Please note—this page of listings is obsolete and no longer being updated. Please refer to these new pages of set dancing events:
Highlights:
Times are shown wherever they're known, but if they're not, you can make a good guess at them because they follow a consistent pattern. Ceilis usually begin at 10pm and finish at 1.30am on Friday and Saturday nights, or at midnight on other nights. Sunday ceilis are most often in the afternoon, generally from 3 to 6pm. Workshops usually start at 10.30am on Saturday, break for lunch from 1 to 2pm and continue till 5pm. Sunday workshops are from 11am to 1pm and are followed by a ceili. Admission costs for ceilis are from €7 to €10, and workshops are around the same.
Events can be changed or cancelled without notice. Wherever possible a contact name is listed to allow you to confirm an event. Look up phone numbers by clicking on the highlighted name or refer to the teachers and organisers page for Ireland.
Everyone is encouraged to send details of events to Bill Lynch for free inclusion in future issues of the magazine and on the Internet. Thanks to everyone who supplied information about events.
18 September 2009 9.30pm-1am Sean Norman Ceili Band 16 October 2009 9.30pm-1am Tim Joe and Anne O'Riordan 20 November 2009 9.30pm-1am Tulla Ceili Band 18 December 2009 9.30pm-1am Swallow's Tail Ceili Band A new series of ceilis in a hotel two miles east of town. Contact Declan Manton.
18 September 2009 9.30pm Copperplate Ceili Band 16 October 2009 9.30pm Danny Webster Ceili Band 13 November 2009 9.30pm Copperplate Ceili Band 11 December 2009 9.30pm Christmas party with Annaly Ceili Band 15 January 2010 9.30pm Cúpla Ceili Band The venue is probably the highest dance hall in Ireland at over 1,000 feet with spectactular views over Carlow town and surrounding area. Admission €10. Contact Eddie Whelan.
18 September 2009 Tico Tico 23 October 2009 Swallow's Tail 27 November 2009 Davey Ceili Band 1 January 2010 Shaskeen 29 January 2010 Lough Ree Ceili Band Friday night ceilis, 10pm-1am. Contact Gearóid Mulrooney.
18 September 2009 9.30pm-1am Davey Ceili Band 16 October 2009 9.30pm-1am Glenside Ceili Band 20 November 2009 9.30pm-1am Four Courts 18 December 2009 9.30pm-1am Brian Ború Ceili Band Monthly ceilis on the third Friday, €10, with fear an tí Joe Condron. Contact Sean Broderick, Attracta Lynch and Tony Whelan.
18-20 September 2009At the weeekend's welcome ceili on Friday from 9.30pm to 12.30am music is by Triskell Ceili Band. The workshop choice on Saturday is between sets with Pádraig and Róisín McEneany teach sets this weekend and sean nós with Michael and Kathleen McGlynn; classes are from 10.30am to 4.30pm. Copperplate Ceili Band play for the Saturday night ceili from 9.30pm to 12.30am. On Sunday morning a workshop in two-hand dancing is taught by Connie McKelvey and Ann Connaghan with live music by the Gallagher sisters. The farewell dance that afternoon from 3 to 6pm features more music by Copperplate. Contact Connie McKelvey.
18-20 September 2009A weekend of dancing near the scenic Wexford coast. Workshops by Carmel Kearns take place on Saturday, 10.30am-5pm, and Sunday, 11am-1pm. The weekend's three ceilis begin at 9.30pm on Friday night with Danny Webster. On Saturday at 9.30pm the Brian Ború Ceili Band provides the music and the Glenside Ceili Band plays on Sunday afternoon at 3pm. Contact Mary Walsh.
18-20 September 2009, €165Another chance to spend a weekend with Timmy McCarthy and the sets of Cork and Kerry following an inaugural weekend at this venue in April. Timmy's classes are on Saturday from 10.30am to 5pm and Sunday from 11am to 1pm. Donncha Lynch plays for the opening ceili on Friday from 9pm to 1am. Saturday's ceili has music by Pádraig Ó Sé and Tommy O'Sullivan starting at 9pm. Sliabh Notes plays for dancing on Sunday afternoon between 3 and 6.30pm. Price quoted above includes all entertainment, two nights' B&B and one dinner; three-night packages are also available. Contact the Maritime Hotel.
19 September 2009 9.30pm-1am Tim Joe and Anne O'Riordan 11 October 2009 4-7pm Glenside Ceili Band 8 November 2009 4-7pm Annaly Ceili Band 10 January 2010 4-7pm Triskell Ceili Band 21 February 2010 4-7pm Brian Ború Ceili Band 28 March 2010 4-7pm Glenside Ceili Band 18 April 2010 4-7pm Sean Norman Ceili Band 16 May 2010 4-7pm Ger Murphy and Ken Cotter Contact Maureen Culleton.
19 September 2009 Matt Cunningham 17 October 2009 Johnny Reidy 21 November 2009 Fódhla Ceili Band 19 December 2009 Glenside Ceili Band Dancing from 9.30pm to 1am, every third Saturday of the month. Contact Carmel Jameson and Annette Phelan.
19 September 2009 Neily O'Connor 17 October 2009 Danny Webster 21 November 2009 Ger Murphy and Ken Cotter 21 December 2009 Christmas party A remarkable dance hall converted from a cow shed - friendly, comfortable, full of character, located on a tiny country lane surrounded by fields. Contact Michael Murphy.
19 September 2009, 10pmA ceili with Swallow's Tail Ceili Band. The hall is 3½ miles from Ballyhaunis on the Ballaghadereen road. Contact Michael Nolan.
19 September 2009, 11am-3pm, €20Róisín Ní Mhainín from Connemara teaches a sean nóas dancing workshop. The venue is next to Oakville Shopping Centre. Contact Nell and Paul McCarthy.
