Join us at the ICC on Tuesday, June 16 for Plight of the Bumble Bee, a captivating short film that takes you deep into the world of bees and their profound connection to Irish religion, folklore, and biodiversity. Accompanied by a unique live soundtrack of traditional Irish music, this is a special event you do not want to miss.

Tickets
$30 for ICC Patrons / $35 General. Purchase tickets online >
Or call 413-342-4358 (for parties of more than 6 people, please call due to limited table setup).

Doors open at 5 pm for a social hour. The film is presented from 6–7 pm. Guests are welcome to stay for a meet and greet from 7–8 pm. The Trinity Pub bar will be open for purchase, with light snacks provided by the ICC.

About the Film
This thought-provoking documentary explores the vital role bees play in our ecosystems, the challenges they face, and how we can help ensure their survival. With moments of sadness, humour and ultimately hope, the film beautifully weaves a narrative that highlights the urgent need to protect biodiversity, both in Ireland and across the globe.

The stories of the Irish saints associated with our bees are colourfully animated by Ruth Clinton and Clare Henderson. Featuring heartfelt interviews, such as with Kilkenny native 81-year-old Peter Walsh, who’s been counting bees since 1959, and showcasing a 5km biodiversity corridor created by locals in Skerries, it debunks myths and inspires action.

Accompanied by a unique live soundtrack of traditional Irish music composed by Brenda Castles, Plight of the Bumble Bee is a celebration of nature, community, and resilience. Prepare to be inspired. Prepare to act. This is a story not just about bees, it’s about us all.

View the trailer >

Musicians Accompanying the Film at the ICC
Brenda Castles – Brenda Castles hails from Co. Meath and honed her concertina skills under the tutelage of Rena Traynor and Mícheál Ó’Raghallaigh. She released two solo albums of concertina music in 2016 and 2021.

Brenda is a seasoned performer and often graced stages alongside Mick Moloney’s Green Fields of America. Beyond her musical endeavours, Brenda has delved into the realm of film, creating and producing the evocative short film Plight of the Bumble Bee, complete with a traditionally inspired soundtrack of her own composition, for which she received the Brian O’Donovan Award in January 2025. The film was shortlisted for the 2025 Powerscourt Nature Media award.

Notable recent Irish performances include a headline solo concert at Temple Bar TradFest, Dublin, an appearance on Ireland’s national broadcaster RTÉ’s Late Late Show, Earth Rising Festival in the Irish Museum of Modern Art, and the ITMA’s Drawing From the Well concert in Dublin’s National Concert Hall.

David McKindley-Ward – Award winning musician and singer, David McKindley-Ward, grew up in the DC area steeped in folk, traditional, and protest music from all over the world. From his folk foundation of Pete Segeer and Stan Rogers, he found a love for Irish music from cassette tape recordings of the old folk revival balladeers from the 50s and 60s; the Clancy brothers and Tommy Makem, the Dubliners, The Wolftones, and many more. His interest in traditional singing grew when exposed to such greats as Paul Brady, Dolores Keane, and Donal Maguire. David collaborates with many Irish singers and instrumentalists, including, Eimear Arkins, Liz Hanley, Brenda Castles, Joey Abarta, Allen Murray, and many others. He has recorded three albums with singer-songwriter Letitia VanSant, their latest release Eye of the Storm will be released this year.

Over the last few years, he has made a name for himself as a touring artist across the US, Ireland and the UK and a regular performer and instructor at festivals including O’Flaherty’s Irish Retreat, Atlanta Irish Fest, Baltimore Tradfest, Celtic Fest Mississippi, the Ashokan Center, The Philadelphia Céilí Group Traditional Irish music and Dance Weekend, and the Augusta Irish Retreat.

Eimear Arkins – Eimear Arkins is an award winning musician and singer from County Clare. She has toured throughout the US, Ireland and beyond with acclaimed bands like Cherish The Ladies, Téada, and Tomáseen Foley’s A Celtic Christmas. She is regularly seen performing with harp player and St Louis native, Eileen Gannon and guitar/bouzouki player and singer David McKindley-Ward. Eimear has also toured extensively with the international music organization Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann on concert tours throughout Ireland, Britain, North America and Canada and with the internationally renowned show Brú Ború.

Eimear is a qualified Irish music and dance instructor and has performed and given workshops at festivals all over the world. In June 2018 she released her debut album, What’s Next? and was awarded “Best Newcomer” from LiveIreland in 2019. Eimear released her second album, Here & There, in 2024 featuring collaborations with David McKindley Ward, Eileen Gannon, Alan Murray and Kevin Buckley. She was named one of The Irish Echo’s top 40 under 40 honorees in 2025 and was awarded ‘Female Vocalist of the Year’ from Ireland Tonight. Eimear and Eileen Gannon recently released their duet album The Belles of St. Louis.

