Previous Events
2022
2021
2019
2018
2017
2016
2015
2014
2013
2012
2011
2010
2022
Irish Night at the Mariners – August 9, 2022
Irish Community Summer Picnic – July 31, 2022
Pride Parade – June 26, 2022
KILA at the High Dive – June 19, 2022
Cyber Security Discussion with Richard Browne – June 10, 2022
April Happy Hour @ Shawn O’Donnell’s – April 21, 2022
A Night of Irish Comedy & Storytelling with Dave Nihill – April 14 & 15, 2022
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade – March 13, 2022
Annual Business Breakfast – March 11, 2022
Our guests of honor and key speakers were former Taoiseach, Enda Kenny, and Vice Consul General of Consulate of Ireland, San Francisco, Doireann O’Brien.
Dervish at the Triple Door – March 9, 2022
Click here for a sample of their music!
Webinar – Travel in the Age of COVID – February 17, 2022
Our panelists included Dr. Vin Gupta MD, MPA of U.W. Medicine, and Jeff Wright of Aer Lingus, who briefed us on the latest medical advice and safety protocols to minimize risk as well as the rules and regulations for domestic and international travel. They also discussed safety mandates in place overseas for hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, public transport, and tourist attractions.
A recording of the webinar is available upon request – Contact us at info@irishnetworkseattle.org
2021
Wednesday, March 17, 2021: Irish Network Seattle participates in the St Patrick’s Day Seattle 2021: Celebrating Ireland and Washington State’s Transatlantic Partnership presentation hosted by Enterprise Ireland. The Strategic Partnerships panel begins at the 41:00 mark. The conversation also featured Tánaiste of Ireland, Leo Vardakar, and Lieutenant Governor of Washington, Denny Heck, celebrating the trade & investment links between Ireland and Washington State. Session moderated by Emer Dooley. Click to watch.
Irish Week 2021: Irish Network Seattle participates in a video presentation of the 2021 Irish Festival Seattle with an introduction by Irish Network Seattle Board President Caroline Lee. The INS segment begins at 43:15 into the video.
2019
Saturday, December 14th Irish Network Seattle’s Annual Christmas Party at Columbia-Tower-Club
Thursday, November 21st Seattle Professionals Happy Hour at Shawn O’Donnell’s American Grill and Irish Pub
Thursday, October 24th Seattle Professionals Happy Hour at Murphy’s Pub
Saturday, September 7th Irish Network Seattle End of Summer Party at Hard Rock Cafe
Sunday, July 14th Irish Day at the Races at Emerald Downs
Sunday, July 7th Irish Community Family Picnic at Lake Sammamish State Park
Thursday, June 27th Irish Network Happy Hour Celebrating Pride at Fado Irish Pub & Restaurant
Thursday, April 25th Young Professionals Happy Hour at Shawn O’donnell’s Irish Pub
Thursday, March 28th Young Professionals Happy Hour at Murphy’s Pub
Monday, March 18th, 2019 A Breakfast Conversation with Minister for State for the Diaspora and International Development Ciarán Cannon, along with Brian Cotter the Advocacy & Public Affairs Director with the American Chamber of Commerce Ireland.
Thursday, Feb 28th Young Professionals Happy Hour at Paddy Coyne’s Bellevue
2018
Friday, 7 December Irish Network holiday breakfast with H.E. Daniel Mulhall, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States, at Washington Athletic Club (WAC). Click to open map for Washington Athletic Club. 1325 6th Ave, Seattle. Tickets are required for this special free event. Click for more information about H.E. Daniel Mulhall and to register via Irish Network Seattle Eventbrite. A special thanks to sponsors Aer Lingus and Amazon.com.
Our annual holiday party Saturday, 1 December at Renaissance was a lovely way to close the year. Party-goers participated in a silent auction for two Aer Lingus fares, Irish snacks, a Virtual Reality Headset donated by Cochran, Hangar Cafe coffee basket, and other great prizes.
Irish Network Seattle and Seattle Irish Immigrant Support hosted a free immigration round table event at Folio Seattle (The Seattle Atheneum) on Thursday, 8 November, 5:30-7:00 p.m. Attorney Tahmina Watson presented immigration information for Irish citizens. Aidan Maher with Irish Heritage Club is available to answer remaining questions. His e-mail is maher.aidan@gmail.com.
Our first happy hour at Shawn O’Donnell’s in Fremont was Thursday, 25 October! See pictures on Irish Network Seattle’s Facebook page. Fun and networking began at 6:30 p.m. and some stayed for the Trad Session beginning 7:30 p.m.
