The Pittsburgh Ceili Club was formed in early 1990 as a non-profit organization with the promotion of traditional forms of Irish social dancing, known as ceili and set dancing, and folk music as the primary purpose. It is open to anyone interested in this pursuit.
The goals of the Ceili Club are:
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To contribute to, promote, and participate in various aspects of Irish culture (in particular,
traditional forms of Irish dancing) and to preserve its traditions and heritage.
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To provide a venue for Irish and American-Irish to become acquainted and to share,
appreciate, and promote Irish culture.
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To cooperate with other organizations that desire to further the objectives of the Ceili Club.
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To become and remain a patriotic, non-sectarian, non-discriminatory, independent
organization.
The Ceili Club is a division of the Irish Cultural Foundation of Pittsburgh, a non-profit organization devoted to preserving the cultural heritage of Ireland and its people through educational activities, scholarships and cultural events. We are 130 members strong, and we participate not only in Irish ceili and set dancing, but also other Pittsburgh cultural events. Some of our activities include monthly ceilis, fundraisers to support young dancers and musicians, and raising money for the Pittsburgh Food Bank. In the past, we have also sponsored dance instructors and musicians from Ireland.
The Pittsburgh Ceili Club hosts ceilis with workshops on a monthly basis at the Morningside VFW and every Tuesday night at Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle Irish Pub in Pittsburgh’s Strip District. Everyone is welcome. Non-dancers can come and enjoy the music and the “craic” (pronounced crack) - fun, entertainment, and enjoyable conversation.
