Irish Diaspora Directory

Cultural/Social/Sports

• The Irish Mashonaland Association is based in Zimbabwe and was founded in 1891
• The Irish South African Association facilitates social contact between Irish people, people of Irish descent and anyone who has any interest whatsoever in the Irish and in Ireland
• The Kenya Irish Society is based in Nairobi, Kenya
• The SA Gaels were established in South Africa in 2010 and now have clubs in Johannesburg and Pretoria

Cultural/Social/Sports

• The Asia County Board of the GAA was established in 2006 and currently includes 22 clubs in 11 countries including China, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand, and Vietnam
• The Irish Association of Korea is a volunteer-based, non-profit community organisation that strives to promote a vibrant, diverse Irish community in Korea, connected to Ireland and to each other
• Irish Network China aims to promote and encourage exchange and understanding of business, cultural and sporting ties between the Irish and Chinese communities in Beijing
• Irish Network Japan is a not-for profit volunteer organisation that aims to promote Irish culture within Japan and to provide a support network for the many Irish who find themselves in Japan on a permanent or temporary basis
• St. Patrick’s Society Bangkok promotes the social and cultural interests of the Irish community in Thailand
• St. Patrick’s Society Singapore organise regular events and welcomes recent Irish arrivals to Singapore

Welfare

• The Claddagh Association Inc. (Perth, Western Australia) provides welfare related support to Irish people in Perth and wider Western Australia.
• Irish Australian Support & Resource Bureau (Melbourne, Victoria) provides welfare related support to Irish people in Melbourne and wider Victoria
• Irish Australian Support Association of Queensland Inc (Brisbane, Queensland) provides welfare related support to Irish people in Brisbane and wider Queensland
• Irish Support Agency (Sydney, New South Wales) provides welfare related support to Irish people in Sydney and wider New South Wales

Social/Cultural/Sporting

• Aisling Society of Sydney is an Irish Australian cultural society whose main interests are the study of the history, life and culture of Ireland, and of the effect of our Irish heritage on Australian life
• The Celtic Club Melbourne is home to various Irish and Celtic groups and holds regular cultural, heritage and sporting events, as well as some great live music acts
• Central Coast GAA (Sydney)
• GAA Clubs in Australia can be found in New South Wales, Queensland, South Australia, Tasmania, Western Australia, and Victoria.
• Geelong Irish Society (Victoria) hosts events and encouraging links to Irish culture in Geelong, Victoria
• Irish Mothers’ Group Down Under (Sydney) is a group for Irish mothers in Sydney to get together socially and give each other support
• Irish Mums Brisbane offer regular meet ups for Irish and non-Irish mothers in Brisbane
• Michael Cusacks GAA (Sydney) is one of Australia’s largest GAA clubs with teams across the four Gaelic playing codes – Men’s Senior and Junior Gaelic Football, Ladies’ Gaelic Football, Hurling, and Camogie.
• Queensland Gaelic Football and Hurling Association (Brisbane) for anyone interested in playing Gaelic football, hurling, or camogie in Brisbane or Gold Coast
• Sydney Queer Irish (SQI) supports those who identify as LGBTQI within the Irish and Irish Australian communities in Sydney and New South Wales

Online Groups

• Adelaide Irish Connect (Adelaide, South Australia) is a Facebook group connecting Irish people in Adelaide
• Irish Families in Perth (Perth, Western Australia) is a Facebook page for Irish families in and around Perth
• Irish Women Living Abroad or Returning to Ireland is a Facebook community for Irish women living abroad, returning home to Ireland, or making the decision to leave again

Welfare

• The Irish Benevolent Society of BC (IBSBC) serves as a vital link connecting the local Irish community in British Columbia with emergency support and works in close collaboration with various Irish community organisations
• The Eamonn O’Loghlin Irish Canadian Immigration Centre (I/CAN), with Toronto and Vancouver offices, conducts outreach and provides information on employment, social services, and immigration to newly-arrived Irish immigrants across Canada. See their list of Irish organisations in Canada to connect locally
• Irish Women’s Network of BC provides women of Irish descent in British Columbia with support and networking opportunities as well as offering information and networking seminars for newcomers
• St Patrick’s Society of Montreal assists and advocates on behalf of Irish immigrants in the Montreal area

