Friday, October 30, 2009
Where: Irish American Heritage Center
Last Saturday after visiting a couple other venues (see Amanda's post below — she's much better at punctual blogging than I am), we took the Montrose bus to the Irish American Heritage Center. I've been there for several St. Patrick's Day Celebrations; it's what you'd expect from cramming several thousand Irish into a converted high school (i.e. awesome).
The first thing we noted was the parking, which is a concern with the other two places we looked at Saturday. There's no shortage here — they'd managed to fit a few hundred cars into the multiple parking lots for a play when we visited.
The main attraction at the IAHC is the Fifth Province, the pub that's open on the weekend. After you're done learning about Irish Heritage, you can grab a pint or two and enjoy some food, Irish or otherwise. Which is exactly what we did.
The Fifth Province is one of several areas available for rental. It can fit about 175-200 people at maximum, and has plenty of seating (not to mention a fireplace). The biggest downside is that the bar is open to the public starting at 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday nights, regardless of whether it's been rented. So if your wedding is going to last past 5, you'd better be OK with random people joining in. And possibly an Irish band.
There are several other rooms available for rent, but the only one big enough would be the Eden Room on the fourth floor (there's an elevator). It's a recently-renovated ballroom and much more of a blank slate than the pub, so we'd have to devote more thought to decorations. And it's not air-conditioned up there, so a mid-summer wedding would definitely be out.
The prices are fairly reasonable, $1,500 for the pub and $3,500 for the Eden room. I'm waiting to hear back from the bar manager about drink packages. Rental includes use of the kitchen; you can use any caterer that's properly insured.
There are some difficulties to be worked out. But it's a possibility, and the parking and easy access off the expressway are major bonuses. And I do like the idea of our wedding guests wandering and congregating up and down the IAHC's four floors. It's a cozy place.
5 comments:
Not air conditioned and $3,500?! What the hell? The pub sounds better but that 5 thing is iffy.
If in May it might not be bad. And they may have some other way of keeping it temperate, ceiling fans, etc. It is a cool (not as in air conditioned) place. Can't see the 5th Province suddently filling up at 5 on a Saturday, but a few stray Irish people are bound to sit at the bar. I do agree parking is great and a concern to many people. Hotels are not too far away, O'Hare area or downtown, for out of town guests.
Keep 'em coming!
Isn't a possible Irish Band a plus? PS: I found the blog, B.
The place is called the Erin Room and it is beautiful and definitely air-conitioned- it looks like they spared no expense: waterford chandeliers, wood floors, huge bar, two mirror balls that react to movement.
I was there for a black tie event and it takes your breath away!
Hi there,I am the manager of the Erin Room at IAHC and just wanted to confirm that there is air conditioning. It was put in with the room was built (2009). Don't forget we also have free parking!
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