The Eire Society of Boston was founded in 1937 in Boston, Massachusetts. The organization aims to promote “knowledge of Irish culture through the encouragement of study in the arts, sciences, literature, language, and history of Ireland.” The Society also highlights the contributions of the Irish and the Irish diaspora to the United States, and facilitates networking between Irish and American people. At the time of its founding, the Society sought to distinguish itself from other Boston-area Irish cultural organizations, such as the Charitable Irish Society, by focusing on scholarship rather than charity or socializing. The Eire Society was open to both men and women and had no religious affiliation.
Long-running Eire Society programs and publications included a four-page newsletter, the Bulletin, a monthly winter lecture series from October-April, an annual dinner, the Gold Medal award for exemplification of Society ideals, and a night at the Boston Pops. In addition to annual programming, the Society organized participation in local Irish cultural events and trips to Ireland. They also used Society funds to support Boston-area museum and library acquisitions of significant Irish artworks and special collections, and invited Irish artists to perform in the United States. Despite its early distinction as a cultural rather than charitable organization, the Society has also supported initiatives in Ireland including the arts, ecumenical groups, education, hospitals, and peace-seeking.
