The Celtic Junction Arts Center proudly invites you to Irish Arts Week 2025, a dynamic celebration of Irish culture running from April 24 to May 4.

This year’s festival opens with Deireadh Seachtaine na Gaeilge (Irish Language Weekend), offering an immersive experience in Ireland’s native language. Throughout the week, enjoy a rich variety of events, including concerts, film screenings, cultural discussions, music sessions, and hands-on workshops in Irish arts, history, and literature.

The celebration culminates in a unique opportunity to learn and engage at Folklore Village, where traditional Irish arts are passed down through interactive classes led by expert instructors.

Join us as we connect, create, and celebrate the vibrant traditions that continue to shape our community. Stay tuned for the full lineup of events!

Schedule of Events:

April 25, 2025

4:30 PM - Deireadh Seachtaine Gaeilge /Irish Language Weekend

In-person. Weekend fee $175. Beidh ranganna ann do chuile dhuine ó thosaitheoirí go cainteoirí líofa. There will be classes for everyone from absolute beginners to experienced learners.

Presented by CJAC's Education Program and Gael Linn.

7:45 PM - Fire Festivals: Documentary Screening and Panel Discussion

In-person. Free to DSG participants. $10 to public. Be among the first to watch Bealtaine, an episode from RTÉ’s upcoming Na Féilte Tine series, before it airs in Ireland. Produced by ROSG, this documentary explores the traditions, symbolism, and mythology of Bealtaine, celebrating the arrival of the Celtic summer.

After the screening, join a thought-provoking panel discussion on the significance of Ireland’s fire festivals and their resurgence as a source of inner healing. Special guests Réamonn Ó Ciaráin and Fergal Mac Domhnaill will share their insights on the cultural and personal impact of these ancient traditions.

Presented by CJAC's Education Program and Gael Linn.

April 26, 2025

All Day - Deireadh Seachtaine Gaeilge /Irish Language Weekend

In-person. Weekend fee $175. Beidh ranganna ann do chuile dhuine ó thosaitheoirí go cainteoirí líofa. There will be classes for everyone from absolute beginners to experienced learners.

Presented by CJAC's Education Program and Gael Linn.

5:30 pm - Seminar: Imagining Donegal by Réamonn Ó Ciaráin and Patrick O'Donnell

In-person. Free. Peadar O’Donnell’s Islanders and George “AE” Russell’s spiritual vision
Join us for a bilingual seminar exploring two influential figures who shaped the cultural and political imagination of Donegal.  Dr. Patrick O’Donnell and Réamonn Ó Ciaráin will co-present this engaging discussion in both Irish and English, examining the works and legacies of Peadar O’Donnell and George “AE” Russell.

Presented by CJAC's Education Program and Gael Linn.

7:30-9:30 pm - Dáithí Sproule in Concert

In-person. Guitarist, singer, and Irish language speaker, Dáithí Sproule, of Altan and Skara Brae fame, performs in concert. He’ll be pulling from his deep well of Irish language songs. This event is part of the DSG and Irish Arts Week.

This event is free for DSG participants and is $25 in advance/ $30 at the door for the general public. Youth 18 and under receive free admission at the door.

Presented by CJAC's Concert Program

April 27, 2025

Deireadh Seachtaine Gaeilge /Irish Language Weekend
In-person. Weekend fee $175. Beidh ranganna ann do chuile dhuine ó thosaitheoirí go cainteoirí líofa. There will be classes for everyone from absolute beginners to experienced learners.

Presented by CJAC's Education Program and Gael Linn.

4 - 9 pm - CJAC's Irish Music Session

In-person. Free. Join us most Sundays at 4 pm for the Learner’s Session and at 6 pm for the Regular Session. The cafe is open with a limited selection of beverages and snacks. Presented by CJAC's Outreach Program.

April 28, 2025

4:45 - 5:30 pm - Free Irish Dance Classes

In-person. Free. O'Shea Irish Dance has free trial classes for Preschoolers. Families with little dancers who want to try a class can fill out this form to reserve a spot. Write [email protected] with questions.

Reservation is required.  Presented by O'Shea Irish Dance.

April 29, 2025

6:30 -7:30 pm - Adult Irish Dance Class

In-person. Free. O'Shea Irish Dance has free trial classes for adults!  If you'd like to try a class, fill out this form to reserve a spot.

Reservation is required.  Presented by O'Shea Irish Dance.

April 30, 2025

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - Medb & Bealtaine: An Introduction

Online. Free. In this online Zoom presentation by Nora Murphy, participants will explore the social and political aspects of the Bealtaine Cross-Quarter Festival, which falls in May along the ancient Irish Wheel of the Year. They will also meet Medb, the archetypal deity who represents the potent energy of this time of the year, but whose traditional roles and responsibilities changed dramatically over the millennia.

Presented by CJAC's Education Program

4:45 - 5:30 pm - Free Irish Dance Classes

In-person. Free. O'Shea Irish Dance has free trial classes for Preschoolers. Families with little dancers who want to try a class can fill out this form to reserve a spot.

Reservation is required.  Presented by O'Shea Irish Dance.

5:30 - 6:30 pm - Free Irish Dance Classes

In-person. Free. O'Shea Irish Dance has free trial classes for Beginners. Families with dancers 5-13 years who would like to try a class can fill out this form to reserve a spot.
Reservation is required.  Presented by O'Shea Irish Dance.

