William J. Flynn Center
for Irish Studies
Crescamus in Christo
Learn more about our other upcoming Fall events!
Bringing Ireland to Texas
Flynn Forward
The William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies seeks to preserve Irish heritage and culture, promote peace and reconciliation, and provide students with a transformative educational experience that includes immersive study abroad opportunities.
There are many ways to join an Irish Studies class. Community members are encouraged to audit courses of interest. Undergraduates may pursue a minor in Irish Studies or make progress towards their majors by enrolling in one of our many classes cross listed with English, History, Theology, Political Science, or International Studies. Graduate students in the Master of Liberal Arts (MLA) Program may elect a concentration in Irish Studies. All Irish Studies courses are taught in a small seminar style meant to encourage open discourse. Irish Studies students often pursue a graduate degree in history, literature or political science in the U.S. or abroad. Some also attend law school.
Celtic Mission
About the Center
Our nationally and internationally renowned Flynn Center for Irish Studies is one of UST’s six Centers for Excellence and features academic, cultural outreach and study abroad programs. We provide our students with a broad array of interdisciplinary courses taught by UST faculty. The Irish Studies program offers a minor in Irish Studies at the undergraduate level and a concentration in Irish Studies in the Master of Liberal Arts program at the graduate level. Most of our courses are open for the public to audit with the professor’s permission and space availability.
Our Center’s mission:
- To preserve the Irish heritage and culture
- To promote peace and reconciliation around the world using the Northern Ireland model
- To serve as a premier Center for Irish and Irish American Studies in Texas and the Southwest offering outstanding educational opportunities to our students and the community
Irish Studies
Flynn Center Leadership
Under the leadership of Dr. Martin Lockerd, The Flynn Center for Irish Studies approaches the study of Irish history, culture, and identity as a living intellectual tradition that continues to illuminate contemporary questions about diaspora, heritage, language, faith, and the enduring Irish contribution to the wider world. The Center’s leadership emphasizes careful scholarship, deep engagement with the Irish and Irish American experience, and the conviction that history and culture shape the present and enrich the broader intellectual and civic life of the University of St. Thomas community.
Student Experience
Study Abroad
Generous scholarships provided by the Center for Irish Studies ensure that any student who wishes to study abroad in Ireland has the opportunity. Summer study abroad programs take students to Ireland for two to three weeks to experience first-hand the rich culture and stunning natural beauty of the land of saints and scholars. Priority consideration for study abroad scholarships is given to students enrolled in the Irish Studies minor.
Students can study for a semester abroad and earn credit toward a UST degree by attending classes at our sister school Mary Immaculate College in Limerick or by participating in the Irish American Scholars program. Scholarships for travel, room, and board are available.
Students from Northern Ireland attend UST in their third year through scholarships sponsored by the Center for Irish Studies in collaboration with Study USA and the British Council.
High Achievers who love Irish Studies
Full-tuition Scholarships Available
- An annual scholarship for up to four years;
- Up to two funded study abroad opportunities;
- Priority consideration for the Lori M. Gallagher and Joseph C. Gallagher Study in Ireland Scholarship—a one-year scholarship to attend an Irish M.A. program.
Experience Ireland
Activities with a Flair
The Flynn Center for Irish Studies brings Irish culture to life through a vibrant range of activities and events for students and the community.
- Irish Club: We encourage you to join the Irish Club, Club Éireannach. It promotes the culture and heritage of Ireland. Throughout the academic year, the club hosts a variety of events, including a Samhain celebration at Halloween, St. Brigid’s Day Celebration, St. Patrick’s Day Celebration and our End of semester party.
- Irish Gala: Annual fundraiser for the Center that celebrates Irish Culture and Heritage.
- The Center hosts concerts and lectures highlighting various aspects of Irish life throughout the semester.
