How did the Gaelic American Club get its start?

The Gaelic American Club, Inc. (GAC) was founded in 1948 in Bridgeport, CT and was incorporated in 1950. Locations were rented in Bridgeport and Fairfield until we built our own clubhouse. The building was built in 1992 and recently expanded in 2009.  Learn more about the GAC and its history here.

What is Feile? How is it different from the GAC?

Feile, Inc. was founded in 1989 as a 501c(3) non-profit corporation and is the cultural branch of the club.

What is the GAC’s mission?

The purpose of the Gaelic-American Club and Feile is to foster Irish culture among our membership and the community. A copy of the club’s ByLaws and Policy & Procedures manuals are retained in the Library and we request that you familiarize yourself with them.

What does it take to become a member of the GAC?

Members are either Irish born or of Irish descent. Membership is a privilege and should not be taken lightly.  Prospective members must provide documentation proving their ancestry and obtain recommendations from 2 current members.

Who runs the GAC club house?

Both part-time paid employees (Manager, Permittee, Bar Staff, Kitchen Staff, Custodians) and volunteer club members perform the operations and management of the club.

What are my responsibilities as a GAC member?

Be an informed, involved member! Attend our meetings and events. Utilize our communication media channels. Your membership is what makes our club special.

How can I get more involved?

It takes many volunteer members to staff the club committees and we encourage you to get involved.

What’s the best way to navigate the Club House?

All entry is through the main lobby. The Carolan Room is to the right of the main lobby and the Pub is to the left. The second floor consists of our library, meeting rooms, and offices. Access to the second floor is via the staircase off the main lobby or the staircase and elevator off the Pub. The basement is off-limits to members, unless authorized by management.

Where can I leave forms, notes, or other correspondence for the Club Committees?

Mailboxes for management and committees are located at the bottom of the stairwell in the main lobby.

Can I smoke at the GAC?

Smoking is prohibited inside the building. You may smoke in the Fenced Lawn, using the ashtrays for ashes and butts.

How can I stay on top of GAC news and events?

Membership meetings are held on the second Friday of each month at 8 pm in the Carolan Room, unless otherwise announced. Between meetings, the club announces information to the membership via the following channels:

• Scéala Newsletter: The Newsletter is published monthly and may be downloaded from the GAC Website via the “Newsletters” tab. You may choose to subscribe to the email Bulletin and a link to the Newsletter will be sent to you each month. If you prefer to have a paper copy mailed to you, please send an email to gogreengac@gaconline.org or send a letter to the Newsletter.
• Email Bulletin: The Bulletin is issued weekly as a supplement to the Newsletter and communicates important reminders, updates, and information from committees. Special announcements are also issued. Members can sign-up easily on the GAC Website.
• GAC Website www.gaconline.org: The GAC Website has an abundance of information and is updated frequently.
• Posted Notices: Notices will be posted in the main lobby (bulletin board, tables or doors), only if approved by the House Committee.

Who is on the Executive Committee?

The Executive Committee consists of the following officers: President, Vice President, Treasurer, Financial Secretary, Recording Secretary, Sergeant at Arms and three Directors. Elections are held annually in December. All members in good standing and who are not employees of the club are eligible to run for office.  Current leadership are listed here.

What’s the deal with Membership Key Cards?

All voting members are given a white Membership Key Card. The card is used to gain entrance into the club (swipe the keypad panel at the main entrance) and for identification. The card has a colored name label on it. The name label is updated each year at renewal time.

When is the renewal period?

All renewal applications must be received by the Membership Committee by March 1st. Your membership is terminated if you do not renew on time. If you need to replace a card(s), notify the Membership Committee. The fee to replace a lost card is $9. Non-working cards are replaced free of charge.

What is Scrip and how does it work?

All voting members are charged $60 annual Scrip, which can be used to purchase food, drink or tickets to GAC sponsored events (Scrip cannot be used for Feile events). The $60 is downloaded onto your Membership Card. The Scrip ($60) expires on the last day of February … Use it or lose it. Your Scrip payment will be downloaded onto the same card with each annual renewal. The fee to replace a lost or destroyed card is $10. Non-working cards are replaced free of charge.

How can I pay at the GAC?

We now accept credit or debit cards, and also have an ATM in the Pub.

Do you sell GAC gift cards?

We do sell gold Gift Cards for personal use or gift use. Gift cards do not expire and may be bought for any cash denomination from the bartenders or club manager.

How can I use my area of expertise to get more involved at the GAC?

Beyond volunteering for specific events, the GAC has standing committees composed of members that are appointed by the President: Audit, Bar, Budget, Communications, Elections, Facilities, Failte, Good and Welfare, House, Kitchen, Library, Membership, Newsletter, Records, Social, Scholarship, and Sports. Please contact the President if you have a special skill or interest for a committee.

What other activities does the GAC offer?

Many of the activities offered by the club are listed here.

When are the Pub and Dining open?

Pub & Dining Info can be found here.

How do I get in touch with the GAC?

Check out our Contact Page here.

Where can I park?

Use the circular drive at the main entrance for drop-offs and pickups, but don’t park vehicles at the sidewalk. You can park in our neighbor’s parking lots (Abraham L. Green & Son Funeral Home and Fairfield First Congregational United Church of Christ) when they are not in use. Be a good neighbor and respect their property.

Can I make reservations for dining?

No. We have a hostess on duty for busy periods, but we don’t take reservations.

How do I access the Pool Room?

Obtain the door’s key from a bartender and follow the posted room rules.

How do I access the Library?

The library is on the second floor. DON’T bring in food or drinks. You may use the materials for reading and research. Materials can be signed out by members only. More information about the library can be found here.

How do I access the Fenced Lawn?

The lawn can be accessed by going through to the back of the pub. Use the ashtrays for ashes and butts if you smoke. You may take beverages outside, but DON’T leave your glasses & bottles there. Bring the empties back to the bar. Children may also enjoy the area, but DON’T leave them unattended or expect another member to watch them.

What is the GAC bar protocol?

Due to strict state liquor laws and public safety, the following must be adhered to by all members and guests:

• Enter and exit the club through the main lobby only.
• Sign in all guests that are 21 or older! Guests must be signed in the guestbook that is kept on the desk in the main lobby. Members may sign in a maximum of 4 guests at one time.
• Minors (under 18) are not allowed in the bar, unless accompanied by an adult. Minors must remain a minimum of 3 feet from the actual bar.
• Supervise your children at all times. Children are not allowed upstairs (2nd floor) unless accompanied by an adult.
• Drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are self-service. We DON’T have cocktail waiters/waitresses. Please bring your empty glasses back to the bar.