Friends of Irish Studies in the West Friends of Irish Studies in the West Friends of Irish Studies in the West Friends of Irish Studies Friends of Irish Studies in the West THE FRIENDS OF IRISH STUDIES IN THE WEST A local nonprofit organization in Missoula dedicated to fostering Irish language dance music sport and culture within the community and at the University of Montana. About Friends of Irish Studies in the West The Friends of Irish Studies in the West is a 501c3 nonprofit community organization established to unite those of Irish heritage and those with a love of Ireland to achieve the following goals Raise the funding necessary to grow and sustain the Irish Studies program at the University of Montana. Provide the community with public access to the visiting speakers scholars dancers and musicians who come to the University of Montana as part of the program. Sponsor evening classes for students and adults immersion weeks festivals trips to Ireland and other cultural events within the community and surrounding area.