Learn Irish dancing
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Irish dancing comes in two quite different forms, the social céilí and set dances done in groups to live reels and jigs, and step dancing, the footwork form danced in soft or hard shoes. Adult classes in both start from nothing, and a céilí needs no partner.
ModerateUnder £100 / $130MonthsIndoorsWith othersUK and US
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Céilí, set or step
Comhaltas in Britain describes céilí dancing as the traditional social group dancing of Ireland, performed to live Irish music, mostly to reels and jigs. Set dancing is danced by sets of four couples in a square, needs no prior experience and is open to dancers of all ages. Step dancing is the footwork form, danced solo or in groups, danced in soft shoes (ghillies) for flowing movement or metal-tipped hard shoes for rhythm.
Your local Comhaltas branch may be able to tell you about set dancing classes and events near you. In London, Jig and a Swig runs classes from Absolute Beginners upwards, in light shoe, heavy shoe or both, and the Irish Cultural Centre in Hammersmith hosts an all-levels adult class on Monday evenings with a free first class.
Ways in compared
| Where | Format | Cost (as last listed) |
|---|---|---|
| Jig and a Swig, London | Weekly classes and block courses from Absolute Beginners; 6-class pass valid for 180 days | £75 for a 6-class pass (£12.50 a class), plus a £0.80 booking fee |
| Irish Cultural Centre, Hammersmith, London | Irish Dancing for Adults (18+), all levels, Monday evenings, run with Scoil Rince Céim Óir | First class free; fees from the school |
| Irish Arts Center, New York | Step Dance I, eight weekly one-hour classes; no previous experience necessary | $216 general, $174 members (spring 2026) |
| Irish American Heritage Center, Chicago | Social dance with live music, including some céilí, first Saturday of the month; all levels, come alone or with a partner | $15 at the door |
How to start
- Decide whether you want the social side (céilí and set dancing) or the footwork (step dancing), because classes are usually one or the other.
- Ask your local Comhaltas branch or Irish cultural centre about adult classes and céilís near you.
- Start in trainers, ballet shoes or ghillies, which the Irish Arts Center in New York suggests for its beginners' step class.
Where to go
- Comhaltas in Britain: Irish dancing and local branches UK
- Jig and a Swig, London: adult Irish dance classes UK
- Irish Arts Center, New York: Step Dance I for beginners US
- Irish American Heritage Center, Chicago: Celtic social dance US
We opened these links on 10 November 2026 and found them to be what we say. Dates, places and prices are on the official page, where they stay up to date.
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Pick a day, or a month, and we will set out how to get ready, step by step, with a date and a reason for each. Courses and classes have start dates and can fill up, so the plan begins with finding and booking one. Kit comes after the first session, once you know what you need.
Questions people ask
What is the difference between céilí and set dancing?
Comhaltas in Britain describes céilí as the traditional social group dancing of Ireland, mostly to reels and jigs, while set dancing is done in sets of four couples arranged in a square.
What shoes do I need for adult Irish dance classes?
For its beginners' step class, the Irish Arts Center in New York says sneakers, ballet shoes or ghillies are best, with shorts or workout trousers and a T-shirt.
Can adults learn Irish dancing with no experience?
Yes. The Irish Arts Center's Step Dance I says absolutely no previous experience is necessary, and Jig and a Swig in London runs Absolute Beginners classes.
Do I need a partner for a céilí?
No. The Irish American Heritage Center in Chicago says you can come with a partner or come alone to its social dance, and it is open to all experience levels.
Where this comes from: Comhaltas in Britain, Irish Dancing; Jig and a Swig (Bookwhen), Schedule; Jig and a Swig (Bookwhen), Passes; Irish Cultural Centre, Irish Dance Classes; Irish Arts Center, Step Dance I, Beginners (Spring 2026); Irish American Heritage Center, Celtic Social Dance. Opened 10 November 2026.
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