12pm Wed | 6:30pm Tue | Irish Set Dance

Overview

Wednesdays: 12:00 – 2:00 pm
Tuesdays: 6:30 – 8:30 pm

This term, we will spend a week or two on each of the dancing regions listed below. There are sets from all over Ireland, and today, sets are being revived and composed not only in Ireland but around the world.

If you’d like to see a list of many of these sets organized by county, click here to view the document. This is one of my recent projects and is still a work in progress. It’s fascinating to see all the sets in one place, along with their origins and composers. Every time I look at them, I notice new patterns and gain fresh insights. If you spot anything interesting, please share! As a collective community, we can uncover details that help us all learn and appreciate these wonderful dances and traditions.

All registered students are welcome to attend both the daytime and evening classes at no additional cost. Each class will cover different sets, so feel free to join both— the more, the merrier!

How deeply you dive into the material is up to you. Think of this like a yoga class or learning a musical instrument. We will start with the foundational steps, and I will introduce variations through partner work, turns, and footwork. You can incorporate these variations when you feel ready, but they are not required to enjoy the dance. The most important thing is to dance fluidly with your partner and your set.

This class accommodates all levels, allowing you to pick and choose what works best for you. Footwork ornamentation or “battering” will take extra practice outside of class, especially if you’re learning it for the first time. Even experienced dancers need to “woodshed” steps on their own before they can confidently integrate them into a dance. Focus on what you enjoy and what aligns with your current skill level!

• Week 1 County Armagh/Clare
• Week 2 County Clare
• Week 3 County Galway, Connemara, Island Sets
• Week 4 County Mayo
• Week 5 County Sliabh Luchra, Cork, Kerry, Limerick
• Week 6 County Cavan, Longford, Roscommon, Sligo
• Week 7 County Tipperary, Waterford
• Week 8 Newly Composed

Helpful Links & Info

• All the set dances on this site in one place
• list of sets by county – work in progress – has links to dance instructions.
• Glossary of Terms – work in progress
• Dance Minder – Dance Minder is a site with set dance instructions, run by Michael Harrison. He and his wife, Susan, lived in Portland for a few months, and we were fortunate to dance with them during their time here.
• Set Dancing Teacher –Set Dancing Teacher – I really like how the instructions are laid out on this page; they’re clear and easy to follow. This is Bill Lynch’s site, but unfortunately, he is no longer updating it with new dances. The instructions are still very helpful, but when using this site to teach or find the bar lengths for dances, I recommend double-checking the numbers using Pat Murphy’s book or DanceMinder, as the numbers aren’t always accurate on this site.
• Mabula.net – Mabula is an amazing site! It lists all set dancing publications and musical recordings, including what we used to call “scrap sets.” Back when we used tapes and CDs, there wasn’t always the perfect music for every dance. Some dances share tune types and lengths, and this database does the work of matching them for you. We used to make our own scrap sets or mix tracks to teach the dances. While the database is mostly accurate, I found a few mistakes when creating a playlist for the Armagh Lancers—likely due to the flexibility of some figures and the rarity of the set. I’ll double-check all the dances we learn together, but keep this in mind as you explore further on your own.
• Spotify – Follow me on Spotify! I’ve curated music playlists for practicing and dancing, perfect for when you’re dancing with friends or teaching others these sets.
• YouTube – Follow me on YouTube! I’ve created music and dance playlists for many of the set dances. You can save these playlists for easy access whenever you need them.

Ireland’s Counties

Sets by Counties – This document lists most set dances by county. Below, you’ll find a map of each county to help you visualize where these dances originate. I never fully understood the regional roots of these dances until I visited Ireland—hopefully, this resource will help you grasp it faster than I did! Use it as a reference to explore where each set comes from and how different regions have shaped them.

In addition to counties, you’ll also encounter cultural regions of dancing. One notable example is Connemara, referring to sets from western Galway. Some revived dances from Westmeath, particularly Ráth Chairn, also have Connemara roots, as people from Connemara settled in this area. The Aran Islands are often grouped within this style as well. You may also come across the Sliabh Luachra set, named after the region where Cork, Kerry, and Limerick meet. As you dive deeper, you’ll notice that many sets were danced across county borders, blending regional styles.

