The Irish Heritage Center

Housed in the former McKinley Elementary School in Cincinnati's Columbia-Tusculum neighborhood, the Irish Heritage Center of Greater Cincinnati occupies a 40,000-square-foot Italianate building constructed in 1875. The property and surrounding neighborhood have been listed on the National Register of Historic Places since 1979. Maureen Kennedy and Kent Covey purchased the building in 2009 and undertook an extensive restoration, establishing the center to promote the culture, traditions, and story of the Irish and Irish Americans in Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky. The center offers multiple event spaces across its restored campus, accommodating gatherings from intimate parties of 30 to concerts and performances of up to 200. Spaces include a converted-gymnasium Theater and Concert Hall with a full stage, lighting, and sound system; a third-floor Erin Ballroom with natural light and an elevated stage; a Dance Room; a Tea Room; and a fully functional catering kitchen available to rent. All spaces are elevator-accessible. Beyond private rentals, the center hosts ongoing cultural programming in Irish music, theater, dance, film, genealogy, and the visual arts. Rooms are available for weddings, birthday celebrations, rehearsal dinners, holiday parties, and more.