The Gaelic word ceilidh  (pronounced "kay-lee") simply means an informal social get-together. In bygone days neighbours would gather round the warmth of a peat fire in a thatched cottage and spend long winter nights in story and song. The ceilidh was entertainment... and much more. Through anecdote and folk-tale the old people would tell the community's history, and the youngsters would listen and learn.

Ceilidh Dance instructions
http://www.scottishdance.net/ceilidh/dances.html

Webfeet: Folkdancing on the web
http://www.ftech.co.uk/~webfeet/index.html

"Clarsach" is the Gaelic word for "small harp", and the instrument is sometimes known as the Celtic Harp. These instruments have featured in Scottish history from as early as the eighth and ninth centuries, and by the late Middle Ages were established as the characteristic instruments of the Scottish Gael.

To hear a brief sample of clarsach playing, click here.
http://website.lineone.net/~trotternish/clarsach.html
 

Bands and Sounds:
The Benachally (Ben-a-cally) Ceilidh Band
http://www.musicinscotland.com/BenachallyCeilidhBand/

Scott Harvey's Ceilidh Band
http://www.scottsceilidhband.co.uk/

Lismore Ceilidh Band: download a selection of music clips
http://www.btinternet.com/~LismoreCeilidhBand/music.html

Hear the sounds of the Scallywag Folk Dance and Ceilidh Band:
http://www.halliwell.eurobell.co.uk/

Listen to a medley from the Portobello Ceilidh Band
http://www.portobelloceilidhband.com/

Haste to the Wedding is the name of a popular jig, and also a Ceilidh band based in County Antrim, Northern Ireland. Click here to listen.
http://www.hastetothewedding.com/

Scores, lyrics and MP3s from The Cutting Edge, fusing Scottish, Irish, Rock and Latin traditions.
http://www.cuttingedgeband.com/downloads.html

Sample the sounds of Bellows Scratchitt & Pluckitt
http://www.bellows.org.uk/

Hear Pizgear -- dedicated to preservation of traditional song.
http://www.pigzear.freeuk.com/html/tunes.htm