Category: Irish Set Dancing

Irish Set Dancing
Including Battering for Sets and Set dancing.

Classes, Future Classes, Irish Set Dancing

2026 Irish Set Dancing | A Set A Day

maldonm

JANUARY

  1. Armagh Set Printable: Armagh Set
  2. Lough Neagh Set (revived in America)
  3. Armagh Lancers Set
  4. Antrim Square Set Printable: Antrim Square Set (composed in Australia)
  5. Carlow Set
  6. Cavan Reel Set (described by Kells Set Dancers)
  7. Mullahoran Set
  8. Laragh Set
  9. Munterconnaught Set (Judith McQuaid Cavan Reel)
  10. Clare Orange and Green Set
  11. Clare Plain Reel Set
  12. Corofin Plain Set
  13. Clare Plain Polka Set
  14. Kilfenora Plain Set
  15. Lough Graney Set – Full Set & Half Set
  16. Clare Lancers Set
  17. Caledonian Set
  18. West Clare Caledonian Set
  19. Long Caledonian Set
  20. Labasheeda Reel Set
  21. Clare Mazurka set
  22. Paris Set (Labasheeda area)
  23. Ballykeale Set
  24. Lakyle Set (early version of Pairs Set)
  25. Meelick Polka Set
  26. Mullagh Half Set
  27. Ardgroom Polka Set (West Cork)
  28. Auban Set
  29. Baile Bhúirne Jig Set or Ballyvourney Jig (West Cork)
  30. Baile Bhúirne Reel Set (West Cork)
  31. Ballinascarty Half Set (Southwest Cork)

FEBURARY

  1. Black Valley Square Jig Set (Kenmara Cork/Kerry border)
  2. Borlin Set
  3. Dunmanway Set
  4. The Jenny Lind Set
  5. Newmarket Meserts
  6. Newmarket Plain Set
  7. Skibbereen Set
  8. Sliabh Luachra Set (Kerry/Cork/Limerick)
  9. Ballingeary Jig Set
  10. Borlin Jenny Reel Set
  11. Mealagh Valley Jig Set (West Cork Plain Set)
  12. Merlin Victoria Jig Set
  13. Set of Erin
  14. Victoria Jig Set
  15. Ath A’Caoire Set
  16. Cape Clear Set 
  17. Mealagh Valley Jig Set (west cork)
  18. Sliabh Fraoch Set
  19. West Cork Plain Set
  20. Aghina Jig Set
  21. Allow Set
  22. Coomhola Set
  23. Cork Jig Set
  24. Grenach Set
  25. North Cork Polka Set
  26. Glengarriff Reel Set
  27. Seit Doire Cholmcille (composted by Frank Roddy)
  28. Tory Island Lancers Set

MARCH

  1. Donegal Set
  2. Tory Island Set
  3. Fintown Set
  4. Inisowen Lancers
  5. Down Lancers Set
  6. Down Quadrilles (probably closed to the original first set of Quadrilles from 1816)
  7. Carryduff Set
  8. Narrow Water Set
  9. Dublin Set
  10. Molly Malone Set (Tony Slevin)
  11. Fermanagh Quadrilles
  12. Fermanagh Set
  13. South Galway Reel Set
  14. East Galway Reel Set (short)
  15. East Galway Reel Set (long)
  16. Knocktopher Polka Set
  17. Loughraney Set
  18. Roscahill Set
  19. Williamstown Set (Roscommon-Galway border)
  20. Moycullen Set (revived for competition)
  21. Shrule Set (Mayo / Galway)
  22. Aran Set – Inis Mór recorded by Séamus O Méalóid
  23. Connemara Reel Set
  24. Fréres Nantais (Connemara Jig Set) (originally danced as a half set)
  25. Claddagh Set
  26. Inis Meáin Set
  27. Inis Oirr Set
  28. Black Valley Square Jig Set (Kenmara Cork/Kerry border)
  29. Caragh Lake Jig Set
  30. Glencar Polka Set
  31. Kenmare Polka Set