Today, many new dances are being composed—some by dancers from a particular county, others in honor of a county’s dance traditions. I’ve included these in both the county lists and a separate composed dances section for reference. Additionally, some revived dances outside Ireland are tied to specific counties, and where I have that knowledge, I’ve included them.

A major contributor to documenting and preserving set dances is Pat Murphy, who has published five well-known books on set dancing, covering both traditional and modern sets. There are also other collectors who have played an important role in preserving these dances. In Pat’s books, he notes where he learned each set or who collected it. Some of the dancers he credits include Connie Ryan, Patrick O’Dea, and Pádraig & Róisín McEneany, some of whom our own Portland, Oregon community has had the pleasure of learning from. Their influence has helped shape and spread these dances, ensuring their survival for future generations.

Other important publications come from Larry Lynch, Brooks Academy, and others. Larry Lynch’s work deserves special mention. He collected sets locally, documenting where, how, and by whom they were danced at the time. His book goes into great detail about the dances, people, and regions, and he made a significant effort to preserve the way these dances were performed before the set dancing revival. I was fortunate to learn from him at the age of 15 and had opportunities throughout my dancing years to benefit from his knowledge. He lived in the Bay Area, where dancers greatly appreciated his historical insight. His recorded versions act as a time capsule, capturing past traditions that may not always align with how the dances are performed today.

I’ve also had the privilege of working with pipers deeply immersed in traditional playing, preserving versions of tunes from Seamus Ennis and Willie Clancy that are rarely heard today—except among dedicated enthusiasts. I encourage you to think of Larry’s versions in the same way: historical gems that capture a moment in time. While it’s essential to preserve these traditions, I encourage teachers and dancers to also recognize the evolving nature of set dancing.

Most importantly, read the room when dancing outside your usual community. Each place may have its own variations, so go with the flow and dance what the local dancers are dancing. Adaptability is key to keeping the tradition alive while respecting its roots.

Footwork

In set dancing, you use 3’s and advance & retire steps, with slight variations depending on the tune type—Reels, Jigs, Slides, Polkas, or Hornpipes.

A key feature of set dancing is battering, a percussive footwork style that adds rhythm and energy while dancing with your partner and within the set. However, the foundation of set dancing lies in smooth, flowing steps. Battering should enhance the dance, not overpower it. It’s typically used to highlight specific movements rather than throughout the entire set.

If you’d like to explore battering further, there are many lessons available on this site. Ultimately, the goal of set dancing is to stay smooth, connected, and enjoy the dance!

Here, you’ll find some of these steps organized by tune type. You can also use the search feature on this site to explore more classes and videos. Click HERE. If you’re interested in learning more about battering, there are plenty of lessons available!

• Set Dance Footwork – A page with the steps organized by tune type and cultural region.
• Mick Mulkerrin’s Steps – Mick, one of my teachers, is both a set dancer and a sean-nós dancer. On this page, you’ll find videos of him dancing, along with a playlist of the steps he taught me. Several of these include dance-at-home Clare Battering steps as well as Clare advance & retire steps.
• Willie Keane – I never had the chance to meet Willie, but my dad saw him dance in Ireland in the ’90s. Mick taught me one of Willie’s steps, and it’s fantastic for set dancing, especially for advancing and retiring. There’s also a great documentary about Willie, which you can find—along with the step Mick taught me—on Willie’s page.

Glossary of Terms

Glossary of Terms

Last term, David asked, “How many moves are there in set dancing?” I didn’t have an answer, but his question inspired me to start a glossary project. This growing resource will include definitions and video demonstrations, making it easier to learn each move.

You can explore the early stages here: Glossary of Terms. I welcome any feedback, insights, or questions—your input helps make this a better resource for everyone. Set dancing is a community effort, and I hope to eventually have a video for each move. If you’d like to help, reach out!

Families

document of the families

Work in Progress: Set Dance Families

Originally, set dances were brought to England, Scotland, and Ireland from France. The earliest sets were the First Set of Quadrilles, Second Set of Quadrilles, and Third Set of Quadrilles. These dances were taught in the grand houses as well as in communities by the dancing masters of the time. Over the years, each region adapted these French dances to fit their own traditional music and style, giving us the set dances we know today.