20 September 2009 4-7pm Ger Murphy and Ken Cotter 22 November 2009 4-7pm Brian Ború Ceili Band 24 January 2010 4-7pm Danny Webster 14 February 2010 4-7pm Annaly Ceili Band 21 March 2010 4-7pm Matt Cunningham Ceili Band 11 April 2010 4-7pm Micheál Sexton and Pat Walsh 20 June 2010 4-7pm Matt Cunningham Ceili Band 25 July 2010 4-7pm Copperplate Ceili Band 22 August 2010 4-7pm Ceili Time 19 September 2010 4-7pm Ger Murphy and Ken Cotter 21 November 2010 4-7pm Brian Ború Ceili Band Sunday afternoon ceilis. Contact Joan Pollard Carew and Danny Webster.
21-25 September 2009, €360A set dancing course from Monday to Friday with a teacher to be confirmed. Price includes on-site accommodation and full board. Contact Maureen Dennis.
22 September 2009 9pm-12am Brian Ború Ceili Band 13 October 2009 9pm-12am Carousel 10 November 2009 8.30-11.30pm Danny Webster 15 December 2009 8.30-11.30pm Christmas party with Glenside Ceili Band Popular ceilis in a country hall between a church and cemetery along the road from Kilbeggan to Tullamore. Contact Martin Newton.
25 September 2009 Five Counties Ceili Band 16 October 2009 Matt Cunningham 13 November 2009 Four Courts 4 December 2009 Tulla Ceili Band 18 December 2009 Glenside Ceili Band 8 January 2010 Four Courts 22 January 2010 Davey Ceili Band 12 February 2010 Five Counties Ceili Band 26 February 2010 Matt Cunningham 12 March 2010 Tulla Ceili Band 26 March 2010 Morning Dew Ceili Band 9 April 2010 Glenside Ceili Band 7 May 2010 Four Courts 4 June 2010 Tulla Ceili Band 25 June 2010 Copperplate Ceili Band 23 July 2010 Glenside Ceili Band 13 August 2010 Swallow's Tail Ceili Band 27 August 2010 Micheál Sexton and Pat Walsh 24 September 2010 Five Counties Ceili Band 15 October 2010 Matt Cunningham 12 November 2010 Four Courts 3 December 2010 Tulla Ceili Band 17 December 2010 Glenside Ceili Band Dancing on Fridays, 10pm to 1.30am. Contact John Henchy.
25 September 2009 9.30pm-1am Carousel Ceili Band 30 October 2009 9.30pm-1am Danny Webster 27 November 2009 9.30pm-1am Cúpla Ceili Band 26 December 2009 9.30pm-1am Brian Ború Ceili Band Monthly dances on the last Friday, admission €10. The venue is two miles from Carlow on the Hacketstown Road. Contact Peter O'Neill.
25 September 2009 Turloughmore Ceili Band 30 October 2009 Micheál Sexton and Pat Walsh 27 November 2009 Merriman Ceili Band and Christmas party Ceilis at 9.30pm. Contact Marie McMahon and Gary Pepper.
25 September 2009, 9.30pmA ceili with local triple All-Ireland winners Naomh Pádraig Ceili Band. Contact Michael O'Brien.
25 September 2009, 9pm-12.30am, €10Dancing to Glenside Ceili Band and calling by Mary Brogan. Contact Bill Dorris.
25 September 2009, 9.30pm-1amCeili with music by Swallow's Tail Ceili Band.
25 September 2009, 6.30pmAnother attempt to break the world record number of people dancing an Irish dance, now held by Dublin, Ohio, and 10,036 dancers. Paddy Hanafin serves as MC.
25 September 2009, 8pmA free evening of set, ceili and old-time with music by Pat Bass and his group and calling by Nicky Dempsey, as part of Wexford Culture Night. Mummers from Screen and Curracloe will also make an appearance. Contact Sinéad Redmond.
25-27 September 2009A weekend of concerts, ceilis and workshops opening on Friday night, 10pm-1am, at a ceili by the Emerald Ceili Band. The workshops on Saturday include sets with Sheila Gormley, ceili with Clement Gallagher, two-hands with Edie Bradley and sean nós with Mick Mulkerrin, plus a full programme of music workshops. On Saturday night there barn dancing with Cascade in the Hills Bar at 10pm. The Tirconnail Ceili Band play for sets and ceili on Sunday afternoon, 3-6pm. Nightly concerts feature big name trad acts. Contact Pat McGill and Eileen Golden.
26 September 2009 10pm-1am Five Counties Ceili Band 2 October 2009 9.30pm-12.30am Johnny Reidy Ceili Band 17 October 2009 10pm-1am Lough Ree Ceili Band 15 November 2009 4-7pm Abbey Ceili Band 22 November 2009 4-7pm Star of Munster Ceili Band 13 December 2009 4-7pm Matt Cunningham 26 December 2009 10pm-1am Shaskeen Ceili Band This hall was purpose-built for set dancing thirty years ago and has been refurbished and extended with a new bar, kitchen and toilets. The beautiful original floor has been preserved. Contact Doreen Norris.
26 September 2009 10pm-1.30am Glenside Ceili Band 29 November 2009 3-6pm Annaly Ceili Band Contact Eugene McCormack.
26 September 2009 Heather Breeze Ceili Band Located between Castlebar and Balla on the N60. Contact Maureen Cunningham.
26 September 2009, 8.30pm, €10A night of dancing for charity led by Syl Bell and Liz Hand.
27 September 2009 Ceili Time 25 October 2009 Triskell Ceili Band 22 November 2009 Oriel Ceili Band 27 December 2009 Cathal McAnulty 31 January 2010 Copperplate Ceili Band 28 February 2010 Gleann an Iolair Ceili Band 28 March 2010 Cathal McAnulty 18 April 2010 please confirm 25 April 2010 please confirm A ceili from 7 to 10.30pm, £7, in a beautiful and historic seventeenth century castle overlooking the city of Belfast. Contact Ronán Eastwood.
27 September 2009, 3.30-6.30pmMatt Cunningham plays in his local hall off the main road three miles south of Headford - turn at the Hazel House sign and continue ¾ of a mile.
