Celtic Ceilidh | Long Lake | March 16
- Long Lake Town Hall 1204 Main Street Long Lake, NY, 12847 United States (map)
A Celtic Ceilidh in Long Lake
Observe St. Patrick’s Day with a traditional celebration of music, dance, and community.
Everyone is a little bit Irish on St. Patrick’s Day Weekend.
The village of Long Lake, NY, in the Central Adirondacks, hosts its annual Celtic Ceilidh on March 16, 2025.
A Celtic Ceilidh (pronounced "kay-lee") is a lively social gathering rooted in the traditions of Scotland and Ireland. It is filled with music, dancing, storytelling, and camaraderie.
Though Ceilidhs have evolved over centuries, they remain essential to Celtic culture. They unite people in joyful celebration, especially around major cultural events like St. Patrick’s Day.
The importance of Cèilidhean.
The word “Ceilidh” comes from the Scottish Gaelic term for a "visit" or "gathering," initially referring to informal get-togethers in homes where neighbors would share stories, songs, and dances. The plural form is “Cèilidhean” or “Ceilidhs”
Dancing at a typical Irish Ceilidh
Over time, the Ceilidh tradition expanded into more significant, structured events featuring live folk music, group dances (like reels and jigs), and poetry recitations.
Today’s Ceilidhs often take place in community halls, pubs, or festival spaces. A live band—typically featuring a fiddle, accordion, tin whistle, bodhrán drum, and sometimes bagpipes—sets the rhythm.
A dance caller helps guide participants through energetic, easy-to-learn group dances, ensuring that even first-timers can join the fun.
Long Lake’s Celtic Ceilidh.
Long Lake embraces the tradition of Ceilidhs in America and will host a festive day of activities on Sunday, March 16, the day before St. Patrick’s Day.
Events include:
11:30 am to 12:30 pm | North Country Fair — Traditional Celtic music featuring guitar, bass, cittern (a stringed instrument similar to a lute, but with metal strings) and more.
1 to 2 pm | Celtic Music Session — All are welcome to bring an instrument to jam with the band and others or just listen along.
2:30 to 4 pm | Contra Dancing — Set to lively Celtic music from North Country Fair. All ability levels are welcome, and instruction will be provided for first-timers. Ages 12 and up. Come to dance or attend and watch.
All day long | Refreshments — Available for purchase from the Long Lake Lions Club.
All proceeds will benefit the Long Lake Lions Club and will be used to fund programs in Long Lake throughout the year.
For more information, visit mylonglake.com, call 518-624-3077, or email events@mylonglake.com
Experience the joy of an Irish Ceilidh in Long Lake.
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