In keeping with their tradition of providing insightful, informative and educational opportunities for members of the Irish community, Glucksman Ireland House at New York University has scheduled a number of fascinating events in the coming weeks.

One of the more sought-after tickets is for a lecture featuring Irish Times columnist Fintan O’Toole, who visits on Friday April 27 at 7.30 pm. O’Toole’s lecture, entitled: “What’s Irish About Irish Culture?” will examine the growth and perception of Irish culture after the close of the “Imagine Ireland” program, a year-long celebration of Irish culture in the US.

O’Toole, himself a renowned theatre critic, will deliver his lecture in conjunction with the Fulbright Commission in Ireland, which promotes Irish language activities and programs in Ireland and the US. The talk is part of the inaugural “Inter-changes” Irish language teachers’ workshop organized by the Commission.

On the other end of the spectrum, Jane Ohlmeyer will present her lecture: “Making Ireland English: How the Aristocracy Shaped 17th Century Ireland” on Thursday, April 19 at 7 pm.

A professor of Irish Studies at Trinity College Dublin, Ohlmeyer will examine how the aristocracy in England helped to Anglicize the Irish people – a trait which would eventually contribute to enhanced social standing, increased material wealth, and newfound political power for a certain section of Irish people.

Continuing the lecture theme, a group of noted writers, artists and scholars will convene on Saturday, April 21 from 10 am to 6 pm to discuss the influence of finances on family decisions regarding emigration, marriage, and property.

The discussion, entitled: “Who Do We Think We Are? Economics Family Style”, will focus on how the financial obligations of Irish families have affected the communities around them, both in Ireland and in the US.

For a change of pace, Glucksman Ireland House will host “Airneál na Bealtaine” on Thursday, April 26 at 7 pm, an evening of traditional Irish music and song which will see Pádraig Ó Cearúill and a group of NYU students take the stage. Local groups such as the Washington Square Harp and Shamrock Orchestra will join in on the excitement, which will not disappoint.

For further information, including admission prices and schedules, visit irelandhouse.fas.nyu.edu/page/home.