50th years celebration

The Irish American Association of North West Jersey (IAANWJ) was founded in 1974 when a small group realized how many Irish people had relocated to the area, as well as the many of Irish descent already living there. The newly formed association met for the first few years in the St Mary’s School in Wharton. The IAANWJ’s main goal is to promote and preserve Irish Culture and to create an awareness of the contribution the Irish made and continue to make in building America.

In 1977, the IAANWJ bought the former Mt Pleasant School on Richard Mine Road in Rockaway Township. It is the center of Irish arts and entertainment in Northwest Jersey. In addition to hosting a variety of cultural events throughout the year, classes in Irish step dancing, Adult Ceili dancing and Irish music and language.

The IAANWJ jointly runs the Morris County St Patrick’s Day Parade with the Friendly Sons of St Patrick, which is held in Morristown each year. The Association also runs an Annual Irish Festival/Feis in September. Please check out the links for more information to these events.

The first annual Long Island Irish Fest will take place on August 9, 2020. Bands include Andy Cooney, The Druids, Harpers Ferry, The Brooklyn Bards, and The McLean Avenue Band. There will also be bagpipers, step dancers, Irish Language, a traditional Session, Irish Vendors, and Kids Games. Tickets to go on sale early next year. Proceeds go to the funding the Nassau County Feis and a scholarship program.

The first annual Long Island Irish Fest will take place on August 9, 2020. Bands include Andy Cooney, The Druids, Harpers Ferry, The Brooklyn Bards, and The McLean Avenue Band. There will also be bagpipers, step dancers, Irish Language, a traditional Session, Irish Vendors, and Kids Games. Tickets to go on sale early next year. Proceeds go to the funding the Nassau County Feis and a scholarship program.