Our history
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was founded in 1951 with the objective of keeping our unique cultural traditions, in all forms, alive and returning them to a prominent position in Irish life. This was at a time when the future of our indigenous culture was under threat after many years of neglect.
Over seventy years on, Comhaltas can be rightly proud of its achievements and the standing of these traditions at home and abroad has never been higher.
The art forms themselves have been greatly strengthened through the creativity and proficiency of individual artists, and the number of people participating both as artists and as audience members has grown exponentially.
Today, Comhaltas has branches in every county with 19 cultural centres around Ireland. Comhaltas also has a growing international reach across 5 continents, with branches in 22 countries providing services to three million people annually worldwide.
1951
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann was formed in 1951 by traditional musicians and other Gaelic culture advocates from around Ireland, seeking to improve the standing of traditional Irish music, dance and language in Ireland. Their first Fleadh Cheoil was held in Mullingar in May 1951.
1950s
Comhaltas continues to grow throughout the decade and by the mid 50’s there are 125 branches covering 21 counties. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann becomes an annual event and among the venues are Cavan, Loughrea, Ennis and Dungarvan. In 1956 the First Constitution (Bunreacht) of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is adopted and in 1957 the first Comhaltas branch is established in Britain.
1960s
The organisation goes from strength to strength. ‘Scoraíocht’ becomes a nationwide competition and Comhaltas sets up its own record label. Labhrás Ó Murchú is appointed Ard Stiúrthóir and ‘Treoir’ magazine is launched. The first Tionól Ceoil takes place and venues for Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann include Boyle, Gorey, Enniscorthy, Clones, Thurles and Cashel.
1970s
First Fleadh Nua is held in Croke Park, Dublin and later moves to its permanent home in Ennis. First Comhaltas tours of Britian and the USA, Libya is also visited. Scoil Éigse takes place in Miltown Malbay and the new headquarters of the organisation, Cultúrlann na hÉireann is opened at Monkstown in Dublin. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is held in Listowel, Dublin, Buncrana and Ennis.
1980s
The TTCT diploma is introduced as part of the Comhaltas music education programme. Comhaltas embarks on a ten country European tour and James Last and his Orchestra perform with Comhaltas musicians, singers and dancers at a spectacular outdoor concert in College Green, Dublin. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann takes place in Buncrana, Listowel, Clones, Kilkenny and Sligo.
1990s
A Comhaltas group tours North Korea, a visit reciprocated when a troupe of North Korean performers come to Ireland, appearing at Fleadh Nua in Ennis and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann in Clonmel. The first Comhaltas tour of Australia is a great success, The Brú Ború performing group visits China and the first Tionól Leo Rowsome takes place at the Cultúrlann. Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is held in Sligo, Clonmel, Listowel, Ballina and Enniscorthy.
2000s
Comhaltas celebrates the Golden Jubilee of the organisation, Comhaltas Live comes on stream and the Foinn Seisiún series is launched. An Ród Seo Romhainn – A five year development programme for the Irish Traditional Arts is launched, a key element being the establishment of seven Regional Centres. Comhaltas performing groups visit Zambia, Slovenia, Canada and Stormont Castle, as well as entertaining the President at Áras an Uachtaráin. The first Australasian Fleadh Cheoil was held and Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann visited Listowel, Clonmel, Letterkenny and Tullamore.
2010s
History is made as Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is held in Derry, crossing the border for the first time. The Centenary of 1916 is marked widely by the organisation, with a specially commissioned suite performed by the Comhaltas National Folk Orchestra of Ireland premiered at the Barbican Centre in London before embarking on a nine day tour of Ireland. Comhaltas visits Vietnam for the first time and, as well as Derry, Fleadh Cheoil na hÉireann is hosted by Cavan, Sligo, Ennis and Drogheda.
2020s
The Covid crisis in the early years of the decade was hugely challenging for the organisation. With gatherings severly curtailed due to government restrictions, classes were shut down and forced to go online. Fleadhanna were cancelled due to travel restrictions, and all over the country, Comhaltas centres and branches fell silent.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann founded in 1951 by a small group of visionary individuals, whose aim was to arrest the decline of Irish traditional music, has become a major cultural movement not only in Ireland but also among the Global Irish especially in the UK and USA.
Jimmy Deenihan, Former Minister for the Diaspora
More about Comhaltas
Mission and Values
Cultural traditions must enrich Irish lives, especially the youth. They should be accessible, visible, and bring social, cultural, and economic benefits to all in Ireland and abroad.
Gaeilge Abú
Our native language is a cornerstone of our rich cultural heritage. Comhaltas works with a wide range of bodies to promote the language and encourages its everyday use in all the activities of the movement.
