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Heritage Meets Heart: Iron-Clad Roots in the Catskills
The Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural & Sports Centre was founded in 1987 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit by passionate community leaders and now spans a stunning 58-acre heritage campus nestled in East Durham’s historic Irish Catskills MJQ Irish Centre+6MJQ Irish Centre+6MJQ Irish Centre+6. What began as a dream has blossomed into a living testament to Irish culture—featuring a replica Donegal Irish Cottage, Irish-American Heritage Museum, the world’s largest map of Ireland, a Gaelic football field, and sacred spaces like the Mass Rock and a solemn 9/11 memorial MJQ Irish Centre.
A Year of Festivals, Music & Magic
MJQ isn’t just a venue—it’s a heartbeat for Irish heritage.
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East Durham Irish Festival brings thousands together every Memorial Day weekend in vibrant music, storytelling, and dance MJQ Irish Centre+8MJQ Irish Centre+8MJQ Irish Centre+8MJQ Irish Centre.
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Catskills Irish Arts Week, a week-long summer school of traditional music, song, and dance, draws visitors from across the U.S. and beyond MJQ Irish Centre+2MJQ Irish Centre+2.
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The Michael J. Quill East Durham Feis lights up late August with high-energy Irish dancing under the pavilion MJQ Irish Centre+8MJQ Irish Centre+8MJQ Irish Centre+8.
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Plus, match days on the Gaelic football pitch and the annual M.J. Quill Golf Tournament give visitors even more ways to engage (looking at you, 2025’s September 27 event!) MJQ Irish Centre+2MJQ Irish Centre+2.
These are more than events—they’re emotional gatherings, deeply rooted in tradition and community spirit.
Why Members and Donors Stay Connected
Becoming part of the MJQ family is about more than writing a check:
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Memberships start around $50/year and come with exclusive event discounts—Arts Week, the Feis, festival merch, and more MJQ Irish Centre+3MJQ Irish Centre+3MJQ Irish Centre+3.
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Personalized commemorative bricks let donors leave a physical legacy at the map of Ireland—starting from a $100 paver to $10,000 flagpoles and benches MJQ Irish Centre+2MJQ Irish Centre+2.
This kind of support brings culture, memory, and community alive.
From Stone Cottages to Living Traditions
The Centre’s symbol-rich grounds tell unforgettable stories:
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Donegal Cottage, moved stone-by-stone from Ireland, invites visitors to step into history MJQ Irish Centre+3MJQ Irish Centre+3MJQ Irish Centre+3.
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The Mass Rock offers a quiet space to reflect on faith that once had to be kept secret during Ireland’s penal era MJQ Irish Centre+1.
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The map of Ireland—the world’s largest—is human-scale heritage, where every brick tells a county’s story MJQ Irish Centre.
These are not props. They are places where history, memory, and identity become real.
Join the Story. Fuel the Legacy.
When you donate, buy a brick, or become a member, you’re not just giving money—you’re joining generations celebrating Irish heritage, energizing East Durham’s culture, and ensuring this beacon shines brighter.
Your support enables:
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Ongoing festivals that fuel East Durham’s soul and economy.
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Educational programs, cultural preservation, and community connection.
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The preservation of historic spaces and moments—like the cottage, map, Mass Rock, and more.
You’re investing in something that lasts.
Ready to Make Your Legacy?
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Become a Member — hold your place in our community.
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Buy a Brick, bench, or flagpole — and leave your story etched in our map of Ireland.
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Sponsor our festivals or programs — be a proud booster of tradition and growth.
Every contribution honors the past—and powers the next chapter of MJQ’s living heritage.
