New Irish American Society of the Jersey Shore launches to celebrate Irish culture and heritage

A new cultural organization, the Irish American Society of the Jersey Shore, is pleased to announce its official launch effective December 8, 2025.

The group is dedicated to celebrating, sharing, and preserving the rich traditions of Ireland and Irish America.

The Irish American Society of the Jersey Shore was founded with a simple but powerful mission: to create a welcoming community where anyone with an interest in Ireland — whether through ancestry, academic interest, or sheer curiosity — can connect, learn, and celebrate together.

Through engaging talks, musical performances, and cultural programs, the Society seeks to deepen understanding of Ireland’s enduring influence on its extended diaspora. The mission of the group is to promote Irish culture and heritage while honoring contributions of Irish immigrants and their descendants to the fabric of American society.

“Our goal is to create a lively, inclusive forum for exploring the richness of Irish American heritage,” said Fran Griffin, founder of the Irish American Society of the Jersey Shore. “We want to offer more than just a social gathering but also a community where ideas and stories come to life, where people can discover new dimensions of their heritage and share their opinions and unique perspectives.”

The Society’s inaugural season of 2026 will feature five to six presentations throughout the year, highlighting a diverse range of topics. Programs will include thought-provoking talks by scholars and authors, entertaining musical evenings, and discussions of Irish culture – from history, literature, and music to contemporary Irish life and the Irish American experience. Each event will provide opportunities for conversation and community connection.

“Our Irish American heritage is not just something in the past,” said Griffin. “It’s a living, evolving story. The Irish American Society of the Jersey Shore will be a place where that story continues — through learning, laughter, music, and conversation.”

Those who are interested in becoming members are welcome to attend the Society’s launch meeting on Monday, December 8th at the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh (upstairs) located at 815 16th Ave, Belmar. 

Attendees will be entertained by the talented dancers of the D’Arcy
School of Irish Dance whose performances embody the joy, discipline, and pride that define Irish dance.

Doors open at 7 p.m. and admission is free to Society members, including those who join that evening, and FSOS members. A donation of $10 is suggested for guests.

Membership in the Irish American Society is open to all. Whether you are Irish-born, of Irish descent, or simply fascinated by the Emerald Isle, you are warmly invited to join.

Follow the Society on Facebook for more information and to keep apprised on upcoming events - https://www.facebook.com/IrishAmericanSocietyJerseyShore.