There are no strangers here, only friends who have not met.
Welcome to the House of Ireland, a member of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages in Balboa Park, San Diego, California. Join us each weekend as we celebrate the rich culture of the Emerald Isle.
Ethnic Food Fair
Saturday May 2nd, 2026 ~ 10:00AM -
Sunday May 3rd, 2026 ~ 5:00PMJoin the House of Ireland and other House of Pacific Relations International Cottages as we conclude our celebration of our 90th Anniversary with our annual Ethnic Food Fair! House of Ireland will be serving a delectable selection of baked Irish treats and non-alcoholic Irish coffee on Saturday, and don't miss our monthly art class on the patio from 12 - 3pm! On Sunday, we will be serving our ever popular Irish stew on the patio, along with home-baked Irish goodies and non-alcoholic Irish coffee. Bring your appetite (and your tupperware) and enjoy a tasty trip around the world!
Monthly Meeting
Sunday May 3rd, 2026 ~ 5:30PM-6:30PM
Active and prospective members are encouraged to join us at our monthly members meetings.
Other Upcoming Events
Beginning Irish Language
Tuesday April 28th, 2026 ~ 7:00PM-7:55PM
Taught by Shanti Hofshi.An introduction to conversational Irish Gaelic. No previous knowledge of the language is required. The class is free of charge and all materials are provided. This class will be offered over Zoom, so you must have Zoom with a camera to participate in the class.
Beginning Irish Conversation
Tuesday April 28th, 2026 ~ 8:00PM-9:00PM
Taught by Shanti Hofshi.
This session will be focused on basic Irish conversation with supporting grammar and vocabulary as well as understanding spoken and written Irish. Basic knowledge of Irish is assumed (one prior beginning class). The class is free of charge and all materials are provided. This class will be taught over Zoom.
Intermediate Irish Music Session
Thursday April 30th, 2026 ~ 7:00PM-9:30PM
An intermediate music session (recommended for musicians with previous session experience) meets on the first Thursday of each month, with a special additional session this month. There is no official tune book, and tune selection will pass from player to player around the room.
Comhaltas Whistle Club
Saturday May 2nd, 2026 ~ 10:00AM-11:00AM
Taught by Quin Herron. Hosted by Comhaltas San Diego. If you’re interested in learning more about the Irish whistle or Irish Traditional Music in general, come check out this informal gathering. Free and open to all ages, donations gratefully accepted.
Cottage Open - Saturday Hosting
Saturday May 2nd, 2026 ~ 11:00AM-4:00PM
Stop in on Saturday for one of our free drop-in classes, or just to experience a little corner of Ireland!
Celtic Art Class
Saturday May 2nd, 2026 ~ 12:00PM-3:00PM
Topic: "Mother's Day silk painted potpourri bags"
Taught by Sandra Arevalo. Join us at the House of Ireland for an interactive Celtic Art class.
Comhaltas Tune Learning Session
Sunday May 3rd, 2026 ~ 9:30AM-10:30AM
Taught by Judy Carlstrom. Hosted by Comhaltas San Diego. If you've ever been interested in playing at an Irish music session, this is the place to start. Tunes are taught at a slow pace and sheet music is provided. Prior experience with your instrument is a must. For more information contact comhaltas.sandiego@gmail.com.
All-Level Irish Music Session
Sunday May 3rd, 2026 ~ 10:30AM-12:00PM
Every Sunday morning, there is an open Irish music session at the House of Ireland in Balboa Park. Players of all levels are welcome to participate. Players must bring their own instruments.
Cottage Open - Sunday Hosting
Sunday May 3rd, 2026 ~ 11:00AM-4:00PM
Experience a bit of Irish hospitality. Stop in for a cup of Irish tea and a slice of soda bread while enjoying traditional Irish music and dance or joining in for some classic Irish songs.