Visit the Museum of Newport Irish History Interpretive Center

In the heart of the “Fifth Ward” – Newport’s best known Irish-American neighborhood – visitors will learn about Irish immigration to Newport County from the colonial era to the present and of the many contributions made to our community by individuals of Irish descent.

Exhibits

Interpretive Center exhibits are organized around several key aspects of life in the local Irish community and include maps, photographs, video, and artifacts, including some from the construction of Fort Adams, which was built with Irish immigrant labor.

The Center opened to the public in June, 2011 after several years of planning and fundraising. The Center was reopened for the 2023 Season with a new layout and revised exhibits. Our engaging and informative docents look forward to hosting your visit!

Location

LOCATION (Interpretive Center)
648 Lower Thames Street, Newport, RI 02840
(just south of Narragansett Avenue)
MAILING ADDRESS:
PO Box 1378, Newport, RI 02840 (all correspondence)
EMAIL: NewportIrishHistory@gmail.com
Phone: (401) 848-0661 (seasonal)
Phone: (860) 995-7367 (Center Manager)
For Fastest Reply: Please email us: NewportIrishHistory@gmail.com

MAP & DIRECTIONS

2025 Season Schedule

2025 Irish Heritage Month Schedule:
Fri.-Sat.-Sun. March 7-8-9
Fri.-Sat.-Sun. March 14-15-16 (parade weekend)
Fri.-Sat.-Sun. March 21-22-23
Noon-5pm

Regular Season Schedule:
Opening Weekend: Fri.-Sat.-Sun. May 23-24-25
(Memorial Day Weekend)
Closing Day: Sunday, October 26, 2025
Regular Hours: Thursday, Friday, Saturday, Sunday, Noon-5pm
(Closed Monday – Wednesday)

Private & Off-Season Visits:
To arrange a private visit to the Center, please send an email to: newportirishhistory@gmail.com
Please include desired date/time, number in your party and your phone number and we’ll do our best to accommodate your request.

Admission by Donation

Museum members and children under 16 – Free

All others, admission is by Donation.

Thank you for your generous support!

Parking: Free on-street parking.

Public Transportation: Free R.I. Public Transit Authority “Hop on, Hop off” Trolley (Bus Route 67) available May 24-Oct. 31, 2024. Park at the Newport Transportation Center at 23 Americas Cup Ave. and pay just $5 with a RIPTA voucher (or receipt) from the driver. Take the Route 67 Trolley and get off at intersection of Bellevue and Narragansett Avenues, and walk the short distance to the Museum. Click HERE for RIPTA Newport printable pocket guide.

Newport Visitor Information Center: For assistance, please contact the Discover Newport visitor information center located at 21 Long Wharf Mall, in person or by phone or email. Click link for contact information. The Visitor Center is across the street from the Transportation Center at 23 Americas Cup Ave.

Upcoming Lectures

VIEW DETAILS