September 8, 2018. Lovely weather, good company, and Tullamore Dew tasting! All at our End of Summer Party overlooking South Lake Union. Thanks to Padraic Jordan and Windermere for the accommodations and view, and thank you to Meadhbh Rowland of William Grant & Sons for complimentary tastings.
May 24, 2018: Trustees meet and greet. Thank you to our host pub, St. Andrew’s Bar and Grill.
Saturday, March 3, 2018: The 78th Annual Dinner of the Society of the Friends of St. Patrick was co-hosted by Irish Network Seattle and was our kickoff for the 2018 Irish festive season in Seattle.
March 15, 2018: Ireland’s Attorney General, Seamus Woulfe discussed the major changes that could affect Ireland as the UK leaves the EU. Seamus Woulfe is the point of contact between the judiciary and other branches of government.
The event included a continental breakfast and a compelling discussion on how Ireland and other EU countries plan to address the Brexit financial threat, impacts on trade, import taxes, or tariffs, employment, and the potential return of the border.
March 17, 2018: St Patrick’s Day Parade. Perhaps you saw us walking behind the Irish Network banner?
February 8, 2018: Capture Your Career! With Mark Howley
Participants learned insider secrets to help career and personal development, and practical advice on business and life, from expert Mark Howley of MVH Speaking.
11 January 2018: An Evening with Ireland’s Minister of State Pat Breen T.D.
Minister Breen addressed a number of important topics, including Brexit and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), which significantly changes data protection laws in Europe. Attendees learned how Ireland is preparing for this important regulation and the benefits for Irish citizens.
Consul General, Robert O’Driscoll was also in attendance together with representatives from the Industrial Development Authority (IDA).
2017
Holiday Party 2017
Seattle’s best holiday party was once again a roaring success.
See great photos here.
Luncheon with Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, 1 November 
Irish Network members joined Taoiseach Leo Varadkar for a business luncheon on Wednesday, November 1 at the gorgeous Chihuly Garden and Glass in Seattle Center.
A capacity crowd showed up to give the Taoiseach a rousing Irish welcome. Mr. Varadkar was here as part of his first visit to the United States since becoming Taoiseach and emphasized the many connections between Ireland and Seattle, especially in the technology sector.
Hobby Horse Steeplechase, 7 October. Yes, you read that correctly! Participants grabbed a hobby horse, gave it a name, and entered races for the youngest, younger, and young-at-heart set. A Master of Ceremonies narrated the lighthearted event. It was a grand event to raise money for Children’s Hospital. See the Irish Network Seattle Facebook page for fun pictures.
Irish Gala 2017, 29 September. We celebrated 20 years of the Irish Reels Film Festival at The Ruins.
Irish Reels Film Festival co-founders Caroline Cumming and Fidelma McGinn led the celebrations of 20 years of Irish cinema in the Northwest. A film preview, delicious food, and drinks were highlights of the evening.
St. Patrick’s Day Party, 17 March. Attendees joined our popular St. Patrick’s Day Party at the elegant Cornish College at Denny Triangle. Special guests were Irish Minister of State Katherine Zappone, and Mayor of Galway Noel Larkin. Entertainment by KEXP DJ Darek Mazzone put our dancing shoes to good use. Our theme was “Love, Seattle.” Join us next year!
2016
Social Media for Professional Networking
Thursday, February 25th
St Patrick’s Day Happy Hour
Saturday, March 12th
Again this year, we hosted our extremely popular St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hour. We were joined by Galway Mayor, Frank Fahy, from our Sister City, Kathleen O’Toole, Seattle Police Chief, and John Keane, Honorary Consulate to Ireland. Check out some of the photos here.
2015
Irish Network Holiday Party
December 12, 2015
Members and friends came together to toast the festive season with a happy hour before the holidays at the Marriott Hotel on Seattle’s waterfront. See some photos from the social get-together here.
The Power of Storytelling in the Digital Age
November 12, 2015
We hosted a panel of local experts in social media and digital content marketing on how to use social media and other digital media to engage your audience and tell your story. Big thanks to our panelists Kristen Gill, owner of Kristen Gill Travel Writing & Photography Kate O’Neill and Chuck Leach, co-owners at Social Sky Marketing and Fiona Remley, VP, Director of Program Management at Wunderman Seattle. It was a lively and entertaining panel discussion!
Reception with H.E. Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, and Sabina Higgins
October 22, 2015
The Irish Consulate in San Francisco hosted a reception in McCaw Hall, Seattle for H.E., Michael D. Higgins, President of Ireland, and Sabina Higgins. All of the Irish Community was invited to attend and meet the President and Mrs. Higgins. Special guests included Seattle Mayor, Ed Murray, Consul General, Philip Grant, and Honorary Consul, John Keane. Check out photos from the event here.