Also on: 1 November, 6 December 2009
27 September 2009 3.30pm Abbey Ceili Band 31 December 2009 10pm New Year's Eve mixed dancing with Johnny Reidy 4 April 2010 3.30pm Tim Joe and Anne O'Riordan 16 May 2010 3.30pm Jerry McCarthy 26 September 2010 3.30pm Abbey Ceili Band Admission €10. Contact Paddy O'Riordan.
27 September 2009 Brian Ború Ceili Band 6 December 2009 Glenside Ceili Band Sunday afternoon ceilis from 4 to 7pm, €10. The village is on the N4 between Mullingar and Edgeworthstown. Contact Patsy Finn and Yvonne Keaney.
27 September 2009, 7.30-10.30pmCopperplate Ceili Band plays for a ceili. Contact Desmond McGartland and Vincent Lewis.
2 October 2009 10pm-1am Cúpla Ceili Band 18 October 2009 4-7pm Glenside Ceili Band 6 November 2009 10pm-1am Micheál Sexton and Pat Walsh 15 November 2009 4-7pm Annaly Ceili Band 4 December 2009 10pm-1am Lough Ree Ceili Band 20 December 2009 4-7pm Glenside Ceili Band Dancing on the first Friday of the month, 10pm-1am, and monthly Sunday afternoons, 4-7pm, €10. Contact Dún na Sí Heritage Centre.
2 October 2009 9.30pm-12.30am Copperplate Ceili Band 1 November 2009 4-7pm Glenside Ceili Band With fear an tí Joe Farrell. Contact Patsy O'Hagan.
2-4 October 2009, €35This weekend of set dancing moves into Dungarvan town to a hotel on the harbour. The first dancing is on Friday night when the Annaly Ceili Band plays for a ceili from 9pm to 12.30am. On Saturday Pádraig and Róisín McEneany teach a workshop from 10.30am to 5pm, and the ceili that night has music by Tim Joe and Anne O'Riordan. Pádraig and Róisín teach a workshop of two-hand dances on Sunday from 11am to 1pm, and Brian Ború Ceili Band finish the weekend with one final ceili from 2.30-5.30pm. Contact John Creed and Mary Rossiter.
3 October 2009 Tara Ceili Band 7 November 2009 Carousel 5 December 2009 Brian Ború Ceili Band First Saturday ceilis, 10pm to 1am. The hall is four miles from Trim on the Kinnegad road. Contact Michael O'Brien.
3 October 2009 Annaly Ceili Band 16 January 2010 Matt Cunningham
3 October 2009, 9pm-12.30am, freeA rambling house ceili night with music by Danny Webster. The venue is three miles from Tralee on the Dingle road. Contact Denis McCarthy and Keane's of Curraheen.
Future dates: 7 November 2009
3 October 2009, 10pm-1amA ceili with music by Copperplate Ceili Band. Contact Teresa McKeaney and Kathleen Keaney.
3 October 2009, 9.30pm, €10Dancing in a spacious hall to the music of Alan Finn, who played for Barack Obama in the White House on St Patrick's Day. Contact Judith Bolster.
4 October 2009 Taylor's Cross 1 November 2009 Danny Webster 6 December 2009 Tom McCarthy 3 January 2009 Ger Murphy and Ken Cotter 7 February 2009 Carousel Ceili Band 7 March 2010 Danny Webster 14 March 2010 St Patrick's Day parade ceili with Matt Cunningham 4 April 2010 Tom McCarthy 8 May 2010 Micheál Sexton and Pat Walsh 9 May 2010 20th anniversary celebration with Tom McCarthy, 3-6pm 9 May 2010 Ger Murphy and Ken Cotter 6 June 2009 Sean Norman 4 July 2010 Cúpla Ceili Band 5 September 2009 Taylor's Cross 3 October 2010 Matt Cunningham 7 November 2010 Suirside Ceili Band 5 December 2010 Ger Murphy and Ken Cotter Monthly Sunday ceilis, all at 8pm. The entrance to the hall is beside F&M Motors. Contact Michael Loughnane.
4 October 2009 Davey Ceili Band 8 November 2009 Matt Cunningham 6 December 2009 Taylor's Cross 10 January 2010 Allow Ceili Band 7 February 2010 Brian Ború Ceili Band 11 April 2010 Swallow's Tail Ceili Band 9 May 2010 Abbey Ceili Band 12 September 2010 Abbey Ceili Band 3 October 2010 Davey Ceili Band Sunday afternoon ceilis from 4 to 7pm. Contact Josephine O'Connor, Ann Curtin, Con Egan and Nora Murphy.
4 October 2009 9pm cancelled 8 November 2009 3pm Abbey Ceili Band 6 December 2009 9pm Waterford Comhaltas Ceili Band The hotel is just across the bridge from town. Contact Doreen McGrath and John Byrne.
4 October 2009, 4-7pmCeili with the Copperplate Ceili Band.
4 October 2009, 4-7pm, €10The Annaly Ceili Band plays music for a ceili called by Frank Keenan. Contact Tom Dillon.
5 October 2008Dancers take to the streets of Cork for an outdoor céilí mór with the Kilfenora Ceili Band and Sliabh Notes. Dancing is from 2 to 6pm in Grand Parade. Contact William Hammond.
8 October 2009, 9pm-12amTriskell Ceili Band plays the music and John McEvoy calls the sets. Contact John and Sheila McEvoy and Jim Finegan.
9 October 2009 Allow Ceili Band 6 November 2009 Johnny Reidy Ceili Band 27 November 2009 Abbey Ceili Band Dancing from 9.30pm to 1am. Contact Joan O'Sullivan and Sean Hartnett.
9 October 2009, 10pm-1amA fundraising ceili with the Glenside Ceili Band. Contact John Barry.
9-11 October 2009Killybegs is a picturesque harbour town and a busy fishing port. All the buildings here overlook the harbour and there are great views from the hotel where this weekend takes place. Dancing opens on Friday with a ceili by the Emerald Ceili Band, 10pm-1am. On Saturday, Pat Murphy teaches sets in the Bayview Hotel from 10.30am to 5pm. Matt Cunningham plays for both the Saturday night ceili from 10pm to 1am, and for the Sunday afternoon ceili from 2.30 to 5.30pm. There's also two-hand dancing in the Harbour Bar on Saturday night from 8 to 10pm. On Sunday Edie Bradley joins Pat 10.30am to 1pm on Sunday morning for a workshop in sets and two-hand dances. Contact Kay McGuinness.
