The Canada Ireland Foundation announced Wednesday that the Corleck, a restored multipurpose arts centre at the foot of Bathurst Street, will officially open Nov. 18 with the Canadian premiere of Samuel Beckett’s tragicomedy “Endgame,” performed by Ireland’s Druid Theatre Company. It’s the first major event hosted at the 9,600-square-foot venue on Eireann Quay, adjacent to Ireland Park. […]

On May 28, 2026, Mayor Olivia Chow presented the Key to the City to philanthropist and businessman Robert G. Kearns, during the Canada Ireland Foundation’s Bealtaine Theatre Festival. The key recognizes Robert’s contributions to strengthening cultural ties between Canada and Ireland. Robert played a pivotal role as founder of the Canada Ireland Foundation and we are grateful for […]

Irish contributions to the theatre are as storied as they are influential: Oscar Wilde, George Bernard Shaw, W.B. Yeats, Lady Gregory, Samuel Beckett and, more recently, Martin McDonagh, Enda Walsh, Marina Carr, Conor McPherson — it’s like the Avengers of tragicomedy. Apart from these big names, Ireland has a vibrant independent theatre scene that’s far less […]

Cultural diversity is one of Canada’s greatest assets. We are therefore proud to provide spaces where this diversity can be expressed: spaces that celebrate culture, heritage and identity in all their diversity, while fostering a strong and dynamic economy. Today, Chi Nguyen, Member of Parliament (Spadina–Harbourfront), announced $726,126 in support for the Canada Ireland Foundation […]

Canada Ireland Foundation’s Executive Director, William Peat, sat down with CBC Metro Morning this St. Patrick’s Day to discuss the upcoming Bealtaine Theatre Festival, as well as our “jewel box on the waterfront”, the Corleck – a new venue for arts, heritage and cultural programming opening this November. Listen Here.

By Robert G. Kearns Special to The Globe and Mail After a happy childhood growing up in Ireland, I chose to emigrate to Canada in November, 1979. I was 24 years of age. My Irish father and British mother and an aunt who lived with us were loving and caring. Of my three siblings, only […]