Social/Cultural/Sporting

• Canada Ireland Foundation is a foundation dedicated to celebrating the history of the Irish in Canada, creating public spaces for the community to gather and learn about our collective history
• Edmonton Irish Sports & Social Society has a long history of supporting newcomers in Edmonton and Northern Alberta
• GAA Clubs in Canada: GAA clubs can be found in Ontario, Alberta, British Columbia, and more
• The Ireland Funds Canada Young Leaders is a great way to make new connections if you are a young Irish professional in Canada
• The Toronto Irish Cultural Society promotes Irish culture in Toronto with annual social events, including the Rose of Tralee
• Vancouver Queer Irish supports those who identify as LGBTQIA2S+ within and connected to the Irish and Irish-Canadian community in BC

Online

• Ireland – Canada Chambers of Commerce – the parent website of the six Ireland Canada Chambers of Commerce located in Calgary, Edmonton, Montreal, Ottawa, Toronto, and Vancouver
• Irish in BC – Find out what’s happening in the Irish community in British Columbia by signing up for their weekly newsletter or check out the handy list of groups across British Columbia – from culture and heritage, to information, social, sport, and more
• Irish and New in Toronto is a Facebook page for all things Irish in Toronto geared at connecting new arrivals to the city

• The European County Board of the GAA was set up in 1999 and now heads up 85 clubs around Europe in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hungary, Italy, Luxembourg, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Russia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland
• European Irish connects people interested in Irish culture and activities around Europe
• Irish Association Spain was formed in 1997 to assist and inform Irish nationals who have chosen Spain as their adopted home or holiday destination
• Irish Club Netherlands (ICN)  allows the growing number of Irish people settling in the Netherlands to maintain contact with each other and to provide support. ICN lists wellness resources through its chapter of the GAA Healthy Club Project
• The Irish in Europe Association has a network of Chapters around Europe and aims to help Irish people living and working in Europe. See their Meetup page for the latest on events (primarily in Belgium)
• Irish in France creates and supports initiatives aimed at the Irish community in France
• The Norwegian Irish Society is a central source of information for Irish residents in Norway, both long-term residents and new arrivals

• The Association of Mixed Race Irish (AMRI) is a charity which advocates for people of mixed race backgrounds and seeks recognition and justice for those who suffered racism as children in Irish institutions. AMRI’s mission is expanding to include other mixed communities not necessarily related to Irish Institutions but ordinary Irish mixed race families who need support in dealing with their unique cultural and mixed ethnic lives
• Digital Irish connects Irish innovation globally, offering networking and business opportunities
• IAmIrish is a nonprofit that focuses on connecting, advocating, and empowering Irish people and Irish Diaspora of dual heritage/multi-ethnicities
• Ireland.ie is Ireland’s new international website, complete with support resources for the Irish diaspora

