London Irish Centre opened in 1955, providing accommodation (serving as a hostel in its early years), employment support and a starting point to those arriving. The Camden Square location was chosen for its proximity to Euston Station, where Irish people disembarked their trains from Holyhead Ferry Port. The London Irish Centre soon became the hub of Irish social activity, with dinners, dances and social functions; the settings of friendships made, spouses met, and the formation of a vibrant Irish community in London. At the core of the Centre's focus remains providing assistance to Irish expatriates in London, whether they have been there for
Activity centre urban locations, commercial buildings often combine multiple functions, such as offices on the upper levels with retailing on ground levels. The purpose of activity centres, or neo-traditional development such as urban villages or compact cities are to provide a mixed use core, within walking distance for most residents. Employment centres are incorporated into these types of areas, so that residents have the opportunity to both live and work within the centre. Activity centre policies in most countries provide guidance for local and state agencies as well as the development industry as to the preferred locations for these commercial land uses.