🍂 November is Here! 🍂

November is bringing exciting changes and plenty of opportunities to connect with our Irish community! Don’t forget to turn back your clocks on November 1st. As we prepare this Newsletter we are also moving into our new office downstairs and we’re so grateful to our lovely volunteers who made the move easy and fun so far!

This November we are "Giving Thanks " for all our volunteers that donate their time and talents all year long!

We are also delighted to announce our newest board member, Meghan Murphy-Goode, to the Irish Outreach Center team. Welcome Meghan!

As we settle into our new space , please take a look at what’s coming up in the next few months, including our Golf Tournament, Veterans Day commemorations, Irish You a Merry Christmas, Bingo, our annual Dinner Dance, and much more. We look forward to seeing you soon and sharing another wonderful month together! 💚

Announcements

New Office!

We’re excited to announce that the Irish Outreach Center is moving downstairs to a new office this week! Our new space will give us more room for gatherings and make the Center more accessible with no stairs to climb.

We look forward to welcoming you to visit our new location in the near future when we host an "Open House". Details to follow.

Our new address is

The Irish Outreach Center

2725 Congress Street, 1F

San Diego, CA 92110

Please note that because of this our services may be limited until we get our internet and phone lines back up and running. We expect to resume normal operations by Tuesday, November 3rd.

Goodbye and Thank You Tim Riley

Tim Riley has dedicated many years of service to the Irish Outreach Center as both a Board member and volunteer. A respected attorney and mediator, Tim has generously shared his time, expertise, and commitment to supporting the San Diego Irish community. As he steps down from the board, we extend our heartfelt thanks for his invaluable contributions and wish him all the best as he returns to enjoy the Wisconsin wilderness and a well-deserved new chapter.

Thank you Tim! ☘️

Happy Halloween!

Did you know that Halloween originated in Ireland? 🎃

Discover the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain, the Irish traditions that inspired modern Halloween celebrations, and how this centuries-old holiday evolved into the celebration we know today. Explore Ireland’s rich Halloween heritage and the folklore, customs, and spooky stories that continue to bring the season to life!

Learn more: https://www.ireland.ie/en/halloween/

Let's stay connected!

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for the latest news, upcoming events, and important announcements from the Irish Outreach Center.

Senior Luncheon Fun!

We had a wonderful time at our Fall Senior Luncheon at McGregor’s! We were delighted to provide lunch for over 30 members of our community, along with some fun raffle prizes. A special congratulations to Dee, who guessed the correct weight of the pumpkin! 🎃

Thank you to everyone who came out and made it such a lovely afternoon. Keep an eye out for details about our next Senior Luncheon in the Spring.

Bus Tour Recap

The Irish Outreach Journey Home, Bus Tour of Ireland was a success!

Cathy Ward and Máirtín de Cógáin returned to Ireland for the second edition of the Irish Outreach Journey Home! This time, the group started in Dublin and made their way across the midlands of Westmeath and Roscommon before arriving in Galway City. From there, they headed south to County Clare, sailed over to the Aran Islands, and took in the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher from the water. The journey continued east toward Kilkenny before the group said their goodbyes to Ireland and headed back to San Diego from Dublin Airport.

Stay tuned for the next edition of the Irish Outreach Journey Home, this time we are going North!

Upcoming Events

Reunification of Ireland? – Meeting and Discussion

On Thursday, November 5th, the Kroc School of Peace Studies at the University of San Diego will host “The Irish Question Today: Continued Partition or Reunification or…?” — a discussion exploring the future of Irish reunification.

The event will feature Quintin Oliver, Northern Irish peace strategist and key figure in the 1998 Good Friday Agreement referendum campaign, alongside Mick Ward, San Diego Irish community leader.

Thursday, November 5, 2026

3:00 PM – 6:00 PM

Joan B. Kroc School of Peace Studies, University of San Diego

The afternoon will include an opening reception, panel discussion, and cultural mixer. Please RSVP with the link below.

Mt. Soledad Veterans Day Ceremony

Join the Mt. Soledad National Veterans Memorial Association on November 7th at 11 a.m. to honor 250 years of American freedom and the heroes who defended the Constitution. Gather at the summit to celebrate their enduring legacy. Following the ceremony, enjoy live music by The Full Strength Band!

For more information visit: https://www.soledadmemorial.org/events/veterans-day-2026

5th Annual Golf Fundraiser

Last chance to sign up for the 5th Annual Irish Outreach Open on Friday, November 20th, 2026, at Admiral Baker Golf Course in Mission Valley!

Your participation helps support the Irish Outreach Center’s programs and services, from immigration and employment assistance to senior support and community events.

A special thank you to our Title Sponsor, All American Racking Solutions, for their generous support!

🏌️ Individual Golfer: $175 | Foursome: $700

Registration includes a zip-up vest, goodie bag, and lunch for each golfer.

Don’t miss out!

Last chance to sign up to play or sponsor here!

Irish You A Merry Christmas is on December 12th!

Mark your calendars Irish You A Merry Christmas will be on Saturday, December 12th! This year, we are celebrating 13 years of Irish Santa and his many helpers’ providing gifts, clothes, school supplies, sports equipment and dinner to over 300 hundred children and their families.🎄🎁

We will need volunteers on the day to help make sure everything runs smoothly and volunteers in the weeks leading up to do the shopping for the families as well as packing everything up!

Stay tuned for more information on locations, dates, times and a link to sign up

by visiting our website Irish You A Merry Christmas

Blanket and Sock Drive

Irish You A Merry Christmas Blanket and Sock Drive! 🎁

Help families in need stay warm this Christmas! We’re collecting blankets and children’s socks for families participating in our Irish You A Merry Christmas event.

Donations can be dropped off at our office Monday–Friday, between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m., now through December 4th. Thank you for helping us bring warmth and holiday cheer to families in our community!

Please note that we have just moved to a downstairs office in same building.

Our new address is:

2725 Congress Street, 1F

San Diego, CA 92110

Irish You A Merry Christmas

Bingo Fundraiser!

Our Bingo Night Fundraiser Is Back! 🎄

Round up your family and friends and join us for a festive night of fun at The Ould Sod on Thursday, December 3 at 6 p.m. (Age 21+ only!)

Enjoy bingo, an ugly sweater competition, Christmas music, and plenty of sweet prizes, all while raising money for Irish You A Merry Christmas. Come ready to play, celebrate, and get into the holiday spirit!

Dinner Dance Tickets Available Now!

Irish Outreach Center Community Dinner Dance 2027

We look forward to Saturday, January 23rd 2027, as we come together as a community at the start of another New Year.

As the Irish do best, it will be a lively night filled with great food, entertainment, music, and great craic! Cocktail attire suggested.
Join us for an evening with old friends and new connections as we celebrate the vibrant Irish community in San Diego.