Community

The Canberra Irish Club is proud to support a wide range of community groups, cultural organisations and social clubs that bring people together. Our venue provides a welcoming place where members of the community can meet, share interests and build lasting connections.

From cultural and recreational groups to social gatherings and special interest clubs, these communities play an important role in the life of the Club. We are delighted to host them and support the activities that help keep our community vibrant and connected.

About Us

Canberra Irish Club Film Society (CICFS) was established in 2019 to show Irish films (about Ireland, filmed in Ireland, featuring Irish people) once a month at the Club. We are a member of The Australian Film Societies Federation. CICFS is an important part of the Club’s programme of promoting Irish culture in Canberra and the Region.

Membership of the Film Society is open to members of the Canberra Irish Club and members may bring one guest. The published programme may be subject to change at short notice.

You can contact us at canberrairishclubfilmsociety@gmail.com

2026 Programme – Screening on the third Wednesday each month, 6pm

18 February 2026 – ’71
18 March 2026 – Michael Collins
15 April 2026 – The Kneecap
20 May 2026 – Aisha
17 June 2026 – Bloomsday – 1964 film
15 July 2026 – The Field
19 August 2026 – Brooklyn
16 September 2026 – The Nightgale
21 October 2026 – In the Land of Saints and Scholars
18 November 2026 – Young Plato
16 December 2026 – Barry Lyndon

COMHALTAS CEOLTÓIRÍ ÉIREANN (An Comhaltas),based in Dublin, was set up in 1951 to promote Irish culture,

including traditional music, song, dancing and language. There are over 450 branches throughout the world

We are committed to the promotion of Irish music, song & dance & provide opportunities for people of all ages to enjoy and participate in the traditions of Ireland that have been passed down through the generations.

COMHALTAS CANBERRA BRANCH (incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory) was re-established in September 2019, based at the Canberra Irish Club. Our focus is:

Enrolment of traditional musicians (both vocal and instrumental), traditional dancers and supporters of the aims and objectives of An Comhaltas
Holding sessions and cultural events for the entertainment of our members and the local Irish communites
Facilitating the learning of Irish traditional music, singing, dancing and language by our members
Spreading information about An Comhaltas and its activities

MEMBERSHIP, from $20 per year, is open to anyone supporting the objectives of An Comhaltas. Inquiries to canberra@comhaltas.net

We support and organise Irish music & song sessions & cultural events especially at the ancient Celtic Cross Quarter days:-

– St Brigid’s Day – February

– Bealtaine – May

– Lughnasa – August

– Haloweén/Samhain – October/November

The Canberra Celtic Choir

The Canberra Celtic Choir was established in 1992 for people who enjoy singing traditional Celtic music. Our repertoire is sung a cappella and is drawn from the music of Ireland, Scotland and Wales. English, Welsh and Gaelic lyrics are used, and songs are sung in unison as well as two, three and four part harmony.

Under the direction of Anna Brown, the choir has a diverse range of ages, genders and backgrounds. We have a relaxed attitude and welcome newcomers. It is not essential to be a great singer to be a part of the Canberra Celtic Choir. No audition is necessary. The Choir meets every Monday night from 7.30 pm – 9 pm at the Canberra Irish Club. All are welcome!

For more information about the choir, visit our Facebook page:

@Canberracelticchoir

or email us at:

Canberracelticchoir1@gmail.com

COMHALTAS CEOLTÓIRÍ ÉIREANN (An Comhaltas),based in Dublin, was set up in 1951 to promote Irish culture,

including traditional music, song, dancing and language. There are over 450 branches throughout the world

COMHALTAS CANBERRA BRANCH (incorporated in the Australian Capital Territory) was re-established in September 2019, based at the Canberra Irish Club. Our focus is:

Enrolment of traditional musicians (both vocal and instrumental), traditional dancers and supporters of the aims and objectives of An Comhaltas
Holding sessions and cultural events for the entertainment of our members and the local Irish communites
Facilitating the learning of Irish traditional music, singing, dancing and language by our members
Spreading information about An Comhaltas and its activities

MEMBERSHIP, from $20 per year, is open to anyone supporting the objectives of An Comhaltas. Inquiries to canberra@comhaltas.net

We support and organise Irish music & song sessions & cultural events especially at the ancient Celtic Cross Quarter days:-

– St Brigid’s Day – February

– Bealtaine – May

– Lughnasa – August

– Haloweén/Samhain – October/November

Embassy of Ireland, Canberra

Find out more about the Embassy, including where to find them and information on the Ambassador, and about the team based in Australia, at the Embassy, Consulate and with Irish state agencies, by clicking here.

The Canberra Irish Club wishes to acknowledge the generous support it has received through the Irish Government Emigrant Support Programme (ESP). It has helped the Club improve member services by providing much needed funds.

A radio program featuring Irish music, news, views and interviews.
Sundays 10.00am – 11.00am
Radio 2XX 98.6FM

Over 35 years of service to the Canberra Irish Community

Irish Passport Information

All the information you need to apply for a passport if you are resident in Australia can be found here.

Please note that, as at October 2015, the turnaround time for passports is approximately 8 weeks from the application being received at the Embassy.
Did you know you can apply for your Irish passport online? For more information click here.

Australian Irish Dance Association

Irish dancing has become a popular pastime amongst Australian children and adults due in some way to the phenomenal success of such stage shows as “Riverdance” and “Lord of the Dance”.

The Irish dance scene in Canberra has recently enjoyed a huge upsurge in popularity and now supports eight Irish dance schools. These schools are well represented at national competition level.

If you would like to know more about Irish dance lessons please contact any of the teachers listed below.

Southside

*Lynn Crafter T.C.R.G. (02)6296-3040
*Ann-Marie Dimmock T.C.R.G. (02)6293-2755
*Monica Simpson T.C.R.G. (02)6292-3188
*Leanne McGrath T.C.R.G. 0435 402 490

Northside

*Elizabeth Gregory A.D.C.R.G (02)6251-6612
*Suzie Huckstepp T.C.R.G. (02)6254-9929
*Kathryn Trenholme T.C.R.G. (02)6254-8440

Wednesday 1^st October 7pm, Canberra Irish Club

The Irish Community Players will present an original play about Peter Lalor and the Eureka Stockade to be performed at the club in the last week of May 2026.

We are looking for people who would like to be involved, either on stage or behind the scenes.

We need actors (male and female), set designers and constructors, lighting and sound designers and operators, costume and props designers, set managers etc.

No experience necessary, just enthusiasm.

The play examines the role and motivations of Irishman Peter Lalor in leading the miners uprising at Ballarat in 1854, an incident that many claim to be the birth of Australian democracy.

If you want more information, contact Ian Phillips on

0403135529 or gillian.ian.phillips@gmail.com