The Liverpool Irish Festival brings Liverpool and Ireland closer together using arts and culture. They provide access to Irish culture, using an all-Ireland approach, through participation and creative ingenuity. The festival is accessible, fun and educational; taking you to many parts of the city.
Their aim is to start interesting conversations by providing artful, cultural storytelling through traditional and contemporary creative events, workshops and tours. The Liverpool Irish Festival proudly challenges assumptions and celebrates Ireland’s multifaceted life.
The theme for 2025 is 'arrivals', centered around the contributions of the Irish community in Liverpool. Events include Queer Arrivals, a story-based music night, The Great Hunger Short and Long Tours, The Druids, Irish folk band and The John McGahern Annual Prize.
Festival highlights for 2025:
13 Oct - Book and documentary launch - the culmination of three years of work and a pilgrimage in partnership with BOXPARK Liverpool
16 Oct - the Festival launch at Liverpool Irish Centre, with Helen Jones from BBC Radio Merseyside who will be speaking about her Irish summers and best ever job (bookers get a free drink)
18 Oct - Queer Arrivals - an exclusive premiere of an LGBTQ love story, told by those it involves (including internationally acclaimed singer-songwriter Gráinne Hunt), with a guest feature from HUSK
20 Oct - a Double Feature theatre billing, celebrating Countess Markiewicz's life and multi-generational Irish lives at Hope Street Theatre
22 Oct - Did I Ever Tell Ya is a phenomenal show from David Gilna, who sold out gigs in America with the show he brought to #LIF2023 - Out of D'Blue and now plays at Liverpool's Royal Court
23 Oct - Come and see Liverpool's own Irish musicians and dancers in Welcome Home/Fáilte Abhaile at our own emerald icon, Sefton Park Palm House.