• Saturday & Sunday Hosting

    Hosting at the Cottage
    Saturdays and Sundays, 11:00AM - 4:00PM

    The cottage is open to the public every weekend. Stop in for a cup of Irish tea and a slice of soda bread while enjoying traditional Irish music or joining in for some classic Irish songs.

  • Free Tuesdays

    Fourth Tuesdays, 12:00PM - 2:00PM

    As a part of Balboa Park's Free Tuesdays rotation, the cottage is often open on the fourth Tuesday of the month.

Free Classes & Activities

  • Irish Language Class

    Irish Language Class

    Classes in Irish Gaelic are offered frequently at the cottage, depending upon instructor availability. Be sure to check our calendar below to see what our current offerings are.

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    No language classes available at this time.

  • Irish Music Sessions

    For more information: HOI Irish Music Sessions

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    Musical Resources:
    -The Session
    -O'Neill's Music of Ireland by Miles Krassen, Oak Publications
    -Smoke Gets in Your Eyes: Irish Session Tune Book by Kevin Gow

    Children's Session

    • All-Level Irish Music Session

      Session Times: Sundays, 10:30AM - 12:00PM
      Next Session: November 24th, 2024

      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.

  • Irish Dancing

    Irish Dancing at the Cottage

    • Irish Dancing

      Times: 3rd Sundays, 12:30PM - 2:00PM
      Next Dancing Date: December 15th, 2024

      All Irish step dancers are invited to perform their favorite steps at the cottage to live music. Visitors can enjoy watching the dancing, or join in for a ceili dance.

  • Comhaltas Whistle Club

    Instructor(s): Quin Herron
    Class Times: Saturdays, 10:00AM - 11:00AM
    Next Class: November 23rd, 2024

    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.

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  • Comhaltas Tune Learning Session

    Instructor(s): Judy Carlstrom
    Class Times: Sundays, 9:30AM - 10:30AM
    Next Class: November 24th, 2024

    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.

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  • Celtic Art Class

    Celtic Art Class

    Instructor(s): Sandra Arevalo
    Class Times: 1st Saturdays, 12:00PM - 3:00PM
    Next Class: December 14th, 2024
    Topic: Irish/Celtic Christmas tree ornaments

    Join us at the House of Ireland for an interactive Celtic Art class.

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  • Irish Knitting Class

    Instructor(s): Erin Ratelle
    Class Times: 2nd Saturdays, 12:00PM - 3:00PM
    Next Class: December 21st, 2024

    Classes are free. Advanced knitters will be on hand with demonstration materials to teach beginning techniques, but knitters of all levels are also encouraged to bring their own projects. Our resident "knit-wits" look forward to seeing you and sharing the joy of Irish Knitting!

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Full Activity Calendar