10 October 2009 9.30pm-1am Triskell Ceili Band 25 October 2009 3-6pm Glenside Ceili Band 14 November 2009 9.30pm-1am Abbey Ceili Band 12 December 2009 9.30pm-1am Glenside Ceili Band Monthly ceilis with the top bands, admission €10. Contact Eileen Coyne and Finola O'Brien.
10 October 2009 Cathal McAnulty Ceili Band 14 November 2009 Glenside Ceili Band 12 December 2009 Christmas party with Carousel Dancing from 10pm to 1.30am with calling by Frank Keenan. Contact Henry and Carmel O'Callaghan.
10 October 2009 Glenside Ceili Band 14 November 2009 Fódhla Ceili Band 12 December 2009 Brian Ború Ceili Band These ceilis are held on the second Saturday of every month, 9.30pm-1am, and feature ceili dances, sets and waltzes. Contact Mary Murphy and Ann Ryan.
10 October 2009 Mort Kelleher 14 November 2009 Tim Joe and Anne O'Riordan 12 December 2009 Abbey Ceili Band Thirty sets dance every month in this spacious hall from 9.30pm to 1.30am, €10. Contact Kitty Murphy and Barry Cogan.
10 October 2009, 10pm-1amA ceili with Carousel. Contact Chris Oates, Chris White and Phil Cawe.
11 October 2009, 9pm-12amMonthly Sunday night ceilis featuring music by Liam Carter for sets, two-hands and waltzes. Contact Maria McInerney and Freda Smith.
Future dates: 1 November, 29 November 2009
16-18 October 2009This year's opening workshop at the big weekend of dancing in Listowel offers line dancing with Mark Bryan, 8-9.30pm. Next up is a ceili with the Abbey Ceili Band from 10pm to 1.30am. Saturday's programme starts with a sets and steps workshop with Ger Butler, 10.30am-1pm. Then between 2 and 5pm there's more dancing at a ceili with the Glenside Ceili Band. Ger is back for a jive workshop, 7-8.30pm, which is followed by an hour of country music with Martin Williams. Swallow's Tail play for the Saturday night ceili from 10pm to 1.30am. On Sunday morning Michael O'Rourke and Edwina Guckian teach sean nós and steps for sets, 11.30am-1.30pm. The afternoon ceili from 2.30 to 5.30pm features Johnny Reidy, and Micheál Sexton and Pat Walsh play for the final ceili that night from 8 to 11pm. Contact Mary Philpott, Jerry O'Rourke and Michael O'Rourke.
17 October 2009 Annaly Ceili Band
18 October 2009, 4-7pmThe Annaly Ceili Band plays for this ceili. Contact Paul Cairns, Mairéad McMahon and Marie Garrity.
18 October 2009, 3-6pmFestival ceili with the Emerald Ceili Band. The weekend includes concerts, music workshops and sessions. Contact Sean McElwain.
19 October 2009 Annaly Ceili Band 9 November 2009 Annaly Ceili Band 30 November 2009 Annaly Ceili Band Dancing every Monday night from 9.30pm to 12.30am. Contact May Julian.
23 October 2009 10pm-1am Glenside Ceili Band 27 November 2009 10pm-1am Brian Ború Ceili Band 27 December 2009 3.30-6.30pm Glenside Ceili Band Contact Cormac O'Neill.
23 October 2009, 9.30pm-1amSets, old-time and two hands with Ger Murphy and Ken Cotter. The venue is five miles from Waterford city between the N24 and N9. Contact Mary Phelan.
23 October 2009, 9pm, €10Brian Ború Ceili Band supply the music at this ceili. The village is halfway between Athy and Kilcullen. Contact Betty Davis and Syl Bell.
23 October 2009, 9.30pm-1am, £6A ceili with music by the Cathal McAnulty Ceili Band and calling by Joe Farrell. Contact Maeve Gilmore and Lawrence Connolly.
23 October 2009 9.30pm-12.30am Annaly Ceili Band
23-26 October 2009The weekend in honour of Doonbeg's famous dancer opens at a welcome session with Colm O'Donnell and friends on Friday night at 10pm in Igoe's Inn. On Saturday there's a workshop in set dancing and jiving with Mary Murrihy and sean nós dancing with Suzanne Leahy, plus a ceili for kids on Saturday evening. That night from 10pm to 1.30am there's a ceili with the Glenside Ceili Band. On Sunday Larry McEvoy plays for an afternoon of set and old time dancing, and Brian Ború Ceili Band provides music for a final ceili in the hall on Sunday night at 10pm. The weekend also includes workshops in trad instruments and singing, plus sessions. Contact Margaret Dillon and Peggy Doherty.
23-26 October 2009Joe Cooley and Kieran Collins are two local musicians who are remembered at this popular music weekend held in and around the town of Gort. Events on the opening Friday night take place in the nearby village of Peterswell. After Mass at 8pm, the official opening is in the Cooley Lodge at 9pm with music by Denis Liddy and young musicians from Barefield, Co Clare. The Four Courts take over from 10.30pm for the ceili. On Saturday there are music workshops in Gort Community Centre on the Ennis road. McCarthy's Lounge in the village of Kilbeacanty features a ceili at 10pm on Saturday night with the Tulla Ceili Band. After a Sunday afternoon concert at 4pm there's a ceili in the Lady Gregory Hotel with Matt Cunningham Ceili Band from 9.30pm to 12.30am. On Monday afternoon the Glenside Ceili Band play for the final ceili from 2 to 5pm in McCarthy's Lounge, Kilbeacanty. Contact Mary Coen.
24 October 2009 Ger Murphy 5 December 2009 Kevin Lynch and Marie Twomey Ceilis from 9.30pm to 1am, €10. Contact Margaret Geary.