Welfare

• The Aisling Project (Returning to Ireland) is a London-based project that assists long-term emigrants by running group holidays in Ireland which aim to help participants reconnect with friends and family and resettle in Ireland
• Birmingham Irish Association provides advice and support to Irish people living in or who have recently moved to Birmingham
• Brent Irish Advisory Service (BIAS) provides advice and support to Irish people living in Brent
• Causeway Irish Housing Association provides short-term accommodation, primarily to young, single homeless people in London. They also support tenants through the Life Skills Project which includes help with education, employment, benefits, resettlement, and community involvement
• Friends, Families & Travellers is a leading national charity based in Brighton that works to end racism and discrimination against Gypsy, Roma and Traveller people
• icap (Immigrant Counselling and Psychotherapy) is a charity providing counselling and psychotherapy to Irish and non-Irish people in London
• Irish Community Care Merseyside provides information and advice on a range of services including welfare, homelessness, health, and cultural isolation to Irish people living in and around Liverpool
• Irish Community Care Manchester provides welfare related advice and information, lunchtime events, Irish Traveller support to Irish people in Manchester. They also have an allotment project, a passport service, and provide burials for Irish people with no next-of-kin
• Irish Community Services in Greenwich, Bexley & Lewisham provide a range of popular, welcoming and successful welfare and support services to the Irish Community across South London
• Irish in Britain (previously known as the Federation of Irish Societies) is a national umbrella organisation which draws together Irish clubs and societies in Britain. They also set up the Cuimhne Irish Memory Loss Alliance to address the needs of all Irish living in Britain who experience all forms of memory loss. View a directory of their membership across Britain here
• The London Irish Centre (LIC) supports the needs of thousands of newly-arrived Irish emigrants in London, the London Irish Centre has developed into the largest Irish welfare and community organisation in Britain. It also hosts regular community events and runs various initiatives, including the London Irish Language Playgroup
• London Irish LGBT Network was formed in 2014 by a group of Irish LGBT people decided form an independent group in order to socialise, campaign, and support artistic pursuits
• Luton Irish Forum offers a range of activities (e.g. elders, baby, and toddler groups) and supports (including welfare support) to Irish people living in Luton. They also run a useful website all about living in Luton – thisisluton.com
• Lewisham Irish Community Centre offers clubs, classes, advice, and support in Lewisham and surrounding areas in London
• Leeds Irish Health and Homes support the Irish community in Leeds with a focus on health, wellbeing, and independent living
• Leeds Gypsy and Traveller Exchange (LeedsGATE) work to address the issues which affect the homes, health, education, employment, and circumstances of Gypsy and Traveller people including Irish Travellers
• Safe Start Foundation strives to alleviate poverty and improve people’s lives through the holistic provision of accommodation, housing advice, employment training and brokerage, and Irish community services
• The Traveller Movement (formerly known as Irish Traveller Movement in Britain) represents the Irish Traveller, Roma, and Gypsy communities in Britain with an aim to advance equality, civic engagement, inclusion, and community cohesion

Social/Cultural/Sporting

London/South

• Irish Heritage is a registered charity that aims to advance public education and appreciation of Irish and Anglo-Irish music, arts, literature, and drama of all genres and traditions to the benefit of the community
• Irish Cultural Centre Hammersmith is dedicated to the promotion and welfare of Irish art and culture
• London GAA is the representative county team in London for Gaelic Games, where you can find information on local GAA clubs and events across London

North East

• Tyneside Irish Centre is a place for the Irish community in Newcastle and the North East to come together and engage in cultural and educational activities, as well as being a source of help and advice for the Irish community

Scotland

• Scotland GAA organisation dedicated to the promotion of Gaelic games and culture across Scotland, representing clubs in Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen, Dundee, and Coatbridge

Online

• Irish in London Facebook group is  the Irish community in London where members can socialise, network, and offer general advice
• Irish in London not-for-profit online hub that provides a valuable information resource for anyone interested in Irish life in London and offers a free marketing platform for charities and not-for-profit organisations supporting the Irish community in London which is also available to businesses and service providers for a small fee
• Manchester Irish Facebook group for the Irish community living in Manchester to connect

Welfare

• Citizens Information is the statutory body which supports the provision of information, advice and advocacy on a broad range of public and social services across the Republic of Ireland. The Citizens Information Board also provides the Citizens Information website, www.citizensinformation.ie, and supports the network of Citizens Information Centres and the Citizens Information Phone Service. The website has excellent resources for Irish citizens abroad considering or planning a move home in its Returning to Ireland section
• Helplink Mental Health provides culturally sensitive counselling supports support to global Irish through its Irish abroad counselling service
• Irish Council for Prisoners Overseas (ICPO) provides information and support to Irish prisoners overseas and their families
• Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust (KBRT) aims to alleviate the financial hardship of bereaved families repatriating the body (bodies) of loved one(s) who have died abroad in sudden or tragic circumstances back to Ireland
• Safe Home Ireland is an emigrant support service that provides a range of services to people considering returning/moving to Ireland, as well as recently returned emigrants. Their supports include an advice and information service, undertaking outreach/home-visiting and assisting qualifying older Irish emigrants with their housing needs

