Experience Ireland

Soak in the music and culture of the Emerald Isle with live performances, music-making and dance workshops, a shamrock craft, and curator talks.

Supported by Four Peaks Irish Arts and Phoenix Sister Cities Ennis Committee

Instrument Spotlight: Fiddle
9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Play one of the most important instruments of traditional Irish music. While identical to the violin in design, the Irish fiddle has a different playing style with many regional variations.

Photo Booth
9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Have your picture taken with fun musical props at MIM’s custom photo booth and instantly get your own copy to take home.

Shamrock Craft
9:30 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Create your own beaded shamrock, also known as seamóg or seamair óg, one of Ireland’s most iconic symbols.

Traditional Irish Music Performance
10:30–11:15 a.m.
Hear the storied sounds and unique instruments of traditional Irish music at a vibrant performance with Dé Máirt Ceol, the resident céilí band at Phoenix’s Irish Cultural Center.

Face Painting
11:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.
Add a touch of whimsy to your Saint Patrick’s Day look! Have your face painted with a colorful design by the artists of She Draws You.

Mini-Tours
11:15 a.m., 12:15, 1:15 & 2:15 p.m.
Join MIM’s Junior Museum Guides for a musical trip to the Europe Gallery with a special focus on Irish music and traditions.

Music-Making Workshops
11:15 a.m., 12:15, 1:15 & 2:15 p.m.
Sing and play Irish songs in a family-friendly workshop led by MIM’s Junior Museum Guides. Space and instruments are limited.

Irish Céilí Workshop
11:30 a.m.–12:15 p.m.
Join the Gilbert Town Fiddlers for an immersive and interactive Irish céilí folk dance experience. Dance to the sound of Irish fiddles and sing along to traditional Irish songs!

Fiddle Performance
1:15–2:00 p.m. (Saturday)
Join the Gilbert Town Fiddlers for an afternoon of rollicking Celtic fiddle tunes and great craic—a good time!

Irish Band Performance
1:15–2:00 p.m. (Sunday)
Get a taste of the pub with Trotters Wake as they perform a lively, acoustic mix of Irish pub songs, rebel songs, ballads, and traditional instrumental pieces.

Curator Talk: Tradition and Change—MIM’s Irish Instruments
2:15–3:00 p.m.
Irish traditional music has contributed to national identity and continues to inspire musicians and instrument makers today. Curator Richard Walter, PhD, will discuss iconic Irish musical instruments with a special focus on recent acquisitions in MIM’s collection and a redesigned Ireland exhibit.

Irish Step Dance Performance
3:15–4:00 p.m.
Experience the high kicks and rhythmic footwork of Irish step dancing at a performance by the Michael Patrick Gallagher School of Irish Dance.

Irish-Themed Extras Available for Purchase
All weekend, the Museum Store will offer a selection of Irish instruments like the bodhrán and tin whistle, books about Irish culture, and CDs and LPs of Ireland’s legendary music.

During Café Allegro lunch hours, enjoy a special Irish-inspired menu including corned beef and cabbage, bangers and mash, potato soup, beef stew, soda bread, and chocolate mousse and Bailey’s whipped cream for dessert.