What’s On in the Irish Community
Galway Rovers album launch
Celebrate the debut of Losing Ground with local band The Galway Rovers - Ciaran, Declan, and full band - Saturday 18 April, 1:00pm – John Curtin Hotel, Carlton
Jim's Game at the MCG - Free with Irish Passport
Melbourne Football Club is hosting an Irish party at the MCG and the club is giving away FREE tickets to Irish passport holders.
Present your Irish passport at Gate 3, and receive a FREE ticket to the Demons vs. Lions match, which starts at 3:15 p.m.
Comhaltas Irish Weekend in Queenscliff
Irish Music & Dance Weekend – Queenscliff
Bookings are now open for a full weekend of workshops, music and céilí from 1–3 May.
Theatre: Never Closer
Never Closer – A Story of Home and Division
Old friends reunite on Christmas Eve — but tensions beneath the surface are ready to ignite. Melbourne premiere at fortyfive downstairs of a powerful new Irish drama set in 1987, exploring home, friendship and the choices that shape our lives.
Comhaltas Set Dance Workshop Weekend
Bookings are open for annual Comhaltas Set Dance Workshop Weekend, running from Friday 15th - Sunday 17th May at St. Martin de Porres Parish Hall in Avondale Heights. The special guest instructor this year is New Zealand’s Helen Stonehouse, who has been teaching Irish dancing for 30 years.
Melbourne Irish Studies Seminar
Dr. Sarah Corrigan and Alan Myers will present on the topic “Early Medieval Ireland in Relation to the Ocean.”
Irish Support Victoria Home from Home meetup
The next Home from Home parents/carers and babies/toddlers meetup will be on Thursday 9th April at 10:00 a.m. at Irish Support Victoria, 440A High St, Northcote.
If you have a wee one and are looking to meet up with other Irish parents, this is the place to be! For more info, contact Irish Support Victoria at 9482 3865.
Port Philip Dance Festival
The Victorian Folk Music Club presents the Port Philip Dance Festival. Running over Easter weekend, from Thursday 2nd – Monday 6th April, the Festival will include 7 dances, 6 live bands and 2 dance workshops. A variety of styles will be featured, including English, Scottish, Welsh, and contra dance.
Irish Support Victoria morning tea @ Gaelic Park
Irish Support Victoria (formerly the Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau) will be holding its next morning tea at Gaelic Park, 324 Perry Rd, in Keysborough, this coming Monday 30th March at 10:30 a.m.
These morning teas provide an opportunity for those who live in that area to meet and catch up with old friends – and possibly make some new ones. Everyone is welcome.
Melbourne Highland Games & Celtic Festival
The Melbourne Highland Games & Celtic Festival, will be on from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. on Sunday 29th March at Eastfield Park in Croydon.
Newport Fiddle & Folk Club Events
The Newport Fiddle & Folk Club has a busy month coming up. Their next slow & steady sessions will be on 27th March, from 7:30 - 9:30 p.m. at the Newport Scout Hall, 6 Market St. in Newport. $3 for NFFC members, $5 for non-members.
Melbourne Irish Festival at the Edinburgh Gardens in Fitzroy.
St Patrick's Family Fun Day
The St Patrick's Family Fun Day is an annual event hosted by the Melbourne Irish Festival. The not-for-profit event is open to all, and brings people together to celebrate Irish culture and heritage.
The festival is an opportunity to come together, reflect on the true nature of a modern and diverse Irish community, and its contribution to the fabric of Australian society today.
This festival REALLY needs your support this year, so do try to come along to this FREE family event. If you can’t make it, you can still support it by buying a raffle ticket. You might even win a round trip ticket to Ireland thanks to Emerald Travel. You have to be in it to win it!
Celtic Thunder at Hamer Hall
Irish supergroup Celtic Thunder its brand-new show An Intimate Evening with Celtic Thunder to Hamer Hall on Friday 20th March.
Celebrate the group’s most beloved songs as past and present members reunite for an unforgettable night filled with music, memories and camaraderie.
Melbourne Comhaltas Patrick’s Day Hooley
Come along and celebrate all things Irish with us on St. Patrick’s Day itself, Tuesday 17 March at St. Philip’s Anglican Church Hall, Hoddle St. in Abbotsford. Kicking off at 7:00 p.m., there will be music, song, dance and loads of craic for the whole family.
Melbourne Celtic Festival at the Mission to Seafarers
Melbourne Celtic Festival heads into our fifth year at the iconic Mission to Seafarers complex in The Docklands, Melbourne.
Another stacked lineup of local and international artists from living legends, The Bushwackers to our ‘Under 30s from 5.30pm’ in The Dome featuring young stars of contemporary traditional music, Out of Hand, Apolline and Homebru.
