Located just a stone's throw from the Panthéon, the Centre culturel irlandais is at the heart of the Irish cultural life in Paris, housed in the historic Collège des Irlandais. Opened in Paris in 1578, the Collège soon became home to Irish priests and students who fled their country after the Anglican schism.
As part of Journées du Patrimoine 2026, the Irish Cultural Centre opens its doors to the curious on Saturday, September 19 and Sunday, September 20. A great opportunity to discover this unique spot in Paris, with its U-shaped architecture and its grande cour ombragée surrounded by horse-chestnut trees.
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: activities at institutes and cultural centers
What if you took a little cultural detour during Heritage Days? This weekend, September 19–20, 2026, discover Paris’s institutes and cultural centers and dive into cultures from around the world! [Read more]
Heritage Days are back in Paris in 2026. The capital’s monuments and historic landmarks open their doors (often free of charge) to reveal their secrets to us. Don’t miss this must-attend event, slated for the weekend of September 19–20, 2026, with the themes: “Heritage in Peril” and “The Heritage of Photography.” [Read more]
Since its purchase by the Irish government in 1997, the former Collège des Irlandais has become the Centre culturel irlandais , promoting Irish culture in all its forms: cinema, visual arts, theater, dance and music.
The Cultural Center houses a media library, a heritage library, a chapel and two exhibition galleries. It's the perfect place to visit during the Heritage Days!
Discovering the Heritage Library
Among the numerous libraries that populated the colleges, convents, and monasteries on Montagne Sainte-Geneviève up to the late 18th century, the Heritage Library of the Irish Cultural Centre is one of the few that survives. Come discover this unique venue and marvel at the treasures in its collection: three medieval illuminated manuscripts.
Participation guidelines: Free | No reservation required
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Exhibition "Gulliver 300"
To mark the 300th anniversary of Gulliver’s Travels, the Irish Cultural Centre teams up with Marsh’s Library (Dublin) to present the Gulliver 300 exhibition inside the Heritage Library.
This collaboration spotlights the richness and universal reach of Jonathan Swift’s work through a selection of vintage editions, objects, and documents from both institutions. Conceptualized as an experience that is both heritage-minded and contemporary, the show also extends online with a bilingual virtual version, broadening access to digital resources and inviting visitors to explore the modernity and lasting influence of this landmark Irish literary work.
With the support of DRAC Île-de-France
Exhibition on view until November 13
Participation requirements: No booking required | Free
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 – 2:00 PM–6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 – 2:00 PM–6:00 PM
Group Exhibition “Everyone Should Have a Home”
A bed to sleep in, a roof over your head—that’s the baseline for all of us. Ensuring everyone has a durable home where they can rest and build their life is both an ethical imperative and an economic necessity.
This exhibition, gathering around a dozen contemporary artists, probes the Irish context: dilapidated or poorly built housing, a chronic housing crisis weighing on a population known for its natural hospitality... and, at times, becoming the fertile ground for a nascent far-right. Sculpture, film, photography, cheeses cultured from wall mold, doormats bearing activist messages, references to Jonathan Swift’s "Modest Proposal" to address the overpopulation of Dublin’s 18th‑century buildings... but also proposals for innovative, people- and environment‑friendly housing.
With the artists Avril Corroon, Adrian Duncan, Kevin Higgins, John Lalor, Niamh McGuinne, Clara McSweeney, Conchúir Ó hÁrgáin, O’Donnell-Tuomey, Eva Richardson-McCrea, School of Thought (Augustine O’Donohue and Conor McCabe), Mary-Ruth Walsh
Exhibition on view until October 28
With the support of Culture Ireland
Participation requirements: No reservation required | Free
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 - 2:00 PM ⤏ 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 - 2:00 PM ⤏ 6:00 PM
Self-guided tour of Saint-Patrick Chapel
This distinctive eighteenth‑century chapel underwent a full restoration in the early 2000s. It typically welcomes visitors from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. (until 8 p.m. on Wednesdays). Mass is celebrated there every Sunday.
Participation terms: No reservation required | Free
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Free access to the Media Library
The Centre Culturel Irlandais’ media library is a resource hub open to everyone. It houses more than 8,000 items in French, English, and Irish about contemporary Ireland, its history, and its culture: books, newspapers and magazines, music CDs, audiobooks, films and documentaries... The multimedia desk also offers Wi‑Fi access and six computers for viewing audiovisual materials or researching Ireland online. On-site access to books and periodicals is free. Borrowing privileges are available to registered users.
Participation requirements: No reservation required | Free
Hours: Saturday, September 19, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026 — 2:00 PM to 6:00 PM
Classical concerts by soprano Eva Maria Kavanagh
A true Irish institution, Feis Ceoil stands as the national beacon for classical music, and is the country’s largest competition in the field. Founded in 1896 to foster excellence in musical training and performance, the festival draws around 5,000 participants of all ages each year across nearly 200 events.
The CCI is delighted to partner for the fifth consecutive year with this prestigious festival by welcoming the talented Irish soprano Eva Maria Kavanagh. A final-year student at the Royal Irish Academy of Music, she has already earned numerous scholarships and accolades and has performed in recitals and concerts at the National Concert Hall and Farmleigh House... Considered one of the most promising young opera singers, she will be accompanied at the piano to present several short concerts for us, at 2pm, 3pm and 4pm on Saturday and Sunday. Her program will span from Rachmaninoff, Duparc and Mascagni to traditional Irish airs.
Entry requirements: Free admission, subject to available seats - No reservations required | Free
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 2:00 PM – 4:30 PM
OGMA's Traditional Concerts
Originally from Galway, the traditional group OGMA will present— on Saturday and Sunday, at 4:30 p.m. and then 5:15 p.m.— a repertoire of jigs, reels, ballads and Irish songs.
Conditions de participation : Free entry, subject to availability. Walk-ins welcome — no reservation required | Free
Schedule: Saturday, September 19, 2026, 4:30 PM–6:00 PM | Sunday, September 20, 2026, 4:30 PM–6:00 PM
Shall we take a look around?
Dates and Opening Time
From September 19, 2026 to September 20, 2026
Location
Center Culturel Irlandais
5 Rue des Irlandais
75005 Paris 5
Route planner
Prices
Free
Official website
www.centreculturelirlandais.com
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris: activities at institutes and cultural centers
Heritage Days 2026 in Paris (75): the program of visits to explore by arrondissement