I’m currently working on a project to categorize these dances into their original “families” or roots. This approach has helped me recognize and remember dances based on their shared characteristics.

Dance Families:

• 1st Set of Quadrilles – Plain Sets
• 2nd Set of Quadrilles – Lancer Sets
• 3rd Set of Quadrilles – Caledonian Sets

Week 1 County Armagh

On this tab you will find Wednesday and Tuesday class material. Scroll down for more details or for easy access just click on the dance link. Each dance has its own page with instructions and videos.

Wednesday	Tuesday
Armagh Lancers Set	Clare Orange and Green Set

Wednesday Class

Armagh Lancers Set – Follow the link for videos and instructions.

We’ll start with the Armagh Lancers, from the north. If you’re familiar with the Clare Lancers, you’ll notice some similarities. Sets based on the original Lancers set typically feature lines often in the 2nd and 5th figures, and a “Christmas” movement in the 3rd and/or 4th figures. This set follows that pattern.

I’m excited to introduce this dance to our community—it’s a lovely jig set, and we don’t have many jig sets in our local repertoire. To see Armagh on the map of Ireland, click on the Ireland tab.

In Pat Murphy’s book, he shares this about the set: “This lovely old set, similar to the Second (Lancer) Set of Quadrilles, was given to me by Aleta Hancock from Los Angeles, who learned it from Patrick O’Dea during his workshop there in April 1999.”

For those of you going to Ireland this summer and learning from Pat Murphy, I have a homework assignment: Ask Pat about this set! Or, if you meet Patrick O’Dea, ask him if they have any additional information or know where in Armagh it originates.

NOTE: While reviewing the dance, I realized I made an error when teaching the “square” movement. If you recall, it was difficult to navigate the square with the jig step. We should have danced the square, passing everyone by the right shoulder the whole time, instead of alternating between right and left. I’ll go over this again when we meet. The good news is that this adjustment will make it much easier to move around the square and reach your corner.

In the document I adapted Betty’s fabulous term of “visitation“ for the movement in the 3rd Figure of “Big/little Christmas. She called the move Visitation which is so perfect! It’s the move where you Advance to the center, then advance to the side couple on your right and then back up into the opposite position and advance to the side couple on right. Here is that move demonstrated.

This next video shows the Clare Lancers and the Armagh Lancers side by side, allowing you to compare the similarities and differences between the two dances.

Tuesday Class

Clare Orange and Green Set  – From Mullagh, Co. Clare, revived by the Crehan family. Mullagh is near Miltown Malbay, home of the Willie Clancy Summer School held every July.

In the first week, we’ll focus on County Clare dances that stem from the First Set of Quadrilles. You’ll notice the similarities between these dances, and I hope that dancing them together will help you remember the figures, as they’re often variations of the original movements. If you’re interested in delving into the history, I recommend reading Pat Murphy’s introduction in his first book, Toss the Feathers.

Week one we will look at dances from the First Set of Quadrilles. There are many, but here are a few examples.

• First Set of Quadrilles
  • Armagh Lancers Set – from Co. Armagh
  • Clare Orange and Green Set – from Mullagh, Co. Clare, revived by the Crehan family. Mullagh is not far from Miltown Malbay, where the Willie Clancy Summer School is held every July.
  • Clare Plain Reel Set – West Clare
  • Corofin Plain Set – Corofin, Co. Clare
  • Lough Graney Set – Lough Graney, Co. Clare
  • Clare Plain Polka Set – West Clare
  • Kilfenora Plain Set – Kilfenora, Co. Clare

Week 2 County Clare

The second week we will dance Clare sets with high gates/face the hob figures.

• 2nd Set of Quadrilles
  • Clare Lancers Set – Note the similarities and differences to the Armagh Lancers from last week —so cool! Yes, I admit it, I’m a set dancing nerd!
• Dances with High Gates / Face the Hob / Move around the Set
  • Paris Set (Labasheeda area)
  • Ballykeale Set
  • Labasheeda Reel Set
  • Mazurka set