Irish Service Victoria - St Patrick’s Day Open House
The freshly renamed Irish Service Victoria ( formerlly IASRB) will be having an open house to celebrate the day. All are welcome to come in and celebrate our wonderful culture. Doors open from 10:30am
Irish Social Dance Association of Victoria Patrick’s Day Family Ceili
The Irish Australian Social Dance Association of Victoria will be holding a St. Patrick’s Family Ceili on Sunday 15 March at The Djerring Centre, Eddy Court, Abbotsford (behind St. Philip’s Anglican Church Hall and a short walk from Collingwood Station).
St. Kilda St. Patrick’s Festival in the O’Donnell Gardens.
Melbourne St. Patrick's Day Festival - St. Kilda 2026
The St Kilda St Patrick's Festival returns in 2026 for its 7th year as a one-day celebration of live music, culture, and community in one of Melbourne's most iconic bayside locations.
Celtic Club St Patrick’s Day Breakfast
After a highly successful debut in 2025, the Melbourne Celtic Club St Patrick’s Breakfast is back for 2026 at Zinc, Federation Square!
Join us as we launch St Patrick’s celebrations with an engaging and festive breakfast event, welcoming members, friends and families alike. Expect great food, inspiring guest speakers, live music, entertainment and Irish dancing, all set against the vibrant backdrop of Federation Square as we celebrate together in true Celtic spirit.
Highlights include:
- A delicious breakfast and light refreshments
- Uilleann pipes performed by Matthew Horsley
- Irish dancing performances
- Special guest appearance by the Melbourne Welsh Male Choir
Port Fairy Folk Festival
The 49th Port Fairy Folk Festival runs from Friday 6th – Monday 9th March. “From humble beginnings in 1977, the Port Fairy Folk Festival has become one of Australia’s largest and most loved festivals.”
Irish performers this year include Beoga, Grainne Hunt, Irish Mythen, the Ocelots and Mary Coughlan.
For tickets and more information, visit the Festival’s website at: portfairyfolkfestival.com.
IASRB Working Bee
The Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau will be holding a working bee on Saturday 28th February from 9:30 a.m.
They want to tidy up the shed, office area and cupboard spaces. Some heavy lifting will be required.
Food and endless cups of tea will be provided.
If you can lend a helping hand, even for one hour, please contact the Bureau at 9482 3865.
St. John the Baptist 150 years celebration
St John the Baptist Church in Clifton Hill has a long connection with Irish community in Melbourne. This year marks the 150th anniversary of the laying of the foundation stone of the church.
To mark this milestone, St. John the Baptist will be holding 3 events:
On Saturday 21st February at 2:00 p.m. parish historian and archivist, John Andrews will give a talk called “It's a wonder it was built at all.”
On Friday 27th February at 7:30 p.m. there will be a parish Mass will to commemorate the actual day of the laying of the foundation stone.
On Sunday 1st March at 11:00 a.m. Mass will be celebrated by the Archbishop of Melbourne, the Most Reverend Peter Comensoli, and the Archbishop of Perth, the Most Rev Timothy Costelloe. There will be a procession prior to the Mass.
For more info: https://olsc.org.au/
Gaelscoil Melbourne Accepting Enrolments
Join Gaelscoil Melbourne and give your children the gift of bilingualism. Watch them flourish in an immersive and supportive environment where they will form meaningful friendships and a greater sense of community with children on the same journey.
All levels including absolute beginners are welcome. Classes are currently on offer on weekends with qualified and fluent teachers operating in partnership with the Victorian School of Languages.
To register your interest or for more details, contact Lonan at 0493 523 858.
Ceoltóirí Naarm Kids Music Lessons Resume
Melbourne Comhaltas kids and teens music classes resume on Wednesday 4th February.
Do you have a child who would like to learn traditional Irish music? Send them along to Melbourne Comhaltas! Ceoltóirí Naarm was set up in 2023 for children and teens to learn Irish music. Every Wednesday, there are lessons available on individual instruments (tin whistle, fiddle, concertina), as well as group sessions for improvers and more advanced students on other traditional instruments. Beginners and improvers welcome.
Listen to Ceoltóirí Naarm at National Celtic Festival 2023
For more information, contact Aifric: 0437 678 883, or e-mail:
Melbourne Comhaltas Resumes
Melbourne Comhaltas resumes for 2026 on Wednesday 28th January at 7:00 p.m. with a welcome back BBQ and a celebration of St. Brigid’s Day. All are welcome, but for catering purposes, please let them know that you’re coming by contacting Mary at 9435 4435. BYO drinks and please bring a salad or dessert to share.
Comhaltas meets on Wednesday nights at St. Philip’s Anglican Church Hall, Hoddle St., Abbotsford, next to the Collingwood Town Hall. All are welcome.
Win A Double Pass to SAIPAN!
Thanks to our friends at the Irish Film Festival and Kismet Movies, you have the chance to win one of five double passes to see Saipan!
From the creators of the smash box office hit Kneecap comes Saipan, the unforgettable and hilarious story of Roy Keane vs Mick McCarthy, Ireland’s 2002 World Cup divided. Steve Coogan leads in this riveting, witty, and utterly unmissable tale of clashes, egos, and football frenzy. Do you have to be a football fan to love it? Absolutely not! ★★★★ | THE GUARDIAN.