Irish Reels Film Festival, Opening Gala Reception
September 25, 2015
We were delighted to co-host the Opening Night Gala Reception of the Irish Reels Film Festival at the SIFF Film Center on Friday, September 25th. Our members and festival go-ers enjoy pre-film cocktails and delightful hors d’oeuvres sponsored by Seattle’s premier venues. The reception kicked off a weekend of award-winning films with an opportunity to meet the writer and director of Patrick’s Day, Terry McMahon.
End of Summer Party
September 11, 2015
We toasted a record-breaking summer in Seattle with our members and friends at Novilhos Steakhouse located on the shores of South Lake Union. With stunning views of Lake Union, Gasworks Park, and Queen Anne, we partied on the patio till well after the sun went down. Check out some of the photos here!
Business & Networking in the Seattle area – with an Irish perspective
April 23, 2015
A panel of Irish business owners discussed their experiences of doing business in Seattle and the benefit of being Irish! Panelists included Mal Jones, Actuality Global; Paul Reynolds, Zortho Nutritional Supplements; Padraic Jordan, Windermere Real Estate, and Rozarii Lynch, Rozarii Photography. With Moderator Fidelma McGinn, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at The Seattle Foundation.
1916 Rising Lecture at the University of Washington
May 4, 2015
Dr. Conor Mulvagh, Lecturer in Irish History, University College Dublin gave a talk at the UW titled ‘Intellectuals and insurrectionists: reasons for rising in 1916′. Dr. Conor Mulvagh is a Lecturer in Irish History at UCD working on the Irish revolutionary decade (1912-23). He is currently researching the history of UCD during the Irish Revolution.
Liam O’Maonlai at Highway 99 blues club
March 26, 2015
Liam Ó Maonlaí, an Irish musician and former member of the Hothouse Flowers, played at the Highway 99 blues club. It was a great night of music and laughter. Big thanks to HWY 99 for generously giving food and drink specials for IN-Seattle members.
St. Patrick’s Day Happy Hour
March 14, 2015
We celebrated St. Patrick’s Day at Chandlers Crabhouse this year with Galway Mayor, Donal Lyons, and wife, Myra Lyons, joining us from our Sister City. We were pleased to share a drink with our members and many new faces. See photos below.
January Social at TEXTure: Visual Artists and Poets Create
January 25, 2015
We met with the writers and visual artists who partnered on the “TEXTure: Visual Artists and Poets Create” exhibition at the METHOD gallery, including IN-Seattle members, Maura Donegan, one of the artists involved in this inspiring artwork, and Paula Stokes, one of four METHOD gallery founders.
2014
Irish Literary Renaissance Lecture by Colm Tóibín
November 3, 2014
We were delighted to partner with Seattle Arts and Lecture and welcome Irish author Colm Tóibín to Seattle. Tóibín talked about the Irish Literary Renaissance driven by Lady Gregory, WB Yeats, and John Millington Synge and the opening of the Abbey Theater, the first state-subsidized theatre in the English-speaking world, the first state-subsidized theatre in the English-speaking world. After the lecture, IN-Seattle members got together, networked, and discussed Tóibín’s lecture over a pint!
Effective Networking and Mentoring
October 16, 2014
We kicked off the inaugural event of our Networking and Mentoring program with speakers Mary Newman, Director for Global Readiness in Premier Services, Microsoft, and Dave Walsh, Principal Director in Office365 Engineering, Microsoft who provide great insights on mentoring and networking with your organization and personal circles. We learned a lot, and thoroughly enjoyed the way our speakers were both entertaining as well as informative. Thanks also to everyone who attended, for engaging and sharing your questions, ideas, and enthusiasm. We had a great networking and mingling session afterward.
October Social
October 2, 2014
We joined Book-It Theatre for a pre-show social before “I Am of Ireland” with Set Designer, Will Abrahamse and Book-It’s founder and Co-Artistic Director, Jane Jones. It was a great evening learning about the history of the Book-it Theatre and its Irish connection.
End of Summer Party
September 12, 2014
We hosted our 3rd Annual Summer Party at A Terrible Beauty at Lake Union. The party was kicked off with live music from Carraigline Celtic Band and the Seattle Police Pipes and Drums. We were also joined by special guests including Irish Consul General Philip Grant, Seattle Mayor Ed Murray, Seattle Police Chief Kathleen O’Toole, and Irish glass artist Róisín de Buitléar. To see photos from the event, click here!
