Our Mission
To support and promote Irish heritage and cultural education, preservation, and celebration.
..
Our Vision
Several years ago a group of Kansas Citians articulated a vision to create a place that would support, honor, and celebrate the Irish and Celtic heritage of our community, families, and individuals.
The Irish Center
The Irish Center includes a modest permanent exhibit on Kansas City's Irish heritage, online and printed genealogy resources, an Irish resouce library, educational and cultural programs and classes, space for traveling exhibits, a "wee" gift shop, a conference room and a large gathering space for concerts, speakers, special events, and more.
Regular hours are Wed - Sat 10 am - 4 pm, Sun noon - 4 pm. Admission is only charged for special events and programs. However, donations are gratefully appreciated and help us keep the Center open to all visitors.
Educational and Entertaining Programming
For all people of Kansas City, the Irish Center offers cultural and heritage educational and entertaining programming, from concerts to various classes, storytellers to sing-alongs, whiskey and beer dinners, trad music jam sessions, genealogy programs, various speakers and much more. We cover the history and heritage of Ireland, plus What's Happening Today in Ireland, and more.
To Rent the Irish Center for Your Special Event
The Irish Center has AV capabilities and a catering kitchen and is available to rent for meetings and events. Call Cary Powers, 816-474-3848, to learn more about having your meeting, reception, holiday party or other event in this unique and beautiful setting.
In Union Station
Union Station and the Irish have a strong historical link. From the Irish immigrants who provided much of the workforce that built the railroads, to later immigrants coming through Union Station to start a new life in the Midwest, to the thousands of Irish-American soldiers who shipped out and came home through Union Station, to the Irish-American workers who dug the coal and butchered the livestock transported across the country from Union Station. The Irish Center's partnership with Union Station continues to honor this history.
Located in the lower level of the West wing of Kansas City's historic Union Station, the Center welcomes all. The Irish Center hopes to eventually grow into a larger resource center and museum with a collection of permanent exhibits.
Nearby attractions include The Liberty Memorial and the National WWI Museum, the Crossroads Arts District, the Crown Center Shops, and the Hallmark’s Visitor Center & Kaleidoscope.
The Center will be CLOSED Easter Sunday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, Christmas Day & New Year’s Eve.
Inclement weather policy
For staff and volunteer safety, if schools are closed, we will probably be closed. Please call the Center to check.
EMERGENCY contact: Cary Powers 816-665-5156; Union Station Security 816-460-2030