Irish Radio Melbourne members are automatically in the draw to win one of five double passes to the Irish Film Festival — and if you’re not a member yet, just join before 2 February 2026 to qualify
Visit 3ZZZ.com.au to become a member.
IN CINEMAS 5 FEBRUARY
IASRB Morning Tea at Gaelic Park
The IASRB will be hosting a morning tea and social catch up at Gaelic Park on 19th Jan 2026 at 10:30am. this will be a great chance to catch up with old friends and possibly make some new ones.
Gaelic Park - 324 Perry Road Keysborough, 3173
Melbourne Comhaltas Christmas party
Bookings are open for the Melbourne Comhaltas Christmas party, which is on Wednesday 17th December at St. Philip’s Anglican Church Hall in Abbotsford.
Enjoy a traditional Christmas dinner including starters and dessert along with the famous Comhaltas music, dancing, song, and craic along with Christmas carols.
The cost is $35 for Comhaltas members, $40 for non-members, and children are free. Online booking preferred via the Comhaltas website. Alternatively, contact Mary at 9435 4435 or Johanna at 0428 564 266
Christmas Lunch: Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau
The Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau will have its Christmas lunch on Sunday 14th December at the Clifton Hill Brewpub, Queens Parade in Clifton Hill from 1:30 - 4:00 p.m
Please join the Bureau for an unforgettable party featuring a fantastic feast and exciting raffle. The cost is $55 per person.
Spots are filling up fast, so confirm yours soon to avoid disappointment. Book your place by contacting 9482 3865
Andy Irvine at the Brunswick Ballroom
Internationally renowned Irish singer Andy Irvine is coming to Melbourne for one show only on Sunday 13th December, performing at the Brunswick Ballroom, Sydney Road in Brunswick. Doors open at 1:00 p.m. for a 2:00 p.m. show.
Over the course of his 55 year career, Andy has performed as a solo artist and as an integral part of some of the finest Irish bands of our time, including Planxty, Patrick Street and Sweeney’s Men.
Tickets for Andy’s Melbourne show are on sale via Moshtix. For more information, contact the Brunswick Ballroom at9387 1347. Don’t miss this opportunity to see a truly legendary performer
Central Victorian Irish Association AGM
The Central Victorian Irish Association will be holding their AGM on Wednesday 3rd December at 5:30 p.m. at the Brougham Arms Hotel, Williamson St. in Bendigo.
The Association has some great events planned for next and would love their members to be involved.
If you would like to stay after the meeting to have dinner, please RSVP to confirm numbers with the Brougham Arms, who are very supportive of the CVIA.
For more information and to confirm your attendance at the dinner, please contact Sue Foley at 0418 557 751
Paddy Fitzgerald Family Day / Super 11s Tournament
Sinn Fein and Wolfe Tones GAA Clubs announce the first tournament of the GAA season, the Paddy Fitzgerald 11s, which is on tomorrow, 30th November at Gaelic Park, Perry Rd. in Keysborough.
In addition to sports and music, this family day also has a bouncy castle, face painting, and -- rumour has it -- a special visitor from the North Pole!
The event runs from 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m. Entry is $10 per person, and the bar and kitchen will be open all day.
Come along and enjoy sport, music and craic in memory of Paddy Fitzgerald.
Celtic music session at Chelsea Yacht Club
The next Sunset Music Session at the Chelsea Yacht Club will be tomorrow, Sunday 30th November from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m.
These sessions are on the last Sunday of each month and all are welcome. Even if you don’t play an instrument or sing, come along and enjoy the tunes and craic.
There is a $5 cover charge, and children are free. The club bar will be open, but feel free to bring your own snacks and nibblies.
For more information contact Jim at 0400 267 894.
Melbourne Scottish Fiddle Club 30th birthday concert
Join the Melbourne Scottish Fiddlers for a raucous and heart-warming concert to celebrate their 30th birthday! They'll be showcasing music and telling stories from across the years, including their international tours to Canada and Scotland, their 7 albums, and too many festivals and gigs to count!
Former members of the club, as well as members of the extended fiddle club family are invited to join them for a couple of big, all-in numbers towards the end of the concert. Get in touch so they can get you involved!
The concert is on Sunday 29th November from 2:00 -5:00 p.m. at St.John’s Anglican Church, 552 Burke Road, Camberwell. For more details visit their website: www.melbournescottishfiddlers.com
Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau AGM
The AGM of the Irish Australian Support and Resource Bureau is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. on Sunday 23rd November at their premises at 440A High Street in Northcote.
All current members from the past 12 months are welcome to attend the AGM, however, only financial members can vote.
Please let the Bureau know if you’re planning on an ending, either in person, via email or phone at 9482 3865. If you wish to renew your membership before the AGM, please contact the Bureau at 9482 3865.
The Bureau would like to thank their members, for your support and generosity towards our community and look forward to seeing you at the AGM on 23rd November.