24 October 2009 10pm-1am Swallow's Tail Ceili Band 13 February 2010 10pm-1am Glenside Ceili Band Contact Seamus and Margaret Brett.
24 October 2009, 9.30pmCharity ceili with the Sliabh Luachra Ceili Band. Contact John Nolan.
25 October 2009, 4-7pm, €10A charity ceili with Johnny Reidy. Contact Charlie O'Connor and Tony O'Connor.
25 October 2009, 10pm-1amA ceili with the Annaly Ceili Band. The hall is on the N5 five miles west of Longford. Contact Seamus Bennett.
26 October 2009, 3-6pmFestival ceili with music by Ger Murphy. Contact T J Nelligan.
26 October 2009, 4-7pmCarousel Ceili Band plays for this ceili. Contact Karen Feerick.
30 October-1 November 2009, £22Halloween is taken seriously at this weekend of dancing in a hall on the edge of Belfast, when otherwise sensible people dress up in outrageous costumes. The dancing opens on Friday night with the Annaly Ceili Band, 9.30pm-12.30am. Pat Murphy holds a workshop on Saturday, 10.30am-4.30pm. The Copperplate Ceili Band is in residence for the rest of the weekend, with a ceili on Saturday night from 9.30pm to 1am. At the Sunday morning workshop, 11am-1pm, Pat concentrates on two-hand dances, and that afternoon there's a repeat appearance by the Copperplate, 2-5pm. Contact Rosaleen Murphy, Hugh McGauran and Teresa Quigg.
31 October 2009 10pm-1am Star of Munster Ceili Band 6 December 2009 4-7pm Copperplate Ceili Band Charity ceili in a sixty-year old hall beside the N18 between Ardrahan and Gort, admission €10. Contact Frank Holland.
31 October 2009, 10pm-1am, €10A ceili with the Annaly Ceili Band from Longford. Contact Kieran Duffy.
31 October 2009On the Saturday afternoon of this weekend festival there is a workshop and a ceili. Contact Teresa McCormack and Francis Taaffe.
31 October 2009, 10pm-12.30amCeili and old-time with Matt Cunningham in the pub beside the Shannon ferry. Contact Pat Donovan.
6 November 2009 9pm-12.30am Cathal McAnulty Ceili Band 11 December 2009 8.30pm-12.30am Christmas party with Liam Carter Ceilis with live music and fear an tí Joe Condron. Contact Maria McInerney and Freda Smith.
6-8 November 2009, €40The third year of this festival features workshops with three top teachers. Pat Murphy, Séamus Ó Méalóid and Tony Ryan share workshops on Friday from 7 to 9pm, Saturday from 10am to 5pm and Sunday from 10am to 1pm. Music is by Matt Cunningham at the Friday ceili, by the Four Courts on Saturday night, both from 10pm to 1am, and by the Glenside Ceili Band on Sunday afternoon from 2.30 to 5.30pm. Contact Tony Ryan.
6-8 November 2009It's happening again in Enniscrone after a successful inaugural weekend in a new hotel on the coast last year. Oliver Fleming starts the dancing with a class on jiving from 8 to 10pm on Friday evening. There's great set dancing after that with Brian Ború Ceili Band from 10pm to 1am. Gerard Butler takes charge of the workshop from 11 am to 5pm on Saturday. There's country dancing with Duets between 5 and 7pm, and then the Copperplate Ceili Band play for sets from 10pm to 1am. On Sunday Marie Garrity teaches two-hand dancing from11am to 1pm, and then the Copperplate reappear for the final ceili from 2 to 5pm. There's also a session following each ceili with the Duets Band. Contact Oliver Fleming.
7 November 2009 Micheál Sexton and Pat Walsh 6 February 2010 Johnny Reidy Ceili Band 17 April 2010 Abbey Ceili Band 6 November 2010 Tim Joe and Anne O'Riordan Dancing begins at 9.30pm. Contact Gerry Kavanagh and Angela O'Connor.
7 November 2009 Annaly Ceili Band Dancing from 10pm to 1am. Contact Gertie Tighe.
13-15 November 2009If you like polka sets, you've come to the right place. This is Timmy McCarthy's seventeenth weekend dedicated to the music and dance of Cork and Kerry. The ceili on Friday, 10pm sharp, has music by Donncha Lynch, his family and friends, plus Timmy, his son Tony and their friends. On Saturday night, also 10pm, the Dingle duo Padráig Ó Sé and Tommy O'Sullivan let rip with their unique brand of Kerry music (bring towels and spare shirts). The Sunday afternoon ceili, 3pm, features the three members of Sliabh Notes, box player Donal Murphy, fiddler Matt Cranitch and Tommy O'Sullivan on guitar, and no doubt more friends. Timmy himself is a powerful presence throughout the weekend, conducting classes on Saturday and Sunday, playing box at the workshops and for a few sets at the ceilis, and serving as MC the rest of the time. The weekend also includes a dinner for dancers on Saturday, a walking tour of Ballyvourney on Sunday afternoon and a free concert on Sunday night. Contact Timmy and Rhona McCarthy.
14 November 2009Tubbercurry Comhaltas hold a workshop and ceili today during a weekend of music, song and dance. P J Gorevan and Helen Kilgallen teach a morning workshop in Cawley's Hotel, 10am to 1pm, and that night there's a ceili with the Annaly Ceili Band from 10pm to 1am. Contact Joe Corscadden and Liam Flynn.
14 November 2009A mixed night of Caledonian Sets and social dancing with Matt Cunningham.
14 November 2009, 9.30pm-12.30am, €10Music by the Five Counties Ceili Band. Contact Marie Collins.
14 November 2009 10pm-1am Carousel
14 November 2009 9.30pm Brian Ború Ceili Band Dancing in a cosy and comfortable pub lounge. Raheen is signposted on the road between Portlaoise and Abbeyleix. Contact June Carter.
15 November 2009, 3pmA ceili with music by Conor Moriarty and calling by Bert Moran. A workshop precedes the ceili from 1.30 to 2.30pm. Contact Bert and Annie Moran.
