Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library — Attraction in Phoenix

It looks very nice from the outside. It looks like a Medieval castle with its stone tall walls and the arching gate. Once there, I was however, unsure of how to get the actual "museum" entrance. Luckily someone pointed me to the visitor center which is a small room with one desk. The front desk lady was very kind and welcoming; she pointed me to where I should go for the tour, and gave me a brief overview of the buildings. The tour goes to the library and the cottage. I didn't stay for the cottage tour as I was feeling a bit tired. The library has 2 floors. On the first floor, there is an exhibit about a book and there are multiple rooms of books. From there, you can take the elevator or stairs up the second floor. There is a room with computers and there are also maps/books so you can research your Irish roots. Next to that room was another exhibit halls about Latin-Americans in the Irish culture. It was mostly posters of the famous people with a biography of them. There were also 3 glass-encased exhibits with some old artifacts in them. The displays were a bit too text heavy to read and I felt my attention wavering... I will admit though the library and center is very nicely maintained and it's impressive all the books they have about the history and roots of Irish culture. I will also give them an extra star as the tour guide really gave it more than this best during the tour. He is a walking encyclopedia of knowledge and very patient and...

It says on their website they are affiliated with the city through the Arts and Culture department. It does not show as a managed facility on the city’s website. I have been visiting the ICC since I was a young girl - about 20 years ago. Recently, I have been attending the Anam Cara Gala and other events. In the past 10 years, I have noticed a drastic change in the functioning of the center - most notably in the employment. The center is run mostly by young girls who are not professional. At the Gala last night I order two glasses of wine. Towards the end of the event, I went to purchase a beer for my boyfriend and the very young bartender informed me I was being cut off due to “showing signs.” This is appalling, as I know many others were drinking much more. It is possible they frown on dancing to the enjoyable music. The tickets were $200 each. The dinner was the amount of a tv dinner and tasted like it too. In years past, it was a traditional Irish meal with ample plate sizes. I just wanted to inform you, something not right is behind the scenes in managing that center. I suspect questionable financial “networking.” Finally, just to be clear, I am not disappointed in the denial of alcohol. I am upset in their lack of respect and reasoning for...

🇮🇪 Shout-out to the Used Book Sale at the McClelland Library! Now, their new books, tee shirts and gifts for sale at the counter are quite tempting, but I've timidly waded into genealogy with this pair from the bargain table.

Since I live and voyage chiefly in Cyberspace, I was skeptical that these "dead trees" would hold any unique wisdom or resources, but this week I was researching a new county, Kerry, and I was thrilled to find excellent information, even for the small parish in question!

As I meander through the stacks, I find they are filled to the brim with a treasury of knowledge, and every librarian knows, you can't keep every book forever! These two tomes were in excellent condition forty years after their publication!

So if you're new in town, just visiting, or you saw the parade and you're hungry for more, start with the Library's online catalog search, but you really must make an appearance in "meatspace".

My cab driver was amazed that they've suddenly built a Norman castle on Central Avenue. At the Irish Cultural Center, you will find yourself standing on the Auld Sod, and we'll welcome you with warm, traditional, yet modern Celtic hospitality. ☘...