Chicago Hounds Rugby Match & Tailgate
May 2, 2025 | Annual General Meeting/First Friday @ Chief O'Neill's
April 26, 2025 | Volunteer Outing @ Chicago's 40th Annual Parks Earth Day Clean-up
April 25, 2025 | IN Conversation: Writer's Theatre with Bobby Kennedy, Director of Artistic Development of Brian Friel's Translations. 
April 4, 2025 | First Friday @ The Wolfhound
March 14, 2025 | Partner Event: Teeling Live at The Dawson 
March 7, 2025| First Friday @ Galway Arms
February 8, 2025 | Ireland Network Ball @ The Drake
February 7, 2025 | First Friday @ Celtic Crossing
January 3, 2025 | First Friday @ The Kerryman

2024 event archive
2023 event archive

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

2022 event archive

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