About Us
The mission of the Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group (BIIHG) is to present authentic and varied educational activities to recognize, showcase and preserve Beaver Island’s unique Irish Heritage including its connection to Arranmore Island, County Donegal, Ireland.
Achieving our Mission – The BIIHG’s signature event is the Emerald Isle Irish Féile which is a multi-day Irish festival held the first weekend after Labor Day each year. BIIHG is dedicated to producing other cultural events throughout the year in support of our mission. BIIHG also produces the Beaver Island Irish American Hall of Fame and sponsors the Irish Currach Club of Beaver Island and the Tides that Tie Podcast.
BEAVER ISLAND IRISH HERITAGE GROUP
EMERALD ISLE IRISH FÉILE HISTORY
The Emerald Isle Féile started in 2019 and was sponsored by the Beaver Island Chamber of Commerce and multiple private individuals, businesses and nonprofits. It seeks to present authentic and varied Irish inspired activities at its annual festival, as well as extend the tourism season by one week to promote economic development. The Féile is a showcase for the Irish Heritage of Beaver Island, also known as “America’s Emerald Isle”.
The Féile has grown in both numbers and quality. Now in its 5th year, it’s become the signature event of the newly formed 501(c)3 not for profit corporation, the Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group (BIIHG). This organization is led by a 12-member Board of Directors who oversee the work of the organization by hiring operational staff and establishing board committees to carry out its work.
2019
The First Annual Irish Festival in 2019 featured music, activities, and history related to the Irish settlement on Beaver Island.
2022
After a 2 year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the festival returned adding additional talent, revamping the website, and inducting its inaugural class into the Beaver Island Irish American Hall of Fame, honoring the achievements and contributions of 6 individuals.
2023
In 2023, the third and most recent festival reached significant milestones, including welcoming over 120 attendees from Irish Sister island Arranmore, with diverse talent including the Arranmore Pipe Band, instituting the “Calling of the Clans” fundraiser – gathering over $30,000 in support from 10 clans on the island, and almost doubled attendance from 250 tickets to 475.
2024
The BIIHG was awarded official 501(c)3 status as a nonprofit organization and adopted the Currach Club of Beaver Island into its operating structure with two new boat builds on the horizon. The Féile built on previous year’s growth with Headliners The Byrne Brothers, Tartan Terrors and artists from Arranmore and Beaver Island
BIIHG Strategic Plan 2025
View or Download the Strategic Plan
BIIHG Annual Report 2024
View or Download the Annual Report
SAVE THE DATE FOR THE 2025 FÉILE SEPTEMBER 5-6!
Board Of Directors
Paul Cole: Chairperson
Angel LeFevre Welke, Vice Chairperson
Shannon McDonough, Treasurer
Marlaina Cole, Secretary
Catherine Meintsma
Bridget Martin
Bailey McDonough
Linda Wearn
Barry McDonough
Robert Cole
Supporting Staff
Kathleen McNamara – Executive Director & Festival Coordinator
Katie Johnson – Bookkeeper
Kim Warner – DonorSnap Administrator
Kayleigh Gregg – Social Media Assistant
Contact Information:
E-mail: emeraldisleirishfeile@gmail.com
Address: PO Box 619, Beaver Island, MI 49782
Beaver Island Irish Heritage Group Board Member Application/Quesionnaire
Please fill out the our questionnaire
or
Download the pdf version
Application/Questionnaire is available here