Scoil Éigse
An essential part of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann, Scoil Éigse offers young and up and coming musicians a unique opportunity to learn from traditional music’s best teachers and musicians. This week of intensive tuition and fun filled sessions at ‘Club na hÉigse’ culminates in a special concert featuring students and tutors.
The Tutors
The tutors are amongst the greatest exponents of Irish traditional music, song, dance and the Irish language and come from all corners of Ireland. High profile names such as Micheál Ó Raghallaigh (concertina), Theresa O’Grady (Banjo), Tara Breen (Fiddle), Tom Doorley (Flute), Daithi Gormley (Accordion), Gráinne Hambly (Harp) and many others are very happy to pass on their knowledge and expertise to emerging musicians, singers and dancers to help hone and develop their skills.
The Students
The students (aged between seven and seventy) come from across the country and the continent, the UK, the USA, Japan, Korea, South America and more.
It proved to be a big hit in August 2020. That year, in the lead up to FleadhFest na hÉireann, Scoil Éigse went online with morning classes, afternoon masterclasses, evening recitals and the ever popular Club Éigse.
Class Sizes
Class sizes are kept small to ensure a positive developmental experience for the student. It’s not all serious as there’s a lot of fun too, particularly at Club Éigse and Seisiún Mór na hÉigse.
Club na Éigse
Club Éigse is where a group of tutors gather nightly to play selections of tunes at a manageable speed for the students to join. It’s always a popular event as the students get to play with the tutors and and get a chance to suggest the tune selections to be played on the night. It normally runs from 8pm to 9.30pm giving everybody a chance to enjoy the facilities of the host town afterwards.
Seisiún Mór na hÉigse
Seisiún Mór na hÉigse is a big celebratory session with all the students – or as many as possible – and all the tutors gathering in an appropriate setting to play some of the tunes learned during the Scoil Éigse week. This is usually a spectacular event. Friends are made for life and great memories created at Scoil Éigse. In fact many of the tutors have themselves been students at Scoil Éigse in years gone by.
Inspire
We want each individual to avail of opportunities for self expression in the pursuit of traditional music, song, dance and language. Join us for this enjoyable and unique experience.
Scoil Éigse 2026
The 52nd Annual Scoil Éigse organised by Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann takes place in Belfast 2nd to 7th August, during Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026. At Scoil Éigse, Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann’s annual international summer school, students of all ages register for the various instrumental music, singing, dancing and Irish language classes.
Classes
Details on Scoil Éigse classes at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 can be found on the Scoil Éigse website: scoileigse.ie
Club Éigse
Details on Club Éigse at Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2026 can be found on the Scoil Éigse website: scoileigse.ie
Recitals
Information on afternoon recitals which will feature some of the Scoil Éigse tutors in 2026 will be available on the Scoil Éigse website: scoileigse.ie
Classes (Pre-Registration Required)
Classes are available from Monday, August 3rd till Friday, 7th in Adult Mixed Instrument, Amhránaíocht, Banjo, Bodhrán, Button Accordion, Comhrá, Concertina, Fiddle, Flute, Foundation, Harp, Piano Accompaniment, Piano Accordion, Rince ar an Sean Nós, Traditional Singing, Uilleann Pipes, & Whistle. Masterclasses will also be available to all students.
The Scoil Éigse 2026 registration form is available on the Scoil Éigse website: scoileigse.ie
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