The Irish social gathering with music and dancing often associated with St Patrick’s Day is a céilí.
A céilí is a social event centred on Irish traditional music and dancing. The word can refer to the gathering itself as well as the dances performed there, and céilithe have become a recognizable part of Irish cultural celebrations, including St Patrick’s Day festivals.
Céilí dancing is usually communal rather than a solo performance. Dancers follow established formations and steps, often guided by a caller or experienced leader. Live traditional instruments, such as fiddles, flutes, accordions, and bodhráns, may provide the music.
The term is sometimes confused with “ceilidh,” a related spelling used especially in Scotland and in English-language contexts. “Céilí” is the Irish form, and “céilithe” is its Irish plural. A céilí is also different from an eisteddfod, which is primarily a Welsh festival or competition of music, poetry, and performance.