August Social
August 14, 2014
We kicked off our monthly social series at the Wilde Rover, Kirkland! Everyone who joined us also heard from the Lally’s who are embarking on an epic journey home to Ireland from their home in Seattle, Washington. Click here to view photos of the event!
Ambassador Anderson’s visit to Seattle
June 24, 2014
Partnering with the Seattle Chamber of Commerce, we co-hosted a Women’s Leadership Breakfast with Ireland’s Ambassador to the United States H.E. Ambassador Anne Anderson. Ambassador Anderson is Ireland’s first female Ambassador to the United States; she was also Ireland’s first female ambassador to the European Union, to France, Monaco, and most recently to the United Nations. She spoke about the challenges she has faced in her career to date and the role of women in society and the challenges they face. Click here to view photos of the event.
Ernst & Young Ireland Entrepreneur of the Year/CEO conference reception
May 28, 2014
Irish Network Seattle, along with Ernst & Young Ireland, co-hosted a reception at Seattle City Hall with the 24 finalists of the E&Y Ireland’s Entrepreneur of the Year program and a group of 110 CEO entrepreneurs, all previous finalists, and winners of the program. Seattle Mayor Ed Murray welcomed the group to Seattle and spoke about his personal Irish connection. Ireland’s Consul General, Philip Grant, Washington State Senator Karen Fraser, and King County Councilmember Joe McDermott were also in attendance. It was a great night of networking with a great group. Click here to see photos of the event!
Ceili Mor
March 22, 2014
In conjunction with the exhibition CAUTION! Fragile. Irish Glass: Tradition in Transition, the Tacoma Museum of Glass held a traditional Céilí Mór on Saturday, March 22nd, 2014. The was evening featured entertainment from renowned Irish vocalist and musician Liam Ó Maonlaí performing with Carrigaline Celtic Band. In addition, guest dancers from the Tony Comerford School of Dance will perform and everyone joined the set dancing, led through the moves by caller Kieran O’Mahony. Check out photos on our Facebook page here!
Success in High Tech: A View From Seattle
February 20, 2014
Irish Network Seattle, together with Invest Northern Ireland held a panel discussion titled “Success in High Tech: the view from Seattle”. Panelists included Cliff Reeves, Senior Director at Microsoft Ventures; Emma Hughes, Sales, and Operations Manager at Sentaca Consulting; Mary Newman, Director at Microsoft Premier Field Enablement and Michelle Duffy, Technical Program Manager at Google. The panel addressed two of the big concerns of people in the Tech world – how to get that killer job, and how to be successful (however you define success).
2013
IN-Seattle Summer Party
Friday, September 13, 2013
We hosted our 2nd Annual summer party at the Mt Baker Sailing and Rowing Center. Thanks to generous sponsors William Grant and Sons, Kerrygold, Paddy Coynes , and Keltia Design, and to all our members who joined us to celebrate the summer!
A fun afternoon Wine tasting at O S Winery
Saturday, April 20th, 2013
Local winemaker Owen (of Irish heritage), a wonderful winemaker, entertaining storyteller, and fun character took us through the business of making wine, as we sampled award-winning wines and enjoy some light appetizers paired with the wine.
Breakfast Reception with Ireland’s Taoiseach (Prime Minister), Enda Kenny
Saturday, March 22nd, 2013
We were delighted to welcome Taoiseach Enda Kenny to Seattle and to have him speak with us during his short visit to the Seattle area. He was the first active Taoiseach to ever visit Seattle. Accompanying An Taoiseach, (left to Right) John Keane, our local Honorary Irish Consulate, H.E. Michael Collins, Ambassador of Ireland to the United States (based in Washington DC), and Gerry Staunton, Consul General of Ireland (based in San Francisco).
2012
IN-Seattle Party by the Beach
Friday, September 14, 2012
Linked-In Talk and Networking Event
Thursday, April 26, 2012
Guest Speaker Matt Youngquist “Use LinkedIn Like a Pro”. At T.S. McHughs
Our special guest, Matt Youngquist, President of Career Horizons discussed how to use LinkedIn and other network opportunities in the business world. Matt is a recognized expert in the field of career coaching, job hunting, and professional employment counseling. After witnessing the intense structural transformation of the job market over the past decade, he founded Career Horizons in 2004 to assist clients in navigating successfully through these unfamiliar and largely uncharted waters.
St Patrick’s Day Party
Saturday, March 17, 2012
In Seattle’s St. Patrick’s Day @ Pioneer Square
INSeattle’s first St. Patrick’s party was a huge success. It was a fantastic night at the Edd Cox Art Gallery in Pioneer Square, featuring world-famous Irish drinks, modern Irish music, and some very fine company.