Please let us know if accessible seating is required. Seating includes tables with regular height chairs, taller bistro-style chairs, and the bar. All sales are final. Refunds are given ONLY in the event of cancellation by performers.

Join us at the ICC on Tuesday, June 2 at 6 pm to learn about the American Revolution’s influence in Ireland. In this talk, Dr. Ian Delahanty, associate professor of history at Springfield College, explains how the American Revolution set off a chain of events in Ireland that culminated not with an independent Irish nation but instead with Ireland brought even more closely within the British Empire. The talk will last about 45 minutes with a Q&A.

This event is free and open to all – please register ahead >

Doors open at 5 pm – enjoy the pub or the patio. The Trinity Pub bar will be open for purchase; light appetizers to be served. To support the ICC and help offset costs, we kindly suggest a donation of $5 – $10 at the door if able.

About the Presentation
While Irish Americans’ military service in the Revolutionary War helped to secure the United States’ independence from the British Empire, Ireland’s revolutionary moment in the late-eighteenth century was a different story. Inspired by the rhetoric of liberty broadcasted from the American Revolution and the utopian ideals of French revolutionaries, many Ulster Presbyterians committed themselves to the creation of an independent, non-sectarian Irish nation. Meanwhile, Catholics in Ireland confronted a dilemma: could loyalty to the British Empire in its hour of crisis convince British lawmakers to eliminate once and for all religious discrimination, or should they find common cause with the Presbyterian radicals who encouraged them to unite across sectarian lines in the name of independence? Through it all, the Anglo-Irish Protestant ascendancy aimed to maintain its position at the top of Ireland’s political and social hierarchy, especially once the Age of Revolutions arrived on Irish shores in the form French soldiers.

The ICC invites you on a bus trip to the Klein Memorial Auditorium in Bridgeport, CT on June 28, for an afternoon of spirited Irish dance with ‘A Taste of Ireland.’ Direct from Off-Broadway and London’s West End! See a preview of this exciting show >

Performed by former World Irish dance champions, and featuring dancers from Lord of the Dance, Riverdance, and the recent West End cast of Éireann, ‘A Taste of Ireland’ brings the spirit and energy of modern Ireland to life with a pint of Irish wit. Watch world-class performers blend melodic folk mash-ups, live jaw-dropping acapella tap battles, and heartfelt storytelling in a live celebration of Irish music and dance. 

Trip Details
12:00 pm – Doors open at the ICC, 429 Morgan Road, West Springfield, MA
12:30 pm – Bus departs ICC
2:15 pm – Arrive Klein Memorial Auditorium
3:00 – 5:00 pm – ‘A Taste of Ireland’ performance
5:30 pm – Bus departs Auditorium
7:00 pm – Bus arrives back that the ICC

Trip Cost and Payment
$125 per person. Includes theatre ticket, round trip bus transportation, driver gratuity and snacks on bus. You are welcome to bring your own lunch for the bus trip to Klein.

Purchase Online
Purchase tickets online (service fee applies) >

Or, order by phone or in person.
Step 1: Contact Kathy Kelly, Events Committee Member, to confirm your seat. Call 413-519-3846 or email [email protected]. First come, first served.

Step 2: Mail a check to the ICC or visit to pay by cash, charge or check.
Make checks out to: Irish Cultural Center of WNE (note June Bus Trip)
Mail to: Irish Cultural Center of WNE
Attn: Caroline Morrissey
429 Morgan Road
West Springfield, MA 01089

Be sure to reserve early! There are only 36 tickets available. Once the tickets are reserved, we can no longer accept new reservations. Tickets are non-refundable but can be transferred to another person.

Cheer on the Red Sox with the Irish Cultural Center! Show your Irish pride at Fenway Park’s Irish Celebration on Sunday, August 23, when the Boston Red Sox take on the San Francisco Giants. The ICC’s bus trip from West Springfield, MA is an easy, convenient and fun way to get to Boston and enjoy the game with family and friends. Additionally, there will be Irish entertainment performing on Jersey Street before the game.

Schedule
• 11:00 am – Doors Open at ICC (429 Morgan Rd, West Springfield, MA)
• 11:15 am – Bus Arrives at ICC
• 11:30 am – Bus Departs ICC
• 1:15 pm – Arrive in Kenmore Square
• 3:10 pm – Game Starts
• 6:00 pm – Bus Departs Boston
• 7:45 / 8:00 pm – Arrive back in West Springfield at ICC
Note: in the event of a rain delay, the bus will leave Boston at 6:00 pm regardless of the time left in game.