Take Home a Piece of Ireland
This year’s Irish Gala will feature a custom jewelry set inspired by the symbol of the Flynn Center, the Trinity Knot, and designed by the famous Houston Diamond Girl, Lindsey Leigh. A symbol of the Holy Trinity, unity and connection, it makes a thoughtful gift or a meaningful addition to your own collection. Twenty five percent of proceeds goes directly to the William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies!
More Irish Events
Join us on campus to explore Irish culture
Saints and Scholars Book Club - Oct. 8, 2026
Oct. 8, 2026, 6 p.m.
We are excited to launch our Irish book club with This Is Happiness by Niall Williams. All are invited! Simply read or listen to the book beforehand and come for light bites, drinks, socializing, and a lively discussion. This is a non-academic event for all lovers of literature. Happy reading!
Paul Brock Band - Oct. 22, 2026 - Cancelled
We are so very sorry to announce the cancellation of the Paul Brock Band Concert.
Due to unforeseen circumstances, The Paul Brock Band is not able to bring their tour to the USA in time for their October 22, 2026 concert. At this time, we are not able to reschedule.
Please accept our sincere apologies. We continue our work in bringing authentic Irish artists to our patrons and community and appreciate your steadfast support.
Please reach out to Irishstudies@stthom.edu with any questions or concerns.
Best,
The Center for Irish Studies Team
Peacemaking in Ireland - Nov. 19, 2026
Nov. 19, 2026
12:30-1:30 p.m. UST Cullen Hall, 4001 Mt Vernon
Bill Shaw, longtime friend of the Flynn Center and retired CEO of the 174 Trust—a Belfast-based non-profit focused on peacemaking through interdenominational dialogue, will participate in a roundtable discussing the past, present, and future of the peace process in Ireland. He will be joined by the director of UST’s Center for International Studies, Eric Botts, who served as a Foreign Service Officer for the U. S. Department of State in Dublin during the Troubles. The Flynn Center’s own Dr. Niall Buckley will moderate this fascinating and inspiring conversation.
International Yeats Conference Lectures - Dec. 4-5
Dec. 3-5, 2026
The William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies has been selected to host the annual conference of the International W. B. Yeats Society. Scholars from around the world will gather for this exploration of the art and life of Ireland’s national poet. Those interested in registering can find more information at internationalyeatssociety.org.
The Flynn Center will be sponsoring two keynote lectures that are free and open to the public.
- Thursday, December 3: Opening Keynote, Dr. Julie McCormick Weng of Texas State University, 2:30-4:00 in Cullen Hall
- Saturday, December 5: Closing Keynote, Dr. Richard Russell of Baylor University, 4:00-5:30 in Cullen Hall
A Celtic Christmas Celebration - Dec 6
Dec. 6, 2026
2 p.m. – UST Jones Hall, 3910 Yoakum Blvd.
Experience the warmth and wonder of the season with an afternoon concert celebrating Christmas through Irish music, dance, song, and hospitality. Join Irish musicians Katie Geringer, Nolan Ladewski, Matt Lewis, Evan Powell, The Houston School of Irish Music and other guests for a festive selection of cherished holiday favorites and carols! The show will transport the audience to a cozy Irish village where the traditional songs and tunes of the season will come alive! Enjoy hot apple cider, cocoa, and cookies afterwards.
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Any Questions?
Contact Us
For any additional questions or concerns, please email, call, or stop by our office.
- irishstudies@stthom.edu
- 713-525-3592
- 4206 Yoakum Blvd, Houston, TX 77006
PLease support our Mission
Discover the Heart of Irish Studies
The William J. Flynn Center for Irish Studies at the University of St. Thomas offers students more than coursework: it offers a scholarly community dedicated to Irish heritage, peace, and cultural discovery. Graduates leave prepared to engage with Irish and Irish American history, literature, and politics with depth and purpose, bringing insight and understanding into their careers, communities, and the world. For donors, this community is a lasting investment: forming leaders who will carry forward the rich cultural and humanitarian legacy of Ireland and its people. Without your gifts, we could not continue to share the riches of our Irish cultural heritage with the Houston community.
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