20-22 November 2009Mention Longford to a set dancer and their eyes will flash with excitement if they've ever attended one of the year's top set dancing weekend held here. The programme is packed with nearly continuous music and dancing from 7pm on Friday night all the way into the very early hours of Monday morning. The crowds are big enough to fill two hotels, the Longford Arms, the main venue, and its sister hotel, the Annaly, located on opposite sides of the main street, plus all the remaining local accommodation.
Gerard Butler starts off the dancing from 7 to 10pm on Friday with a jiving workshop with live music by Carmel McLoughlin in the Annaly Hotel. The ceili that night from 10pm to 1.30am is with the Abbey Ceili Band in the Longford Arms. Brona Graham and band keep the dancing going at the post-ceili late session.
Saturday begins with a morning workshop by Pat Murphy from 10pm to 1am in the Longford Arms. Gerard holds a class in the Annaly Hotel on sean nós dancing from 11am to 12.30pm. After lunch, the young Scottish band Johnny Rocks plays for a short ceili from 2 to 3pm, and then Patrick Feeney plays for social dancing till 5pm. Carmel McLoughlins entertains in the Annaly bar from 7 to 9pm, followed by the Annaly Ceili Band who play from 9pm to 12am. Across the street in the Longford Arms, Swallow's Tail play for the main ceili from 10pm to 1.30am. Afterward, there's more from Johnny Rocks.
Pat Murphy holds a workshop again on Sunday morning from 11pm to 1am, and Johnny Rocks make another appearance in the Annaly Hotel from 12.30 to 2pm. The afternoon ceili features Johnny Reidy from 2.30 to 5.30pm, followed by a singalong with Fergus Harmon, 7-9pm. That night the Lough Ree Ceili Band plays from 9pm to 12am for the closing ceili, followed by a farewell session.
Contact Gabrielle Cassidy and Gerard Butler.
21 November 2009, 10pmThe Glenside Ceili Band plays for a 21st birthday party. Contact Clare Smyth.
21 November 2009 Carousel
27-29 November 2009, €40It's always a treat to dance in the beautiful town of Westport, especially during this popular annual weekend. Swallow's Tail Ceili Band opens the dancing at a ceili on Friday night, 9.30pm-1am. Pat Murphy teaches the workshop on Saturday from 10.30am to 5.30pm. The ceili on Saturday night features music by Heather Breeze, 9.30pm-1am. Pat is back for another workshop on Sunday morning from 11am to 1pm, and the Glenside Ceili Band plays for one last ceili on Sunday afternoon, 2.30-5.30pm. If you can stick around, don't miss the lively closing session on Sunday night in Matt Molloy's Pub. Contact Eamonn Gannon.
28 November 2009, 9.30pm-12.30am, €10Tim Joe and Anne O'Riordan play for a charity ceili. Contact Gerry Kelleher.
28 November 2009 Matt Cunningham
29 November 2009, 4-7pmMusic by the Copperplate Ceili Band. The hall is on the Dungiven-Draperstown road. Contact Colm and Bernadette Murray.
4-5 December 2009, 9.30pm-1am, €10 eachThe Éigse offers two ceilis with music by two local bands - Johnny Reidy plays on Friday night and by Tim Joe and Anne O'Riordan on Saturday. In addition, there's a sean nós dancing workshop with Oireachtas winner Máire Áine Ní Iarnáin on Saturday from 11am-12.30pm at the Ionad Cultúrtha. Contact Paddy O'Riordan and Eilís Ní Shúilleabháin.
Next Éigse: 3-4 December 2010
5 December 2009Your last chance for a full day of dancing before Christmas. Gerard Butler teaches a workshop today, 10.30am-4.30pm, and the Lough Ree Ceili Band play for a ceili tonight, 9pm-12am. After the ceili it's time for the hooley! Proceeds to charity. Contact Chris Eichbaum.
5 December 2009 Matt Cunningham
10 December 2009 Christmas party Dancing from 10pm to 1.30am, called by Frank Keenan. Contact Ena McKiernan.
11 December 2009 Matt Cunningham
12 December 2009 Matt Cunningham Contact Chris Oates.
13 December 2009, 3-6pmMicheál Sexton and Pat Walsh play for Marie Philbin's annual charity Christmas ceili.
13 December 2009, 4-7pmChristmas ceili with dancing to Copperplate Ceili Band. Contact Sean and Maura Herron and Ann Mulroe.
14 December 2009, 8pmA charity party and ceili night. Contact Maureen Culleton.
15 December 2009, 9pm-12.30amChristmas ceili with Copperplate Ceili Band. Contact Ronán Eastwood.
Also on: 16 March 2010 with Oriel Ceili Band
19 December 2009 10pm-1am Matt Cunningham Ceili Band
26 December 2009 4pm Annaly Ceili Band Contact Donnchadh Ó Cinnéide, Margaret Redmond and Margaret Carrie.
31 December 2009-3 January 2010, €319A mix of country and ceili music the attraction at this long New Year's weekend. Opening on New Year's eve there's dancing to the Donal Ring Ceili Band from 9 to 11.30pm, followed by country music with Pat Hayes to see out the old year. On the nights of 1 and 2 January Micheál Sexton and Pat Walsh play for ceilis from 9 to 11pm, and Johnny Reidy plays on Sunday afternoon, 3 January, from 3 to 6pm. Country music begins after each ceili with Brendan Lee, T R Dallas, Kathy Durkin, Mary Darcy and others. Price includes four nights B&B, four evening meals and entertainment. Contact Pat Hayes.
2 January 2010A ceili with Matt Cunningham. Contact Mickey Kelly.
8-10 January 2010Cavan's most popular weekend of dancing opens on Friday evening at jive and waltz worskhop with Gerard Butler, 7-10pm. Following that is a ceili with Brian Ború Ceili Band, 10pm-1am. Workshops on Saturday morning from 10.30am to 1pm offer a choice of sets and steps with Fidelma Brannigan and John Cassidy, sean nós with Kathleen McGlynn and old-style step with Noel Devery. There are two ceilis on Saturday - Copperplate Ceili Band plays in the afternoon from 2.30 to 5.30pm followed at night by Johnny Reidy from 10pm to 1am. In between from 7 to 10pm there's country music on offer. On Sunday morning there's a two-hand dance workshop with Marie Garrity and a Caven Reel Set worskhop with Marian Crowe, 11am-1pm. Dancing finishes at the Sunday afternoon ceili with Micheál Sexton and Pat Walsh, 2.30-5.30pm. Contact Marian Crowe, Terry Crowe, Bríd Flynn and Paul Cooney.