Trip Ticket Cost
$160 for ICC Patrons / $180 General
Cost includes game ticket (right field upper boxes), round trip bus transportation and driver gratuity.

Game Ticket Only: Have friends in the Boston area who want to join you? Cost is $90 for a game ticket only (no transportation) for seating in the ICC’s section.

How to Purchase Trip Tickets
• Purchase online (service fee applies) >
• Visit the ICC office or Trinity Pub during business hours to pay by cash, check or charge, ask for one of the managers

To Access Game Tickets
Purchasers must provide an email address and download the MLB app to access tickets.
• Download the MLB Ballpark app and create an account with the email address provided to the ICC
• Once logged in, click the top left user icon, then click MLB emails, then verify your email address
• You will then be able to see the tickets in the tickets tab within the app
• Barcodes will load on tickets 24–48 hours before the game
Additional info: https://www.mlb.com/redsox/tickets/mobile

Questions? Call or email 413-333-4951 or [email protected].

Note: For anyone bringing children under 21, there will be alcohol at the game.

Red Sox/Outdoor Sporting Events Weather Policy: If we are notified that there is a weather-related cancellation of the game or event announced prior to our bus leaving the garage and prior to our driver leaving their residence to report, we will work with you to provide transportation on the rescheduled date, subject to availability. Any money paid will be applied to the new trip date. If we are notified of the cancellation after the driver has left their residence or after the bus has left the garage, there will be a charge, with the amount to be determined on a case-by-case basis. Any remaining money paid will be applied to the newly rescheduled trip date. If the bus has left the garage and the group has boarded and is en route to the game/event and it has been cancelled, the group will have the option of turning around and returning, in which case, 50% of the charter cost will be retained by King Gray Coach Lines and 50% of the charter cost can be used on a future trip. The group will also have the option of continuing to the destination city and spending the allotted time there for the amount paid. If the group would then like to book a trip on the date of the rescheduled game/event, we will create a new charter and the full payment will be due.

The ICC continues our Bealtaine celebration on Thursday, May 7. This evening features a special talk from 5–5:30 pm by Michaela Burke, this year’s Fulbright Foreign Language Teaching Assistant for the ICC and Elms College. Michaela will speak about the significance of this ancient Celtic festival of renewal, exploring its history and cultural significance, as well as an overview of paganism in Ireland.

Please register online for this free presentation >

Doors open at 4 pm. You are welcome to come early and get settled with a drink at our Trinity Pub.

The restaurant will open for serving dinner at 6 pm. Those attending the presentation who would like to stay and have dinner will be able to place their orders beforehand. If you plan on staying for dinner, please call ahead to make a reservation: 413-342-4358.

Our Gardening Club’s May 9 Spring Clean-Up has been postponed as we work to choose a better date for everyone.

The good news…Spring isn’t going anywhere, and neither are the weeds!

Please stay tuned for our rescheduled date. If you’d still like to lend a hand when the time comes, please email Caroline ([email protected]) to let us know of your interest.

Thank you for your understanding, and we look forward to getting our hands in the soil with you soon!

Join us in the Irish Cultural Center Book Club. We’ll enjoy good craic and delve into Irish and Irish-American literature, with guided discussion in a welcoming, relaxed atmosphere. This event is open to all.

Our meeting will take place on Thursday, May 14 from 5:30–6:30 pm at the ICC.

We are reading The Pull of the Stars by Emma Donoghue. Participants are encouraged to arrive a few minutes early to get settled, perhaps grab a drink, mix and mingle. You are welcome to stay after at the Trinity Pub to socialize with dinner or drinks. 

To Register
The Book Club is free to join. Please register ahead so we know how many people to expect. Register online >

In addition to our regular dinner menu, we offer a specially priced Book Club Buffet at $16.50 per person, plus tax and tip. Guests of Book Club attendees are also welcome to partake in the buffet. Choose this option at registration.

About the Book
In an Ireland doubly ravaged by war and disease, Nurse Julia Power works at an understaffed hospital in the city center, where expectant mothers who have come down with the terrible new Flu are quarantined together. Into Julia’s regimented world step two outsiders—Doctor Kathleen Lynn, a rumoured Rebel on the run from the police, and a young volunteer helper, Bridie Sweeney.