Week 3 County Galway, Connemara, Island Sets

Here are examples of dances from this region

• Aran Set – Inis Mór recorded by Séamus O Méalóid
• Connemara Set
• Fréres Nantais (Connemara Jig Set) (originally danced as a half set)
• South Galway Reel Set
• East Galway Reel Set (short)
• East Galway Reel Set (long)
• Inis Meáin Set
• Inis Oirr Set
• Knocktopher Polka Set
• Loughraney Set
• Roscahill Set
• Williamstown Set (Roscommon-Galway border)
• Claddagh Set
• Moycullen Set (revived for competition)
• Shrule Set (Mayo / Galway)

Week 4 County Mayo

Here are examples of dances from this area:

• Ballycroy
• Derradda Set
• Newport Set (received from the Newport Dancers)
• Cuilmore Set
• Glencorrib Set (second version in Apples in Winter)
• Hollymount Set
• Kildownet Half Set (Achill Island)
• Mayo Lancers Set
• Shramore Set
• Tyrawley Set
• Ballinrobe set
• Ballycastle Set
• East Mayo Set
• Kilmeena Set
• Kilrush Caledonian Set
• Louisburgh Set
• Skirdagh Set
• Ardach Set
• Garymore Set
• Kilmaine Set
• Kiltimagh Set
• Shrule Set (Mayo / Galway)
• Turlough Set
• Boherhalagh Set
• Inisturk Half Set
• Lahardane Set

Week 5 County Sliabh Luchra, Cork, Kerry, Limerick

Sliabh Luchra is a cultural region where Cork, Kerry and Limerick all meet. I have listed dances from Cork, Kerry and Limerick. Some of these dances are referred to as Sliabh Luchra dance as they come from that border region.

County Cork

• Ardgroom Polka Set (West Cork)
• Auban Set
• Baile Bhúirne Jig Set (West Cork)
• Baile Bhúirne Reel Set (West Cork)
• Ballinascarty Half Set (Southwest Cork)
• Black Valley Square Jig Set (Kenmara Cork/Kerry border)
• Borlin Set
• Dunmanway Set
• The Jenny Lind Set
• Newmarket Meserts
• Newmarket Plain Set
• Skibbereen Set
• Sliabh Luachra Set (Kerry/Cork/Limerick)
• Ballingeary Jig Set
• Borlin Jenny Reel Set
• Mealagh Valley Jig Set (West Cork Plain Set)
• Merlin Victoria Jig Set
• Set of Erin
• Victoria Jig Set
• Ath A’Caoire Set
• Cape Clear Set 
• Mealagh Valley Jig Set (west cork)
• Sliabh Fraoch Set
• West Cork Plain Set
• Aghina Jig Set
• Allow Set
• Coomhola Set
• Cork Jig Set
• Grenach Set
• North Cork Polka Set

County Kerry

• Black Valley Square Jig Set (Kenmara Cork/Kerry border)
• Caragh Lake Jig Set
• Glencar Polka Set
• Kenmare Polka Set
• North Kerry Set
• Portmagee Jig Set (Meserts)
• Sliabh Luachra Set (Kerry/Cork/Limerick)
• South Kerry Set
• Televara Set (Kerry?)
• Valentina Right and Left Set (south kerry) youtube
• West Kerry Set
• Kilgarvan Polka Set
• Sneem Set
• Bonane Set
• Brandon / Cloghane Set (?)
• Lispole Set
• North Kerry Plain Set (Kerry / West Limerick)
• Ballyhahill Half Set (West Limerick / North Kerry)
• Ballyheigue Reel & Set
• Ballysteen Half Set (Limerick / Kerry)
• Camp Set (John Chambers Kerry)
• Foilmore Set
• Listowel Set
• Mid Kerry Set
• Six Crosses Half Set (also can be a full set)
• Ballyduff Half Set 
• North Kerry Plain Set

County Limerick

• Ballycommon Set (East Limerick / Tipperary)
• Limerick Orange and Green Set
• Sliabh Luachra Set (Kerry/Cork/Limerick)
• Dromgarriff Half Set
• Hurry The Jug (danced straight though)
• Knocknaboul Set
• West Limerick Polka Set
• Lyratourigh Set
• Tournafulla Reel, Jig & Set
• Ballinvreenagh Set (Tipperary / Limerick)
• Ballyhahill Half Set (West Limerick / North Kerry)
• Ballysteen Half Set (Limerick / Kerry)

