A centre for Irish Culture
Comhaltas
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann (CCÉ) is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music, song, dance, storytelling and language.
Founded in 1951, in County Westmeath, CCÉ is a non-profit cultural movement with hundreds of local branches around the world. The Moate branch of CCÉ was formed in 1967 by a small group of dedicated traditional Irish musicians and enthusiasts. The first meetings and seisiúns were held in the Gap House Pub, Moate and subsequent meetings were then held in numerous locations around the town.
In 1985, the Teach Ceoil at Dún na Sí was officially opened. The Teach Ceoil is now the centre for all Moate CCÉ activities including meetings, Seisiúns, shows, Céilithe and classes in all forms of Irish Culture, including traditional music, set dancing, sean-nós dancing, céilí dancing, singing and the Irish language. The development at Dún na Sí has been made possible by the dedication of the Moate Comhaltas Branch members, through local fundraising, and with the assistance and co-operation of the Department of Social Protection (DEASP) and Westmeath Community Development Limited (Leader).
Classes at Teach Ceoil
Classes in many forms of Irish culture are held in the Teach Ceoil building at Dún na Sí.
Set Dancing – Set Dancing takes place every Monday evening from 8pm to 10pm. There is a €10 admission fee. These classes are suitable for beginners.
Music Lessons – Every Monday evening, from 8pm to 10pm, Concertina lessons are held in the Teach Ceoil. Every Tuesday evening there are music lessons taking place in our Teach Ceoil. Tin Whistle lessons are from 7.30pm to 9.30pm and Accordion lessons from 7pm to 8pm. These music lessons are suitable for beginners.
Pilates – These classes are held every Tuesday evening from 8.30pm to 9.30pm.
Dance Classes – Every Wednesday evening Irish Dancing classes are held in our Teach Ceoil. The class is from 6.45pm to 8.45pm and is suitable for beginners.
Slimming World – Every Thursday groups for Slimming World are held in our Teach Ceoil. For more information on it, you can contact Sharleen on (086) 391 1128.
Sean Nos Dancing – Every Saturday from 2pm to 5pm Fiddle lessons are held in Teach Ceoil.
For more information on any of these classes, please contact us on (090) 648 1183.
Junior Seisiún
The junior trad session in Dún Na Sí is an opportunity for junior musicians of all levels to meet in a relaxed, friendly environment and play some tunes. The children enjoy getting the chance to play their music in the company of other junior musicians and their parents. There is the added benefit of meeting new people who share their interest in traditional music and even make some new friends. The sessions are held every few weeks and the evening always finishes with a cup of tea, some home baking and treats for everyone. Keep an eye on the Dún Na Sí Amenity and Heritage Park Facebook page for dates of upcoming junior trad sessions.
Set Dancing Céilithe
The First Friday of every month is a regular date in the calendars of set dancers throughout the midlands of Ireland. The monthly Céilí takes place at Dún na Sí on this night every month starting at 9.00 pm. Dancers come from far and near to what is one of their favourite céilí venues.
The mellow acoustic signature together with a maple floor with just the right amount of bounce, have combined to earn for Dún na Sí a well-deserved reputation for quality set dancing. Céilí bands of the highest calibre take to the stage to play for three hours of energetic dancing by an always enthusiastic crowd.
Dún na Sí is credited with being the first venue in Leinster to have a regular sets-only céilí, proving that we are true trend setters within the tradition. So come along to witness a spectacular display of stepping, battering and swinging and while it is advisable to have an idea of how to dance before joining in, you might be lucky and find a friendly dancer to show you the ropes. You might even learn the Moate Set!
Rambling House
The Rambling House was a very popular part of Irish life in days gone by. People gathered to hear the gossip, sing songs, tell yarns, play music, all while sipping a cup of tea and sitting beside a good fire.
The last Friday of the month Moate Comhaltas hosts a Rambling House in the Teach Ceoil. They invite you to come along, simply listen and enjoy or join in by singing a favourite song or perform a piece of music. Everyone is welcome, on a cold evening the fire is always lit and there’s a cupan tae to partake in.
