Mission Statement

The mission of the Eire Society of Boston is to promote the knowledge of Irish culture through the encouragement of study in the arts, sciences, literature, language and the history of Ireland, and to raise awareness of the contributions to civilization made by the Irish and those of Irish ancestry.

Our organization is non-political and non-sectarian, which throughout our history has welcomed people who share our goals, regardless of race, religion and ethnicity.

Through the time and effort of our dedicated members, we have hosted nearly a thousand lectures, screenings, opening nights, and receptions. The Eire Society has cooperated with seven decades of irish consular and diplomatic missions and given our support to numerous organizations including Irish hospitals, educational ventures, ecumenical and peace-seeking projects, and creative enterprises.

We look forward to continuing our long legacy and our mission of spreading the knowledge of Irish history and culture.

Click here to see out our constitution.

The Eire Society of Boston is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.

History

The Eire Society is one of Boston's oldest Irish organizations and was founded in Boston in 1937. Our rich history and vibrant membership includes a wide variety of individuals from various backgrounds, professions and age groups. Some of our prestigious members and Gold Medal honorees include John F. Kennedy, Seamus Heaney, The Chieftains, John Hume, Siobhan McKenna, Sean McBride, George Mitchell, John Huston, William Bulger, 'Tip' O'Neill and Maureen O'Hara (The Quiet Man).

The Eire Society promotes knowledge of Irish culture through the encouragement of study in the arts, sciences, literature, language and history of Ireland; the contributions to civilization made by the Irish and those of Irish ancestry; networking between all Irish and Americans; and raising awareness of the actions made by the Irish for the advancement of American ideals.

The Eire Society is a non-political and non-sectarian organization, which throughout its history has welcomed people who share its concerns, regardless of their race, religion or ethnicity. We are are a diverse mix of individuals of all ages and backgrounds, both American and Irish-born.

Contribution To The Arts

Throughout Eire Society history, this Boston Irish organization has contributed to the arts and culture of Boston in countless ways, from commissioning the Boston Pops to play at Symphony Hall to honoring Nobel Peace Prize winner John Hume of the SDLP with our annual Gold Medal Award Ceremony. Former Taoiseach and President of Ireland Eamon De Valera was especially fond of the Eire Society and our work for Ireland and welcomed Eire Society members repeatedly to Arus an Uachtarain (The Irish White House). The Eire Society of Boston has hosted nearly 1000 lectures, screenings, opening nights, and receptions, cooperated with four decades of Irish consular and diplomatic missions, given its support to Irish hospitals, educational ventures, ecumenical and peace-seeking projects, and creative enterprises almost beyond number.