Week 6 County Cavan, Longford, Roscommon, Sligo

Cavan

• Cavan Reel Set (described by Kells Set Dancers)
• Mullahoran Set
• Laragh Set
• Munterconnaught Set (Judith McQuaid Cavan Reel)

Longford

• Longford Set
• Longford Set (revised p.123 Apples in Winter)

Roscommon

• Roscommon Lancers Set
• Keadue Lancers Set (Keadue is where O’Carolan is from)
• Williamstown Set (Roscommon-Galway border)
• Corballa Set (Gerard Butler, Roscommon)
• Shannon Gaels Set

Sligo

• South Sligo Lancers Set
• Tubbercurry Lancers Set
• Cloonagh Lancers Set
• Sligo Set

Week 7 County Tipperary, Waterford

Tipperary

• Ballycomman Set
• Castle Set or Cashel Set
• Tipperary Lancers Set
• Nedinagh Set
• Aherlow Set
• Ballagh Plain Half Set
• Lorrha / Aglish Set (Tipperary / Waterford)
• Newcastle Set
• Seit Dúrlas Eile (Michael Longhname)
• Ballinvreenagh Set (Tipperary / Limerick)
• D’Albert’s Set (french dancing master Charles D’Albert)
• Templebeg Set
• Metal Bridge Lancers Set (Pat Murphy)
• Nine Mile House Lancers

Waterford

• Melleray Lancers Set
• Sliabh GCua Set
• Clashmore Set
• Lorrha / Aglish Set (Tipperary / Waterford )
• Rathgormac Lancer Set
• Black Hill Set
• Dungarvan Polka Set
• Gortroe Set
• Dungarvan Half Set
• Knockanore Set

Week 8 Newly Composed

Dancers from Ireland and beyond have been composing new sets in honor of dancers and regions. Some of these dances I have included in the county for which they were composed.

Newly Composed

• The Flight of the Earls set
• Antrim Square
• Seit Doire Cholmcille (Frank Roddy)
• Ibiza Set (Mick Kelly and Maureen Halpin)
• Limerick Tumblers Set (Terry Moylan)
• Molly’s Waltz Cotillion (Fay McAlinden)
• Seit Dúrlas Eile (Michael Longhname)
• Borrowed Set (Paul Carr)
• Camp Set (John Chambers Kerry)
• Canberra Crooked Chain Set (Paul Carr)
• Casuarina Waltz Quadrille (John Short)
• Charlestown Set (Julia Smith)
• Coolnabeason Set (Helen Kealy, Waterford)
• Drumbo Lancers Set (Teresa Quigg)
• Corballa Set (Gerard Butler, Roscommon)
• Hunter Valley Set (James Garner)
• Kavaneg Set (Jean-Luc Béguignon
• Kilmyshall Set (Martin Carroll Wexford)
• Lucan Set (Tom Casserly)
• Merchant Set (Padraig McEneany)
• Rinkinstown Set (John and Sheila McEvoy)
• Southern Cross Set (Des Jackson)
• Ainsworth Set (Charlie Kiely 2017)
• An Sean Chistin Set (Maureen Culleton)
• Ardbraccan Set (Willie Farnhan)
• Ardcar Set (Ashley Ray and Dany richard)
• Barnane Jig Set (? Pat? Composed 2017 and presented at Connie Ryan Set Dancing Weekend 2018)
• Battle of Affane Set (Amie Landers)
• Carrowbeg Set (Pat Murphy?)
• Croisloch Set (Padraig McEneany)
• Cross of the Commons Set (Joan Pollard Carew)
• Five Books Set (Paul Carr)
• Foxhunters Set (Maura Tynan)
• Heiligenberg Set (Sonke Speck)
• Jack Canny Half Set (Nora Stewart)
• Laois Lancers Set (Maurren Culliton)
• Lough Allen Set (Pat Murphy)
• Manchester Set (Charlie Kiely)
• Metal Bridge Lancers Set (Pat Murphy)
• Molly Malone Set (Tony Slevin)
• Sceilg Rock Set (Muiris Ó Briain)
• Seit Chamuis (Seamus Ó Mealóid)
• Sidmouth Set (Gerard Butler)
• Termonfeckin Lancers (John and Sheila McEvoy Mairead Devane)
• Wessex Set (Basingstoke Set Dancers)