In the darkness and intensity of this tiny ward, over three days, these women change each other’s lives in unexpected ways. They lose patients to this baffling pandemic, but they also shepherd new life into a fearful world. With tireless tenderness and humanity, carers and mothers alike somehow do their impossible work.

In The Pull of the Stars, Emma Donoghue once again finds the light in the darkness in this new classic of hope and survival against all odds.

Available from several vendors online or your favorite local book shop. Or, check your local library.
• Amazon.com  >
• Bookshop.org >
• Better Worlds Books (used) >

Upcoming Meetings
• June 11, 2026: How the Irish Won the American Revolution: The Forgotten Heroes of America’s War of Independence by Phillip Thomas Tucker
• July: Summer Hiatus
• August 20, 2026: Holding: A Novel by Graham Norton (note date change)
• September 10, 2026: The Boy from the Sea by Garrett Carr
• October 7, 2026: book TBD (note date change)

The Irish Cultural Center of Western New England presents our first annual Bealtaine Festival on Saturday, May 2. Join us all afternoon for family-friendly fun with traditional and popular Irish music, kids activities, and an evening fire lighting.

The festivities take place on the ICC grounds with a large outdoor tent, patio, and in the Trinity Pub, located at 429 Morgan Road in West Springfield, MA. Free admission.

There will be lots of fun for kids, with crafts and activities including making flower crowns, learning the tin whistle, coloring, and face painting.

In the evening, we will light a fire to celebrate the ancient festival of Bealtaine, as the Celtic community would have done to mark the beginning of summer in the Celtic calendar.

Schedule:
• 12 pm: Springfield Rifles Rugby match
• 2–5 pm: Live music with Jimmy McArdle and Jerry Murphy (patio)
• 2–5 pm: Kids crafts & activities (outdoor tent)
• 3 pm: Kids tin whistle lesson (minimum age 7, outdoor tent)
• 5–6 pm: Fire lighting
• 6–9 pm: Live music with New Leaf (inside the pub)

The grounds and the Trinity Pub bar open at 12 pm. The Boricua Bites food truck will be here from 12–5 pm, offering delicious snacks with a Puerto Rican flair. The Irish House Restaurant serves a special limited dinner menu inside from 5–9 pm.

Guests are welcome to bring chairs or blankets for additional seating on the grass.

Learn More About Bealtaine
(pronounced ‘byal-tin-uh’)
This ancient fire festival marked the beginning of summer in the Celtic calendar. It is one of the Cross Quarter Days, halfway between the Spring Equinox and the Summer Solstice. This time of the year celebrated the joy of light and abundance returning to the land. The ancient Celts would come together as a community to light bonfires signifying purification and transition. Hearth fires would be extinguished and a new fire lit. They would also move their animals to summer pastures, and the season was welcomed with the hopes of a prosperous harvest later in the year.

Presenting Business Sponsor: Westfield Bank. Thanks to all our Sponsors > 

The Springfield Rifles Rugby Club has announced their 2026 spring season. Home matches at the Balise Field at the ICC are listed below.

Saturday, April 4 at the ICC
Women’s Match vs. Amoskeag: kickoff at 11 am

Saturday, April 18 
(Note location change to Van Horn Park in Springfield. Pub will open at its normal time.)
Women’s Match vs. South Shore: kickoff at 11 am
Men’s Match vs Amoskeag: kickoff at 1 pm

Saturday, May 2 at the ICC
Men’s Match vs Saratoga: kickoff at 12 pm

Saturday, May 16 at the ICC
Women’s Match vs. North Shore: this match has been canceled
Men’s Alumni Match: kickoff at 1 pm

For all home matches, the Trinity Pub bar opens at 12 pm for drinks. The kitchen opens at 1 pm with a specialty menu. We hope to see you here to cheer on your local team on their home field!

The ICC presents a Beginner Kids Irish Language Workshop on Saturday, April 4 from 3–4:30 pm with Fulbright Irish language instructor Michaela Burke. Michaela will introduce kids to Irish vocabulary, and practice with some simple songs and activities. We might even learn a rugby haka in Irish!

A parent or guardian MUST remain on site at the ICC, either in the workshop or in the Trinity Pub. This event is free and open to all. We ask that you please register so we can plan ahead.

Register here >

This introductory workshop is aimed at school age children – no prior experience with the Irish language is necessary. This is a great opportunity to for kids to get excited about experiencing a new language and Irish culture.

Please contact Michaela at [email protected] with any questions. 

The Irish House Restaurant and Trinity Pub bar will be open, with the kitchen offering a limited afternoon menu. Dinner is served from 5–9 pm. If you would like to join us for dinner, we encourage you to make a reservation– please call 413-342-4358.