Irish Cultural & Heritage Center

01/06/2025

‘Nollaig na mBan’ - that’s the Irish name given to ‘Women’s Little Christmas’, celebrated on January 6 — the same day as the Feast of the Epiphany.
For some, it’s the traditional end of the Christmas season, the day we take down the Christmas tree and pack the baubles and tinsel into the attic for another year. But most importantly, it’s the day when the women of Ireland get to have time off from household chores after all the festive cooking and Christmas preparations. A special day to get together with female friends, sisters, mothers, and aunts. The men cheerfully take over the household for the day, so the women can gather together to party and have a glass of fizz.

12/26/2024

Happy Saint Stephen’s Day (Wren Day)

Wren Day [Lá an Dreolín]

Celebrated on St Stephen’s Day on December 26th, Wren Day centres on the ancient practice of capturing the wren. Folklore dictates that the wren – one of Ireland’s smallest birds and its most widespread – betrayed St Stephen, Christianity’s first martyr, leading to the symbolic hunt during Wren Day festivities.

On Wren Day, groups known as “wren boys” dress in straw costumes and colourful garments, marching through towns and villages while playing traditional Irish instruments. Their song, recorded by the Clancy Brothers in 1955, begins: “The wren, the wren, the king of all birds, on St Stephen’s Day was caught in the furze.”

Today, the tradition remains the strongest in the west and southwest of Ireland, particularly in Kerry. The custom piqued international interest in 2023, when Booker Prize-winning Irish author Anne Enright’s novel “The Wren, The Wren” took its title from the Wren Song.

12/03/2024

Remember the Irish Cultural Heritage Center this Giving Tuesday! Your tax deductible gift helps us keep the doors open and continue to provide cultural programing. You can donate using the secure link below. Thank you for your continued support!

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11/11/2024

Your ICHC would like to Thank all our Veterans today, and everyday. Thank You for your service...

11/09/2024

We are saddened to hear of the passing of one of our first Executive Directors. Mr John Maher.
Ar dheis Dé go Raibh a Anam/a hAnam

10/31/2024

We wish you a Blessed Samhain (Celtic Halloween Celebration)

10/31/2024

Have a happy and safe Samhain! looking for something to do? The Library at the ICHC recommends the following books: The Watchers by A.M. Shine and The Weejee Man by NP Cunniffe.

09/19/2024

Come see us next weekend,
We are participating in Doors Open.. come see YOUR ICHC!!

08/22/2024

08/01/2024

Happy Lughnasadh

07/29/2024

Come "check" us out,before Irish Fest.

07/04/2024

Have a Happy and safe Holiday!

05/27/2024

We take a moment today to reflect, remember and honor.

05/12/2024

We wish all you beautiful mothers a Happy Mother's Day!!

03/31/2024

Join us for a special Easter Sunday Mass. The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin hosts the Easter Rising Mass.