Club Overview: Where Tradition Meets Transformation

‍Since the opening of its new home at The Wild Geese Hotel in Brunswick, the Celtic Club of Victoria has experienced a cultural renaissance, establishing itself once again as a leading beacon for Irish and broader Celtic heritage in Melbourne. Over a two-year period, the Club has delivered an extraordinary program of cultural, social, musical, and literary events designed to reconnect members with the traditions of Ireland and the wider Celtic world.

With an impressive total of 518 activities hosted and a cumulative attendance of 13,075 guests, the Club has significantly contributed to a revival of Celtic identity, vibrancy, and community spirit in Melbourne. The diversity, quality, and volume of programming reflect the Club’s renewed commitment to honouring its cultural mission while appealing to a wide and evolving membership base. The 2024 Membership year yielded an increase of membership of 240%.

Event Categories Overview

Activity Type                         Events   Total Attendance
Entertainment & Culinary           59     2,302
Music & Dancing                       215     1,830
Networking and Social                28     1,050
Language & Literature                30        863
Partner & Community Events    186     7,030
                                  TOTAL    518   13,075

PROGRAM HIGHLIGHTS BY CATEGORY:

Entertainment & Culinary - Wine Dinners: 7 events, 133 guests - Trivia Nights: 51 events, 2,117 guests - Comedy Night: 1 event, 52 guests

Music & Dancing - Set Dancing: 13 events, 375 guests - Uilleann Pipe Nights: 5 events, 125 guests - Ukulele Nights: 3 events, 57 guests - Choir in a Pub: 15 events, 875 guests - Open Mic Nights: 7 events, 398 guests - Traditional Music Sessions: 55 events - Live Music Performances: 117 events

Networking and Social - Celtic Conversations: 11 events, 364 guests - Celtic Connections: 10 events, 468 guests - Business Club Lunches: 7 events, 218 guests

Language & Literature - Language Events: 4 events, 205 guests - Literary Events & Book Clubs: 26 events, 658 guests
Partner & Community Events - Special Club Events: 20 events, 1,772 guests - Kindred Group Meetings: 18 events, 802 guests - Private Functions: 144 events, 4,204 guests - Embassy Events: 4 events, 252 guests

Signature & Community Highlights - St. Patrick’s Day Breakfast @ Zinc - British & Irish Lions Rugby Lunch (2025) - Bloomsday Event @ The Wild Geese - St. Brigid’s Day Cultural Forum - Seasonal Céilí Dances - Bord Bia “Meet the Makers” Whiskey Tasting - Pop-Up Gaeltacht (April 2025)

Strategic Partnerships & Sponsorship - Gaelic Games Victoria (GGV) - Celtic Festival Geelong - Edinburgh Gardens Irish Festival - Irish Embassy (key venue partner) - National Celtic Folk Festival, Port Arlington - Bord Bia, Irish Foods

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