When I first arrived in New York in 2017, I was, like many Irish J1 students, traveling solo, and planning to find housing and work once I made it to the U.S.
Those first few weeks flew by, adjusting to the sheer scale and energy of the city while trying to sort out the essentials. One of the first, and best, pieces of advice I received from other graduates was to check out the many networking events around the city.
Of all the groups I attended, one stood out—not just for its warm and welcoming atmosphere but for the real professional impact it had: Irish Network NYC.
Eight years later, I’m still here in New York. When the chance came to join the board of INNYC and help the next wave of Irish and Irish Americans find their footing, it felt like the perfect way to give back to the community that played such a big role in my own journey.
Origins and Evolution
Irish Network NYC has been at the heart of the Irish professional community in New York since its founding in 2007. What began as an idea among young Irish professionals and the Irish Consulate quickly grew into a dynamic network connecting individuals across industries such as finance, law, hospitality, and the arts.
The organization was created to fill a gap—while traditional Irish neighborhoods in the Bronx and Queens were well-established, the new wave of Irish expats were spreading out throughout the city and looking for ways to connect. With support from then-Consul General Tim O’Connor and Deputy David Healy, INNYC was launched as a platform for professional networking, cultural events, and social gatherings. Early board members and volunteers laid the foundation, organizing high-caliber events and bringing in distinguished speakers. BIG APPLE INVITE: Ronan Martin
Over the years, the organization continued to grow, fostering a strong sense of community among Irish and Irish-American professionals. This success inspired similar networks across the U.S., leading to the creation of INUSA in 2009.
What We Do
Through the dedication of past and present leadership, INNYC remains an essential hub for Irish professionals in New York, providing opportunities for networking, mentorship, and cultural connection.
In 2025 we’re going to continue to build on that momentum, and deliver events and benefits to Irish and Irish Americans of all stripes. Our monthly ‘Third Thursday’ networking events have become a staple of the Irish social calendar - and our St. Patrick’s Day celebration is expected to draw in huge crowds. In addition to that, we marked Women’s History Month with a Leadership Panel, and in February we had a watch party for Ireland’s Six Nation opener against England at the Brass Monkey in downtown Manhattan.
“Our ultimate goal is to build a community of young Irish professionals who want to connect with others in a similar position and build long-lasting friendships," says social media officer Áine Kennedy.
The Benefits of Membership
Beyond our monthly socials, we offer our members a variety of other opportunities to connect at sporting and cultural events across the city. We’ve organized trips to the NY Yankees, the NY Red Bulls, local traditional music sessions, and we host an annual rounders tournament with the Irish Business Organization of New York. We also have collaborations with Irish businesses such as Therapie Clinics, Coole Swan, West Cork Whiskey, and the Irish Repertory Theatre.
And of course we assist our members with professional development, whether they are new J1 graduates looking to get their first role or established professionals looking to progress their career. We hold panel discussions focused on many different industries, and this year we will offer a mentorship program to younger members as well as the opportunity to get a professional headshot photo for their resumes.
As our membership continues to grow, we will continue to offer new opportunities for Irish and friends of Ireland to connect, network, and socialize across New York City. The Irish presence is more diverse and more spread out than ever, and the Irish Network meets a crucial need to help the Irish community maintain and build connections.
There are many ways to get involved:
Check out our website to sign up for our mailing list to see all of the great events coming up, both from the Irish Network and across the Irish community in NYC. Follow us on Instagram to get the latest updates and photos from our events. Become a member to access all of our events, including free tickets to any ticketed events. We offer a Youth Membership and Summer J1 Membership option to ensure the Irish Network is available to all.
Ronan Martin is the Communications Officer for the Irish Network NYC. He works in digital marketing strategy for B2B SaaS companies, and runs Happy Hour NYC, promoting the best deals in bars and restaurants across New York.
