About The New York Irish Center

The New York Irish Center, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is truly an Irish place with a "céad míle faílte" for the whole community. It is accessible from every borough of New York, and from every part of the tri-state area.  Through it, every Irish and Irish American, and every caller, can find help for a full life and fulfill their American Dream.

Our Story

The Center is the realization of a life long dream of many in the community who longed for a gathering place for the Irish community throughout the New York tri-sate area.  Four Irish-born American businessmen, bought the building and are holding it until the Irish Center is in a position to purchase it  at the original price less a large donation.  As real estate prices have skyrocketed around the developing Long Island City neighborhood, this tremendous act of generosity stands as a testament to these four men’s willingness to contribute to their city and reward everyone, including themselves with the permanence of the Irish Center. Father Colm Campbell was lured back from retirement to help launch the project. We all believe that the building will serve as the cultural and social hub of New York’s Irish community.

Our Vision

The vision for The New York Irish Center is real COMMUNITY. True community consists of:

A sense of solidarity.  This happens when members identify with the Center as theirs and see the other members as people they can trust for giving and sharing.

• A sense of significance.  Through relationships formed in the Center people find that they not only have needs but have their own gifts and talents which they can give to the benefit of others members and society at large.

• A sense of security.  People discover that the Center is a place where people know that other members are always there for them.

We wanted to establish an easily identified Irish place, accessible from everywhere, through which every Irish  and Irish-American person can find what they need for a full life in New York.  We will be an Information Center for existing resources and will provide what is not available to meet remaining needs.  In the light of the high depression and suicide rate in the community, it is vital that an Irish Center exists and people know they will get any help they may want or need, day and night.

Our Location

The New York Irish Center is located in Long Island City, one subway stop from Grand Central Station on the 7 train (Vernon Blvd-Jackson Ave station). Also, it is just around the corner from the Midtown Tunnel, straight ahead to the 59th Street Bridge and Queens Boulevard. It is beside the entrances to the Long Island Expressway, which in linked to the Grand Central Parkway and the Brooklyn /Queens Expressway. The Long Island Railroad is just three blocks away.

Click here to get directions to/from the New York Irish Center

(courtesy of Google Maps)