7:00-9:00 pm - Hurling Practice with TCRE

In-Person. Free. Are you interested in learning a new sport? Hurling is the national sport of Ireland with over 3000 years of history behind it. It uses the combined skills of baseball, lacrosse, hockey, and soccer. Twin Cities Robert Emmets is the Minnesota representative of this great sport. We are a coed club that offers many levels of participation. From fun and recreational social leagues year-round to competitive traveling teams that participate in, and win, national tournaments. Our April practices are geared toward teaching new players the basics of the game and for returning players to knock the rust off. We are welcoming to all and hope to see you on the pitch!

Practice is located at 1151 Jessamine Ave W, St. Paul 55103. No sign-up, just show-up! Presented by Twin Cities Robert Emmets Hurling.

May 1, 2025

6:30 pm - 7:30 pm - The Wild Atlantic Way: A Scenic Delight

Online. Free. The cultural heritage of Ireland abounds along the country’s scenic Wild Atlantic Way. While it extends over 1,500 miles, one can encounter the history and geography of this trail while covering just a portion of it. Join instructor Jane Kennedy on Zoom to learn why a visit to this trail embodies the best of Ireland.

Presented by CJAC's Education Program

May 2, 2025

4 starting at 5 pm - Kolrosing the Knot with Darlene Fossum-Martin

Dating back to the Viking era, this traditional technique involves incising intricate designs into wood, darkening them with bark dust or colorants, and sealing them with oil for a striking finish. In this class, you’ll explore the connections between Celtic and Norse knotwork, creating beautiful, hand-carved patterns with deep historical roots.

No prior experience needed—just a love for heritage crafts!

7:30-9:30 pm - Adrienne O’Shea in Concert

In person. $20/$25. Free for youth 18 years and younger. Experience a gorgeous night of traditional Irish music as Adrienne O’Shea returns to the Celtic Junction stage. With a crystal clear voice and impressive command of the Irish flute, Adrienne breathes energy into the rich traditions of Irish song. Accompanied by the remarkable talents of Sean O’Brien, Liam Slattery, and Cormac O Sé, this concert promises to be a feast for the senses, filled with haunting ballads, lush harmonies, and evocative melodies. This event is part of the Women's Concert Series.

Presented by CJAC's Concert Program.

May 3, 2025

9 am -12 pm & 1-4  pm - Celtic Embroidery with Kelli Emerson

In person. $93/$100. Learn the art of hand embroidery by stitching Celtic knot designs! In this class participants will learn basic embroidery stitches such as backstitch, stem stitch, and satin stitch. Then we’ll use these stitches to create traditional Celtic knots symbolizing concepts such as love, happiness, friendship, eternity, and wisdom.

No experience needed—just a love for Celtic art!

Presented by CJAC's Education Program

3 pm - 4:15 pm - Gaeltacht Gathering

In person. Free. This is a friendly and fun opportunity to practice your language skills. It is hosted by two diligent community members and language learners, Diane Daniels and Sue Clarke. All are welcome.  Meet up in the education classroom across from the library.

Presented by CJAC's Education Program

5 pm - 7 pm - Film Screening of Bloody Sunday

In person. Free.  Winner of the Sundance Film Festival's Audience Award, writer-director Paul Greengrass' "magnetic and impassioned"* drama is a "staggering re-creation" of the events of Sunday, January 30th, 1972 when British troops clashed with unarmed protestors in Derry, Northern Ireland.  The film will be shown in the library. Please RSVP at the link.  1 h 50 min 2002 Rated R

Presented by CJAC's Education Program

7:30 - 9:30 pm - Cassie and Maggie in Concert

In person. $20/$25, Free for youth 18 and under. In the heart of Nova Scotia, where the salt of the sea mingles with the depth of the soul, JUNO nominated sisters, Cassie and Maggie, unite as a powerful and commanding folk duo. Rooted in their deep Celtic heritage, their melodies sing of truths that resonate through time while bridging the gap between tradition and innovation. With spellbinding harmonies and virtuosic instrumental prowess these sisters infuse the rich traditions of their region with a contemporary vitality, resulting in a sound that’s both timeless and fresh. This event is part of the Women's Concert Series.

Presented by CJAC's Concert Program.

May 4, 2025

4 - 9 pm - CJAC's Irish Music Session

In-person. Free. Join us most Sundays at 4 pm for the Learner’s Session and at 6 pm for the Regular Session. The cafe is open with a limited selection of beverages and snacks. Presented by CJAC's Outreach Program.

5 - 7 pm - Family Movie Night: STAR WARS

In-person. Free.The Youth Advisory Council (YAC) is hosting a screening of Star Wars: A New Hope, a perfect selection for May 4th!  This event will bring us all together for a night of space drama, cinnamon bun hair, and fun! And parents—you’re welcome to stay! This is a chance to see this classic on a (relatively) big screen, share the nostalgia, and enjoy a film that defined a generation.

Presented by CJAC's Youth Advisory Council

Date: April 24, 2025 - May 4, 2025

Location: Celtic Junction Arts Center, 836 Prior Avenue N Saint Paul, MN 55104

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