‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ Oral History Exhibition Relaunches this June
May 30, 2023
Coventry Irish Society is relaunching its Oral History Project ‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ on Friday 16 June 2023
‘Irish Heart, Coventry Home’ focuses on Irish migrants that arrived in the city between 1940 and 1970. The project includes filmed interviews, photographs, and written materials. Originally exhibited at the Herbert Art Gallery in 2018, the exhibition had more than 6000 visitors and 700 people on the opening night.
Coventry Irish Society is especially delighted to announce that Dr Kieran McCarthy
the incoming Lord Mayor of Cork will be one of the main speakers at the event. Dr McCarthy was part of the steering group for the oral history project, and he was instrumental in the hosting of the exhibition in Cork City Hall for 1 month in September 2018.
Other speakers include Coventry Irish Society’s Honorary President, David Cairns,
who was the first Irish Lord Mayor of Coventry, David will be 90 years old this June and Ciaran Davis, the Project Officer.
The evening will be a celebratory event and include Irish traditional music, The McHale School of Irish Dancing, food, and refreshments.
Rory Ryan, CIS Chair
said “The history project allows present and future generations to learn about the Irish community’s contribution to Coventry and to celebrate that as part of the city’s diverse communities. This year is Coventry Irish Society’s 30th anniversary and the evening will be a double celebration for us as we reflect on the support the charity has given to the local Irish community”.
The Exhibition will be permanently held at Coventry Irish Society 2nd Floor Eaton House after the Launch event and people are invited to visit us to between 2pm and 4pm Monday to Friday for a viewing.
Anyone that has photographs, articles, documents, or items of interest that they feel would enhance the exhibition please contact the charity or bring them in to Coventry Irish Society offices Monday to Friday between 2pm-4pm as soon as possible
Join us as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day 2026 in Coventry with events, live performances, plenty of craic and lots to discover!
Join us for a special St. Patrick's day Lunch Club from 12:30pm - 5:00pm at CIS Office, Eaton House | £10 per ticket . Blessing of the Shamrock Mass - 12pm at St Osburg's Church | Blessings of the Shamrock kindly provided by our twin City, Cork. Enjoy an Irish Stew and buffet, a special visit from St Patrick, plus live performances with music from Frankie and the McHugh School of Irish Dancers. Tickets are available at the office. Please contact us on 02476 256629 or get in touch at cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or on Facebook.
Discover more about the history of the Irish in Coventry with this free talk on 19 March, 2026 . Doors open at 6:00pm | Event: 6:30 - 7:30pm. Booking essential - To book, email: cis@covirishsoc.org.uk or call: 02476256629
