From eating dinner at Medieval Times to spending the night in a lakefront estate, Arizona has no shortage of opportunities to visit a bonafide castle. You can now add a library to the list, as the Irish Cultural Center in Phoenix is modeled after a 12th-century Norman castle. Check it out:
Please note, The Irish Cultural Center keeps seasonal hours. Please confirm current hours before planning a visit.
Right in the middle of Phoenix is the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library, a magnificent, medieval building designed to resemble a 12th-century Norman castle.
Google/William Coniam
Just look at the incredibly detailed Romanesque architecture!
Google/Instant360 888.266.5360 From intricate stone carvings to the arched entryway, it’s hard to believe this amazing place has been hiding right under our noses.
Upon first walking in, you’ll see a room full of exhibits illustrating Irish culture throughout history and around the world.
Google/Instant360 888.266.5360 Whether or not you hail from the Emerald Isle, this one-room museum is a fascinating experience for history buffs in general.
McClelland Library is the largest of its kind in the United States, spanning three stories that contain over 8,000 books total.
Google/A D Learn about the Book of Kells, read the words of Irish poets and authors, and spend time in a private reading room to mull over research.
Library visitors enjoy computer access to various disciplines of Irish and Celtic studies, including genealogy.
Google/Instant360 888.266.5360 Delve into your ancestry and perhaps discover something new about a family member.
You can even take classes on Irish music, art, dance, literature, and a number of additional subjects.
Facebook/Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library Most of the courses are offered in the evening hours, which means you’ll get to see the castle after dark. Kinda looks like Hogwarts beneath the glow of the moon, doesn’t it?
Address: 1106 North Central Avenue, Phoenix, AZ 85004.
Google Maps Winter hours are from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.
Visit the center’s website or Facebook page to learn more.
Google/William Coniam
Google/Instant360 888.266.5360
From intricate stone carvings to the arched entryway, it’s hard to believe this amazing place has been hiding right under our noses.
Whether or not you hail from the Emerald Isle, this one-room museum is a fascinating experience for history buffs in general.
Google/A D
Learn about the Book of Kells, read the words of Irish poets and authors, and spend time in a private reading room to mull over research.
Delve into your ancestry and perhaps discover something new about a family member.
Facebook/Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library
Most of the courses are offered in the evening hours, which means you’ll get to see the castle after dark. Kinda looks like Hogwarts beneath the glow of the moon, doesn’t it?
Google Maps
Winter hours are from 10 a.m. until 3 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, and from 3 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Friday.
Have you ever been to the Irish Cultural Center and McClelland Library? If so, we’d love to hear all about your experience.
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Address: 1106 N Central Ave, Phoenix, AZ 85004, USA