8-10 January 2010Your first chance for a set dancing workshop weekend in 2010! Starting on Friday night at 9pm, local box player Tom McCarthy provides music for a dance session. Pat Murphy teaches sets old and new on Saturday from 10.30am to 5.30pm. The music at the Saturday night ceili from 9pm is by the Annaly Ceili Band. Pat teaches a Sunday morning workshop from 11am to 1pm, followed by an afternoon ceili, 2.30-6pm, with the Glenside Ceili Band. Contact Mary and Danny Morrissey.
15-17 January 2010The Malahide weekend is the Dublin area's biggest set dancing weekend and a tribute to the late dance master, Connie Ryan. It's an important weekend for set dancers, not only for the great music and eager dancers attracted here from around the world, but also because this is often the occasion where newly revived sets are launched.
The weekend opens with a workshop on Friday evening from 8 to 9.30pm by Aidan Vaughan, who will impart some of his knowledge of Clare battering. A ceili follows from 9.30pm to 12.30am with music by the Slievenamon Group of musicians who have a long association with Connie Ryan.
Pat Murphy and Tony Ryan teach set and two-hand dances between 10am and 1pm on Saturday. Ceilis fill the rest of the day with the Four Courts playing from 2.30 to 5pm, and Brian Ború Ceili Band from 9.30pm to 1am.
Sunday begins with a tradtional step dancing workshop by Michael Tubridy from 10 to 11.30am, and continues with sets and sean nós dancing taught by Mick Mulkerrin until 1pm. Then Swallow's Tail Ceili Band brings the weekend to a rousing finish at the ceili from 2.30 to 5.30pm.
The town of Malahide is about ten miles north of the city centre on the coast with large sandy beaches and a marina nearby. It has a small town atmosphere that makes it a pleasant place for a weekend. Hotel accommodation packages in the hotel are available and B&Bs are plentiful in the area. Book your place early as they fill up in advance; there's a accommodation list on the weekend's web site, www.geocities.com/slievenamon.
Proceeds from the weekend are donated to cancer charity in memory of Connie. Contact Betty McCoy and Ann Grant.
22-24 January 2010The Shindig is a weekend packed with music and dancing at a new hotel in the countryside outside Tralee. Friday evening opens with a battering steps workshop by Gerard Butler from 7.30 to 9.30pm. The ceili following from 10pm to 1.15am features music by Johnny Reidy. On Saturday Ger is back to lead a full day of sean nós dancing, while Pat Murphy teaches a selection of sets, both from 11am to 5.30pm. After an evening session with Johnny Ashe from 7.30-9.30pm, the Copperplate Ceili Band plays for a ceili from 10pm to 1.30am. Ger and Pat teach workshops again on Sunday morning from 11am to 1pm, which is followed by an afternoon ceili with Brian Ború Ceili Band from 2.30 to 6pm. The weekend concludes on Sunday night with country and trad music by Micheál Sexton, 8.30pm-12am. Contact Paddy and Carolyn Hanafin and see also www.shindigfestival.com.
22-24 January 2010, €215A weekend of dancing at a residential college near the Irish Sea. Dancing begins on Friday, 9pm-12am, at a ceili with music by local band Triskell Ceili Band. The choice of workshops on Saturday from 10am to 5pm includes set dancing with Pádraig and Róisín McEneany, step dancing with Michael and Celine Tubridy and sean nós dancing with Michael and Kathleen McGlynn. The Abbey Ceili Band plays for the Saturday night ceili, 9.30pm-1am, and again at the farewell ceili on Sunday afternoon, 2-5pm. The weekend price includes all entertainment, accommodation and meals. Places are limited and early booking is recommended. Contact John and Sheila McEvoy and Jim Finegan.
29-31 January 2010Contact Risteárd MacAodha.
29-31 January 2010Omagh's weekend of dance begins with a welcome ceili in the Silverbirch Hotel, 5 Gortin Road, where Copperplate Ceili Band plays from 10pm. Saturday's workshop is taught by Pat Murphy from 10.30am to 4.30pm, and that night from 10pm Brian Ború Ceili Band plays for a ceili. On Sunday morning, 11am-1pm, Marie Garrity teaches two-hand dances. Playing for the closing ceili is Swallow's Tail from 2 to 5pm. Contact Paul Cairns, Mairéad McMahon and Marie Garrity.
29-31 January 2010This weekend in Ennistymon brightens up the Clare winter with lively ceilis by some top bands. Johnny Reidy opens the festival on Friday night, 10pm-1.30am. The Abbey Ceili Band are here on Saturday afternoon from 2.30 to 5.30pm, and that night's ceili, 10pm-1.30am, features music by Swallow's Tail. Finishing up on Sunday afternoon are the Five Counties Ceili Band from 2.30 to 5.30pm. Live music sessions take place all weekend. Contact Sean Longe and the Falls Hotel.
6 February 2010, 10pm-1amAnnaly Ceili Band make music for this charity ceili. The hall is between Tubbercurry and Aclare. Contact Bernie Mulgrew and Belinda Fleming.
13 February 2010, 10pm-1amA ceili with the Annaly Ceili Band. Contact Maureen Meehan.
24-27 February 2010Contact John O'Shea and Anne Keane.
5-7 March 2010A new town for a new set dancing weekend. Early arrivals can start dancing at a country and western dance workshop with Oliver Fleming on Friday evening before the ceili that night with Copperplate Ceili Band. On Saturday morning there's a workshop with Gerard Butler, in the afternoon there's country music with Michael and Breege Cleary, and that night there's a ceili with the Annaly Ceili Band. Marie Garrity holds her workshop on Sunday morning, and the afternoon ceili features Swallow's Tail Ceili Band. Contact Oliver Fleming.