Networking Event
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Meet and Mingle at Hilliards, a hip, stylish brewery in Ballard
The first 10 folks who arrived received a free pint, compliments of Hilliards! Hilliard’s beer is some of the best you’ll find in Seattle. Adam Merkl (Co-owner and Sales manager for Hilliards) spoke about the Hilliards business story.
Guest Speaker Series
Thursday, May 8, 2012
Guest Speaker Kieran O’Mahony Ph.D. “Debunking Neuro Myth”. At PACCAR Hall, University of Washington
Our guest speaker Kieran O’Mahony Ph.D. shared some of the research that is emerging from the interrelated fields of Cognitive Psychology and Neuroscience. He unpacked several popular myths that have implications about the way we view learning and in particular how our children might view their own learning at school today. Kieran took us through some of the powerful new insights emerging from brain science and tell how this is being used in education and the workplace, sharing direct experiences.
Meet Irish Author Colum McCann
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Meet and Greet Irish Author Colum McCann. At Paddy Coyne’s– Seattle Waterfront Pier 70
The 2011 IMPAC International Prize Winner, was born and raised in Dublin, and his latest novel, Let the Great World Spin, was named Best Foreign Novel Award in China, won the Literary Award from the American Academy of Arts and Letters, U.S. National Book Award and Amazon.com Book of the Year. It has been heralded by Esquire Magazine as “the first great 9/11 novel”.
Guest Speaker Series
Thursday, February 2, 2012
Harvard Professor Hugh O’Doherty “Leadership in Tumultuous Times”. At PACCAR Hall, University of Washington
Feb 2nd, 2012: Guest Speaker – “Leadership in Tumultuous Times, Paccar Hall, University of Washington.
2011
IN-Seattle Christmas Party
Saturday, December 10, 2011
Paddy Coyne’s
Irish Network Seattle hosted a great night of socializing and networking, with complimentary Irish Coffee, finger food, music, and plenty of Christmas cheer!
Guest Speaker Series
Friday, September 16, 2011
Special Guest Dr. Vincent Cunnane, CEO of Shannon Development
Erin Air Inc.
During an engaging evening that includes wine and networking, and a talk given by special guest speaker Dr. Vincent Cunnane, Chief Executive of Shannon Development focusing on opportunities to create business relationships with emerging businesses in the Shannon region.
IN Seattle’s Guinness & Oysters Event!
Friday, June 10, 2011
Harborside Restaurant, Lake Union
In Seattle partnering with Guinness for an incredible Guinness & Oysters event. Delicious food pairings including prawns, crab cakes, and several vegetarian appetizers! This was a unique opportunity to sample some of the newer Guinness lines of products. Special guest and IN Seattle member, Eoghan O’Leary explained the history of Guinness as well as the expanding future of the company.
Guest Speaker Series
Tuesday, April 12, 2011
Panel Discussion and Network with Irish Entrepreneurs and Innovators.
PACCAR Hall, University of Washington
Our first Speaker’s Series was co-hosted by The Center for Entrepreneurship at UW and Enterprise Ireland. David Smith SVP at Enterprise Ireland moderated the discussion. A fantastic line-up of Irish entrepreneurs and innovators shared their experiences and wisdom on starting a business in the Seattle/Pacific Northwest area. Appetizers generously donated by Paddy Coyne’s and wine generously underwritten by Chateau Ste Michelle.
February 24, 2011
Special Guest: Ireland’s Consul General Gerry Staunton. Wilde Rover, Kirkland
February 24, 2011
Please join us for our first fun social event of 2011. Meet special guest Consul General Gerry Staunton and connect with some fabulous IN Seattle folks.
We’ll give an update on our exciting upcoming events, share a taste of Irish Reels, introduce membership benefits, and our theme for this year “Re-imagine Ireland”. Sample some delicious appetizers, and enjoy the no-host bar.
2010
N-Seattle Launch
June 2010
On the shores of Lake Washington, at the beautiful home of Rob Short and Emer Dooley, we had our first IN-Seattle event. Ambassador Michael Collins launched the network, it has been 23 years since an Irish Ambassador had visited this region. Also in attendance were Gerry Staunton, Consul General of Ireland and based in San Francisco, John Keane, Honorary Irish Consulate based in Seattle.
September 26th, 2010: Wine and Cheese Party, FX McRory’s, Seattle
Oct 23, 2010, Partnered with the Irish Heritage Club to offer members reduced-price tickets for ACT’s production of Martin Mc Donagh’s play The Lieutenant of Inishmore