You know what they say about the grass always being greener on the other side? Well, when you’re casting covetous gazes across the Irish Sea towards the Emerald Isle, that old saying becomes very literal indeed.
Famed for its verdant landscapes and rolling green hills, Ireland is arguably the finest destination for Londoners looking for a long weekend away. But with a decent pint of Guinness, some fine Irish food and plenty of trad music on our doorstep, if you’re looking to enjoy Irish culture in the capital, then rest assured; you can do that, too.
With that in mind, here are 7 ways to be transported to Ireland without leaving London.
Visit The London Irish Centre
The London Irish Centre is an established charity, community hub and cultural centre in Camden that has been a major point for the Irish community in London since 1954. Here, you can engage with the centre’s incredible Irish culture and heritage activity programme, which includes talks and discussions on Irish history, film screenings, Irish language lessons, Irish folk singing classes and Sean Nós dance classes.
The centre also hosts regular evenings of live traditional Irish music and has commissioned works by Irish poets and artists displayed across the site. At the London Irish Centre, you’ll also find the O’Donovan Library, which contains more than 7,000 works unique to the Irish cultural experience. There’s even a small shop selling snacks beloved of Ireland, like Tayto crisps, McDonnells curry sauce and many more delights!
If you’re keen to immerse yourself in the Irish experience in a more thoughtful way than throwing back a few pints of Guinness, then it’s here you should head. An amazing place doing valuable work in the community.
Eat At A Restaurant Celebrating Irish Food
London boasts some excellent restaurants specialising in traditional Irish dishes, as well as a few following in the footsteps of Dublin’s increasingly impressive fine dining scene, putting a modern twist on some of Ireland’s beloved family recipes.
We have to start at Daffodil Mulligan, chef Richard Corrigan’s ode to premium Irish produce on Old Street. Opening in 2019, diners can enjoy Irish oysters, incredible soda bread, and some of the best beef in London, with prime sirloin from Tipperary offering serious depth of flavour.
Or, why not try Myrtle, named after the matriarch of modern Irish cuisine, Myrtle Allen, and run by chef Anna Haugh, who you might have seen on Saturday Kitchen and Masterchef. Here, you can enjoy tasting menus featuring refined takes on Irish classics like boxty and boiled bacon with cabbage.
Finish up at Homeboy in Islington, a cocktail bar that prides itself on its modern Irish hospitality. At the bar, you can sample premium Irish whiskey, indulge in a delicious take on an Irish coffee or simply enjoy a perfectly poured pint of Guinness.
Read: The best restaurants in Chelsea
Go To The Kiln Theatre
If you’ve not yet had your fill of performance at the London Irish Centre, then head to the Kiln Theatre in Kilburn. The area is nicknamed ‘Ireland’s 33rd County’ due to its large Irish population (the highest in the city), and although the theatre shows everything from contemporary drama to film screenings, it’s also become an influential showcase for Irish theatre.
The theatre regularly features Irish plays and hosts events celebrating Irish culture, including exhibitions on Irish heritage in Kilburn. Check what’s on to see the latest Irish-themed performances and cultural events.
Learn Irish Dancing
Irish dance is a highly energetic, rhythmic discipline that’s gained fans across the world with its ebullience and intricacy. Though Irish dance and its four most common forms – step dancing, set dancing, sean-nós and céilí – takes years to master, there are several Irish dance schools located across London if you’re keen to give it a go.
In Finchley and hosting Irish dance lessons across London, you’ll find McGahan Lees Irish Dance Academy, which gives classes most days somewhere in the capital. You can also explore other schools like the London Academy of Irish Dance, the Maguire O’Shea Academy, and Ceimoir, which teach across various London locations.
These are just a few options. Whichever way you play it, get ready to have a wonderful, informative and hugely spirited time!
Attend An Irish Festival
London hosts several major Irish cultural festivals throughout the year. The city’s St Patrick’s Day Festival in March is one of the biggest outside Ireland, featuring a spectacular parade from Hyde Park through Trafalgar Square to Whitehall, plus music, dance, food and family activities.
In late October, the Return to London Town Festival celebrates London’s annual Festival of Traditional Irish Music, Song and Dance, bringing together musicians and dancers for a weekend of performances and workshops.
For film enthusiasts, the Irish Film Festival London takes place each November, showcasing the latest Irish cinema, documentaries and animation with filmmaker Q&As and industry events.
Find Some Trad Music
Ireland’s musical legacy is hugely influential all over the world, with U2, Enya, the Cranberries, Sinéad O’Connor, Hozier and so many more hailing from the Emerald Isle. But it’s Irish folk and trad music that we’re particularly enamoured with; the use of harp, fiddle, flute and pipes so atmospheric and downright beautiful.
You can find Irish trad music being played live across London. Here are some of the best pubs with regular sessions:
• Sir Colin Campbell in Kilburn has live traditional Irish music every Saturday and Sunday evening, making it one of the few London pubs to feature a live band every single weekend.
• The Antelope in Tooting hosts Irish music every Sunday afternoon from 3pm-5pm, perfect if you’re looking for something that doesn’t stretch late into the night.
• The Lamb on Holloway Road keeps the spirit of the road’s Irish heritage alive with Wraggle Taggle, led by Mick O’Connor, playing traditional Irish sessions every Tuesday evening from 8:30pm.
Many of these venues also show major Irish sporting events like GAA matches and Six Nations rugby, too.
Enjoy The Emerald Isle From Your Sofa
You can even engage with Irish culture from the comfort of your sofa. The Irish Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade’s YouTube channel features ‘An Irish Night In’, a brilliant watch delving deep into Irish food, music, storytelling and more.
Lately we’ve also been enjoying Irish language learning through apps like Duolingo, ideal if you’re keen to have some fun whilst picking up some Irish phrases.
Many Irish cultural organisations also offer online events and virtual tours, making Irish culture accessible from anywhere.And with that, we’re off to actual Ireland for a long weekend. Sláinte!
