Welcome! Or as the natives say, Failte !

The word 'Ceili' is defined in the Irish dictionary as; a friendly call; a visit; a social evening; an Irish dancing session.

'Ceile ' on the other hand, means companion or spouse, as in mo bhean cheile, my wife; mo fear cheile, my husband; ag moladh a cheile, praising each other.

'Ceili' is then, about companionship, friendship, togetherness.

Traditionally ceili was when folks gathered of an evening to meet, talk, play games, music, dance, sing, eat, drink, raise spirit and enjoy the company of others.

As you can imagine then, the ceili was an important event, especially in rural communities, where folk often walked miles to a house or crossroads to gather and spend time together.

In his book " The Fairy Faith in Celtic Countries ", Evens-Wentz quotes the writer and folklorist Alexander Carmichael, 1832-1912, as saying, " the ceili is a literary entertainment, where stories and tales, poems and ballads are rehearsed and recited, songs are sung, conundrums put, proverbs quoted and many other literary matters are related and discussed. "

Musicianers played a key role in the ceili.

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