5-7 March 2010The West Limerick Set Dancing Club weekend returns to the Devon Inn where Connie Ryan once taught workshops. This year the dance masters are Pat Murphy, Betty McCoy and Gerard Butler, who's first up with a jiving workshop on Friday, 7-8.30pm. The opening ceili has music by the Allow Ceili Band beginning at 9pm; there's also a bar session with Gearóid Keating. On Saturday, Pat and Betty teach sets from 10am to 5pm. At the same time Ger teaches a workshop for children, and at 7pm he holds a battering steps workshop. The Abbey Ceili Band are on stage at 9pm for the Saturday night ceili. On Sunday morning from 10.30am to 1pm there's more set dancing with Pat and Betty, and a separate sean nós dancing workshop with Ger. The afternoon ceili features Taylor's Cross Ceili Band from 2 to 5pm. That night at 9pm there's set and social dancing with Jerry McCarthy. Contact Josephine O'Connor, Ann Curtin, Con Egan and Nora Murphy.
5-7 March 2010Contact Diane Cannon.
12-14 March 2010Contact Mickey Kelly.
19-21 March 2010A weekend of dancing beside the River Foyle and the walled city of Derry. The Friday and Saturday night ceilis feature music by Tim Joe and Anne O'Riordan all the way from Co Cork. Saturday's workshops are from 10.30am to 5pm, with a choice of set dancing led by Pádraig and Róisín McEneany, two-hand dancing with Marie Garrity and sean nós taught by Kathleen and Michael McGlynn. There's a recap of the workshops on Sunday morning. The Copperplate Ceili Band wraps up the dancing on Sunday afternoon at a ceili from 2 to 5pm. Joe Farrell calls sets at the ceilis. Contact Sean and Maura Herron and Ann Mulroe.
26-28 March 2010, €130The bash moves to Donegal town this year. Dancing opens with a mix of country and trad played by Tom Campbell from 8 to 10pm. Pure trad follows with the Annaly Ceili Band playing for the ceili that night from 10pm to 1am. On Saturday morning Teresa Quigg from Belfast teaches her first weekend workshop from 10.30am to 1pm. Then from 2 to 5pm Fidelma Brannigan and John Cassidy share a workshop on sean nós and battering steps. Copperplate Ceili Band play for the ceili on Saturday night, also 10pm to 1am. On Sunday morning Marie Garrity conducts a two-hand workshop from 10.30am to 1pm and the ceili that afternoon from 2.30 to 5.30pm has music by the Oriel Ceili Band. Joe Farrell calls all the sets this weekend. There are sessions before and after the two night ceilis. The price shown above includes all dancing, two nights' B&B and one dinner. Contact Hugh McGauran.
17-18 April 2010Teaching workshops this weekend is Pat Murphy. Contact Maureen Cusack and Michael Cusack.
23-25 April 2010A new weekend of dancing by the sea on the Wexford coast. The first of four ceilis is with the Abbey Ceili Band on Friday at 9.30pm. The double-bill on Saturday has Cúpla Ceili Band playing for ceili and old time at 3pm and the Glenside Ceili Band at 9.30pm. Finishing up on Sunday at 3pm is Jerry McCarthy. All proceeds are for charity. Contact Yvonne Kinsella and Emilie Lacey.
24 April 2010 9.30pm-1am Johnny Reidy Ceili Band Contact Janet Robertson.
30 April-3 May 2010Co Laois's biggest dance festival offers plenty of great music and dancing over the four-day May bank holiday weekend. Contact John Sinnott, Mícheál Lalor and Peter Redmond.
20-23 May 2010Pat Murphy is one of the teachers holding workshops this weekend. Contact Sean McElwee and Madge O'Grady.
4-6 June 2010This festival offers everything you're looking for in a good weekend - great bands, top teachers, a fine spacious hall, a beautiful town and good weather (fingers crossed). It gets started at the Friday night ceili with Tim Joe and Anne O'Riordan, 10pm-1am. On Saturday morning and afternoon Pádraig and Róisín McEneany teach sets and steps at a workshop from 10am to 5pm. The big ceili that night from 10pm to 1.30am has music by the Johnny Reidy Ceili Band. There's also music before the ceili at a session in the Chestnut Bar, Green Street, from 7.30 to 10pm. Mick Mulkerrin teaches sean nós dancing in a workshop from 11am to 1pm on Sunday morning. Sunday's dancing continues with the Abbey Ceili Band at the afternoon ceili from 3 to 6pm. Contact Donal Morrissey and Ronan Morrissey.
11-13 June 2010A new weekend debuts on the set dancing calendar. Contact Vincent Lewis.
2-11 July 2010Contact the Armada Hotel for information on the dancing week and to book a bedroom or self-catering cottage; you can also book via their web site - www.armadahotel.com. The Ennis Tourist Office can help with other local accommodation.
3-11 July 2010For further information please contact Harry Hughes and Muiris Ó Rócháin. See the official programme on the Willie Clancy Summer School web site at www.setdancingnews.net/wcss.
11-17 July 2010More information is available from Marie Flannery and Rita Flannery. The summer school website www.sssschool.org has programme and accommodation details. For assistance with accommodation contact Roger McCarrick. Handy maps of Tubbercurry and Co Sligo are on this website - www.johnthemap.co.uk.
17-24 July 2010For questions get in touch with one of the organising committee - Nancy Woods, Mary Doyle, Pádraig McLoughlin and Jimmie Costello. For a clear map of the town, see www.johnthemap.co.uk.
25 July-2 August 2010For assistance with local accommodation and any other questions please contact Paraic Noone and Margaret Grimes or consult the summer school website, www.ocarolanharpfestival.ie.
| Bill Lynch |
Set Dancing News, Kilfenora, Co Clare, Ireland 076 602 4282 Republic of Ireland 087 939 3357 mobile +1 410 504 6000 North America +353 76 602 4282 elsewhere +353 87 939 3357 BillLynch@eircom.net |