Irish Céilí and Set Dancing

Irish set-dancing had its beginnings with the British soldiers stationed in Ireland during the Napoleonic era, and its tradition in Australia goes back to the early nineteenth century as well.

Set dancers and céilí dancers come together each month for a céilí at the Irish Gaelic Club. The nights always prove to be hugely enjoyable, with a lively crowd filling the dance floor. The Cooks River Céilí Band and the Coast Céilí Band play regularly at the Irish Gaelic Club on Céilí nights.They are a fun way for people from different parts of the community to get together and catch up.

INA set-dancing classes

Set-dancing has been a very popular pastime at the Irish Gaelic Club, and the INA set-dancing classes, held on Monday nights from 8pm, continue the tradition of mixing the popular sets with traditional varieties not often seen in the céilí scene in Sydney, but becoming more widely known. The relaxed pace of the Monday night practice sessions gets a regular following of young people in to learn the steps they’ve seen the old-timers and the professionals do at the Irish pubs and festivals around the state. Telephone: (02) 9212 1587

The Harp set-dancing classes

The Harp Irish Set Dancers hosts céilí dancing and set dancing classes at the Irish Gaelic Club every Wednesday night from 8:00pm till 9.30pm. Beginners are always welcome. Telephone: (02) 9580 4865.

Sydney Irish Céilí Dancers

Sydney Irish Céilí Dancers was formed in 1958 in the INA cultural centre and is now probably the longest continuing Irish dance group in Australia. The group meets for step, céilí and set dancing classes each Thursday evening in Kingsgrove, Sydney, and performs at events throughout Australia. Telephone: (02) 9150 6765

Newcastle Irish Set Dancers

Newcastle Irish Set Dancers conduct classes in Irish Set dancing - the social dancing of the Irish, young and old! The group is located in Newcastle, New South Wales (Australia) and is part of the Newcastle and Hunter Valley Folk Club.  Regular classes for Newcastle Irish Set Dancers every Tuesday from 7:30 - 9:00pm (or maybe a little later...) at The Place, Community Centre, Charlestown Shopping Centre, Cnr Frederick & Ferris Streets, Charlestown.  For information, contact Julia or Arthur. Telephone: (02) 4955 5701

New South Wales Central Coast

There are set-dancing classes held in the CWA Hall, Pacific St, Long Jetty, Killarney Vale on the Central Coast each Wednesday night from 7:45pm. For information, contact Maureen on (02) 4351 1016 or 0423 208 267.

Monaro Folk Society

The Monaro Folk Society is a non-profit community organisation operating in the ACT-Monaro region providing access to both entertainment and direct involvement in a wide range of folk music, dance, and spoken word activities. The MFS is based in Canberra, Australia.

The Monaro Folk Society organises an Irish Set-dancing Workshop and Céilí weekend every October in Canberra.