Irish in Ottawa

This, of course, has served to strengthen to community, which goes back generations. There are many Irish clubs and societies throughout the city that promote Irish language and culture, but also act as welcoming communities to the young people leaving the Emerald Isle for the Great White North. The Irish in Ottawa form an integral part of the city.

We have compiled a short list of useful links and contacts for the Irish in Ottawa. Other links relevant to the whole of Canada can be found here.

Irish in Ottawa — Useful links

– The Irish Society of the National Capital Region promotes Irish culture in the city and organises the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. They do much to promote the ‘Irish Week in March’ event, including competitions and fundraisers, and are always looking actively for volunteers.

– Chambers of Commerce have begun to grow in strength and popularity in many Canadian cities, and Ottawa is no different. For those who are interested in business and enterprise, the Ottawa Chapter of the Ireland Canada Chamber of Commerce is the perfect home for you. They host many networking events and workshops designed to help newly landed emigrants establish themselves in Ottawa. It also draws from the considerable political influence of Ottawa to host breakfast meetings with the power-players of Ottawa, including former minister of Finance Jim Flaherty (R.I.P.) and leader of the Official Opposition, Tom Mulcair M.P. For those with an interest in business or politics, the Chamber of Commerce is the perfect home for you.

– For any of those hoping to continue or develop an interest in Irish dance or language, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann offers so much. Set up in the 1970s, Ottawa’s branch remains one of the strongest in North America. Their céilith, held on the third Saturday of each month, are well attended, and their Irish language sector is the strongest in Canada. The society organises weekends away with other language enthusiasts, and offers EU qualifications in Irish to speakers every year. This is strengthened with the University of Ottawa Celtic Club, which promotes all things Celtic throughout the city through pub nights, quizzes and excursions throughout the academic year.

– Ottawa Hurling Club is a relatively new club, set up two years ago, but it is growing at a rapid pace. Welcoming experienced hurlers and newcomers alike, the club’s main aim is the promotion of hurling throughout the city, where lacrosse and hockey skills prove helpful in taking a grasp of the camán and sliotar.

In their first year, Ottawa’s team managed to romp to victory in the May Montreal tournament. They also travelled throughout Eastern Canada to compete against other enthusiastic teams. Another positive development of the hurling club is youth hurling, with the only Canadian youth hurling team heading to New York City this summer to participate in the Continental Youth Games. Ottawa Hurling Club is a welcome home for the young emigrant or the family hoping to relocate, which mirrors Ottawa’s warm welcome to young and old alike.

– Ottawa Gaels Football Club was established by President’s Award recipient Pat Kelly in the 1970s, and have remained a powerhouse of Canadian GAA since. Welcoming experienced players and newcomers, Ottawa Gaels has strong women’s and men’s teams that travel frequently throughout Eastern Canada to participate in GAA tournaments. The Ottawa GAA clubs offer a warm welcome to any Irish emigrant hoping to make Ottawa their home. They are socially active throughout the capital, which makes making friends and contacts easy for the new Irish in Ottawa.

Dr Ray Bassett, Ambassador of Ireland to Canada

I have had the honour to represent Ireland in Canada over the past four years, and have made Ottawa my home. A welcoming and beautiful city in all seasons, any Irish people would count themselves lucky upon arriving here with its warm welcome and genuine appreciation for Irish people and culture. The Embassy of Ireland serves the whole of Canada. Should you have any concerns of queries, please don’t hesitate to make contact with us here.

Embassy of Ireland in Ottawa, Canada, Suite1105, 130 Albert Street, K1P 5G4 Ontario

Phone: +1-613-233-6281

Fax: +1-613-233-5835