London Irish Centre

The London Irish Centre is a charity based in Camden, London, which has served the Irish community for over sixty years.The Centre originated in a fund established by the Catholic Church to provide support for young Irish emigrants in London, and many of its staff in the early years were priests and other members of the Church. With Ireland suffering from recession at the time, and Britain in need of workers in a number of industries and services, tens of thousands crossed the Irish Sea in search of opportunities. The Centre itself opened in 1955, providing accommodation, employment support and a starting point to those arriving. The Camden Square location was chosen for its proximity to Euston Station, where Irish people disembarked their trains from Holyhead Ferry Port. The London Irish Centre soon became the hub of Irish social activity, with dinners, dances and social functions; the settings of friendships made, spouses met, and the formation of a vibrant Irish community in London.