Kick Off the Semester Céili

Each September, we start off the new academic year with the “Kick Off the Semester Céili.” This gathering (free and open to the public) includes Irish group dancing (instruction provided!) to live music (usually provided by the wonderful Ceol Cairde). Also usually included is a demonstration of Scottish dancing and an introduction to the Milwaukee Hurling Club. This event provides a festive opportunity for students, faculty, and members of the community to get (re)acquainted and be (re)introduced to the Center’s programs and activities.

Celtic Halloween or “Samhain” Celebration

Each year the Center hosts its Celtic Halloween or “Samhain” Celebration at the UWM Hefter Center. The event includes a variety of academic and popular entertainment ranging from lectures on appropriate themes to live music, story-telling, mumming, short movies, and traditional fortune telling. Seasonal refreshments from around the Celtic world are provided, and costumes are encouraged and rewarded.

Irish Language Immersion Weekend

Every spring, the Center organizes the Tionól Gaeilge or Irish Language Immersion Weekend. This gives students and community members the opportunity to take part in classes in Irish language (beginner, intermediate, and advanced) taught by qualified instructors from around the US and Ireland. Other related offerings include singing and dancing workshops, an Irish language bookshop, and Irish language games. The weekend also features the annual Douglas Hyde Lecture on a topic related to Irish language and tradition. The language weekend is free for UWM students.