Cultural/Social/Sports

• Abu Dhabi Na Fianna GAA Club was founded in 1995 they welcome anyone who wants to try Gaelic Games
• Dubai Celts GAA is the largest GAA club in the Middle East, and a home away from home for many new Irish emigrants
• Dubai Irish Society was founded in 1974 and provides community and social support for Irish people living in Dubai
• Middle East GAA clubs are a good way of making connections on arrival. Currently there are four GAA clubs in the UAE (in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Ras Al Khaimah, Sharjah), and another 10 spread across Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, and Saudi Arabia
• Oman Irish Society organise Irish cultural, educational and social events in Oman
• Qatar Irish Society Facebook group which promotes closer relations in the Irish Community in Qatar

Welfare

• The Embassy of Ireland is located in Wellington and the Honorary Consulate General in Auckland.
• Irish People Living in New Zealand (IPLNZ) provides a platform for interaction and information for Irish people in New Zealand

Social/Cultural/Sporting

• Auckland Irish Society promotes Irish culture in Auckland
• Christchurch Irish Society promotes Irish culture in Christchurch
• Friends of Ireland New Zealand is an informative and open space for ‘Friends of Ireland’ in New Zealand to share stories, news, and events, as well as connect with one another
• GAA Clubs in New Zealand
• Waikato Irish Society connects Irish people throughout the Waikato
• Wellington Irish Society‘s mission is to unify the the Wellington Irish community through friendship and fun

Social/Cultural/Sporting

• The Hurling Club in Buenos Aires was established by descendants of Irish emigrants to Argentina
• Irish in Argentina informs Irish people living or travelling in Argentina
• LatinAmerica.ie provides information on all things Irish across Latin America including Irish clubs, societies, business networks, and more

Welfare

• Coalition of Irish Immigration Centers  is a national umbrella group for all of the Irish Immigration Centers in the USA. Find your local Irish centre here
• Irish Apostolate USA provides pastoral support, advocacy, and outreach services

Boston

• Irish Pastoral Centre – Boston offers a comprehensive range of services including active seniors and family outreach programmes, free legal and immigration clinics, a mother and toddler group, and much more
• Rian Immigrant Center specialises in Learning Exchange programmes between Ireland and the United States and offers immigration, advocacy, wellness, and education services

California

• Irish Immigration Pastoral Center – (San Francisco) is a long standing and invaluable support to Irish people in and around San Francisco
• Irish Outreach – (San Diego) is a vibrant multi-service center focused on assisting Irish citizens, those of Irish ancestry, and Irish visitors (summer students) in San Diego

Chicago

• Irish Community Services (Midwest) (formerly known as Chicago Irish Immigrant Support) is an immigration and social services provider serving the Irish community of Chicago and beyond with senior, legal, pastoral, student, and J-1 programmes

New York

• Aisling Irish Community Center (New York) assists Irish immigrants in their transition to life in the USA. They are based in Yonkers
• Emerald Isle Immigration Centre (New York) provides immigration information, social, employment and education related services to Irish emigrants in New York since 1988. They have two offices, one in the Bronx and one in Queens
• New York Irish Center is a community centre based in Long Island City (Queens), just one subway stop away from Grand Central Station. It runs cultural events, a senior programme and hosts the first US location of Pieta House

Philadelphia

• The Irish Diaspora Center is a community hub for Irish emigrants in the Philadelphia and wider Delaware Valley

National

• African American Irish Diaspora Network (AAIDN) aims to foster relationships between African Americans and Ireland through shared heritage and culture
• Irish Network USA is the national umbrella organization integrating the Irish Networks that exist in various cities across the United States. It allows members of the networks to connect with their peers and to develop relationships that will foster success
• GAA Clubs in the United States – with over 130 adult and youth GAA clubs in the in the United States, find one near you at: www.usgaa.org