Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann


Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the primary Irish organisation dedicated to the promotion of the music, song, dance and the language of Ireland. The organisation was founded in 1951 and has promoted Irish music and culture among the Irish people and the Irish diaspora.
Its current Ardstiúrthóir is Labhrás Ó Murchú and its Uachtarán is Attracta Ní Bhrádaigh. It has more than 400 branches worldwide with tens of thousands of members, in Ireland, the United Kingdom, the United States of America, Canada, Mexico, France, Spain, Germany, Hungary, Luxembourg, Russia, Australia and New Zealand.
WWW Official Site

History

Comhaltas was founded in 1951 in Mullingar, County Westmeath by a group of traditional musicians and other Gaelic culture advocates from around Ireland, seeking to improve the standing of traditional Irish music, dance and language in Ireland. The first Fleadh Cheoil was held in Mullingar in 1951. The organisation was initially named Cumann Ceoltóirí na hÉireann, changing to its present name in 1952.

Comhaltas around the World

Great Britain

Six years after the creation of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, in 1957, Comhaltas na Breataine or Comhaltas in Britain was established. The first branch outside of Ireland was based in Glasgow where a many Irish immigrants settled during the 50s and 60s. As of 2024, it now hosts over 24 branches across England, Scotland and Wales.

Centres

  • Áras an Mhuilinn, Mullingar.
  • Brú Ború, Cashel.
  • Brú na Sí, Youghal.
  • Clasaċ, Clontarf.
  • Cnoc na Gaoithe, Tulla.
  • Cois na hAbhna, Ennis.
  • Cultúrlann na hÉireann, Headquarters, Monkstown.
  • Dún Uladh, Omagh.
  • Dún na Sí, Moate.
  • Kilrush Regional Outreach Centre.
  • Meitheal an Íarthar/Ceoláras Coleman/Regional Resource Centre, Gurteen.
  • Morrison Teach Cheoil, Riverstown.
  • Oriel Centre.

Activities

[Image:Fleadh2008-opening.jpg|thumb|Opening of Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann 2008 in Tullamore]
Comhaltas is responsible for organising the annual national Irish music festival and competition called the Fleadh Cheoil.
Comhaltas has published a magazine called Treoir relating to Irish traditional music since 1970.