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EnglishWhat is Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (comhaltas.ie)?
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Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is a non-profit cultural movement dedicated to promoting and preserving Irish traditional music. Founded in 1951, it operates as a community- and volunteer-based organisation with hundreds of local branches in Ireland and around the world, offering people of all ages and backgrounds — especially young people — opportunities to take part in Irish traditions. Its website, comhaltas.ie, is the central hub for its education programmes, festivals and global branch network.
What the organisation does
The name Comhaltas means "association, gathering, brotherhood," which reflects how the organisation works: through local groups rather than a single central institution. According to the site, Comhaltas today includes:
- 450+ branches across Ireland and overseas
- 1,500+ classes per week
- 800k fleadh visitors
Its stated mission is to connect communities through culture, and it describes itself as the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music.
Education and learning pathways
The "Learn with Comhaltas" section lists opportunities at every age and level. The main routes are:
| Pathway | What it is |
|---|---|
| Branch classes | Local, volunteer-run music classes |
| SCT Performance Exams | Graded exams in traditional performance |
| TTCT Teacher Training | Training for those who want to teach |
| Scoil Éigse | An annual week-long school of traditional Irish music |
| Summer schools | Seasonal programmes listed under events |
The site states that Comhaltas delivers thousands of educational opportunities, classes and programmes in total. If you are a learner, the practical starting point is to find a branch near you and ask about its class schedule; if you want to teach, the TTCT route is the relevant one.
Events: Fleadhanna and Fleadh Cheoil
Fleadhanna is the plural of Fleadh, meaning "festivals." These music festivals take place at County, Provincial, National and International levels. Comhaltas also runs community events, summer schools and Féilte.
The site highlights Fleadh Cheoil 2026, with a dedicated "More Information" link, and news items reference Fleadh 2026 in Belfast. The scale is significant: the site cites 800k fleadh visitors. For anyone planning to attend, the events section of the site is where dates and programme details are published.
A worldwide network
Comhaltas describes branches "from Australia to Argentina, Japan to Dubai, across 5 continents," framing the organisation as a tangible connection back to Ireland for people overseas. The site also notes that the Irish language (Gaeilge, pronounced "GWAYL-guh") is treated as a cornerstone of the culture it promotes.
Who the site is for
- Learners and parents looking for local classes or graded exams
- Teachers interested in TTCT training
- Musicians and festival-goers seeking Fleadh information
- The Irish diaspora wanting to find a branch or cultural connection abroad
The site does not publish pricing for classes, exams or membership on the pages reviewed, so costs and joining requirements should be confirmed directly with your local branch.