APRIL

  1. North Kerry Set
  2. Portmagee Jig Set (Meserts)
  3. Sliabh Luachra Set (Kerry/Cork/Limerick)
  4. South Kerry Set
  5. Televara Set (Kerry?)
  6. Valentina Right and Left Set (south kerry) youtube
  7. West Kerry Set
  8. Kilgarvan Polka Set
  9. Sneem Set
  10. Bonane Set
  11. Brandon / Cloghane Set (?)
  12. Lispole Set
  13. North Kerry Plain Set (Kerry / West Limerick)
  14. Ballyhahill Half Set (West Limerick / North Kerry)
  15. Ballyheigue Reel & Set
  16. Ballysteen Half Set (Limerick / Kerry)
  17. Camp Set (John Chambers Kerry)
  18. Foilmore Set
  19. Listowel Set
  20. Mid Kerry Set
  21. Six Crosses Half Set (also can be a full set)
  22. Ballyduff Half Set 
  23. North Kerry Plain Set
  24. Kildare Set
  25. Nass Set (Kildare composted Marie Kelly) 
  26. Allenwood Set
  27. Kilkenny Lancers Set
  28. Kilkenny Quadrilles (Half Set)
  29. Kilkenny Quadrilles (Full Set)
  30. Durrow Threshing Set

MAY

  1. Ballyroan Half Set
  2. Wolfhill Set
  3. Ballyfin Set 
  4. Leitrim Set
  5. Tournafulla Set
  6. Ballycommon Set (East Limerick / Tipperary)
  7. Limerick Orange and Green Set
  8. Sliabh Luachra Set (Kerry/Cork/Limerick)
  9. Dromgarriff Half Set
  10. Hurry The Jug (danced straight though)
  11. Knocknaboul Set
  12. West Limerick Polka Set
  13. Lyratourigh Set
  14. Tournafulla Reel, Jig & Set
  15. Ballinvreenagh Set (Tipperary / Limerick)
  16. Ballyhahill Half Set (West Limerick / North Kerry)
  17. Ballysteen Half Set (Limerick / Kerry)
  18. Longford Set
  19. Longford Set (revised p.123 Apples in Winter)
  20. Rinkinstown Set (John and Sheila McEvoy)
  21. Laois Lancers Set (Maurren Culliton)
  22. Termonfeckin Lancers (John and Sheila McEvoy Mairead Devane)
  23. Ballycroy
  24. Derradda Set
  25. Newport Set (received from the Newport Dancers)
  26. Cuilmore Set
  27. Glencorrib Set (second version in Apples in Winter)
  28. Hollymount Set
  29. Kildownet Half Set (Achill Island)
  30. Mayo Lancers Set
  31. Shramore Set

JUNE

  1. Tyrawley Set
  2. Ballinrobe set
  3. Ballycastle Set
  4. East Mayo Set
  5. Kilmeena Set
  6. Kilrush Caledonian Set
  7. Louisburgh Set
  8. Skirdagh Set
  9. Ardach Set
  10. Garymore Set
  11. Kilmaine Set
  12. Kiltimagh Set
  13. Shrule Set (Mayo / Galway)
  14. Turlough Set
  15. Boherhalagh Set
  16. Inisturk Half Set
  17. Lahardane Set
  18. Meath Half Set
  19. Boyne Set (?)
  20. Slip and Slide Polka Set
  21. Monaghan Set
  22. Gillen Set
  23. Cloghan Set
  24. Killyon Set
  25. Lusmagh Set
  26. Birr Set
  27. Rahan Set
  28. Roscommon Lancers Set
  29. Keadue Lancers Set (Keadue is where O’Carolan is from)
  30. Williamstown Set (Roscommon-Galway border)

JULY

  1. Corballa Set (Gerard Butler, Roscommon)
  2. Shannon Gaels Set
  3. South Sligo Lancers Set
  4. Tubbercurry Lancers Set
  5. Cloonagh Lancers Set
  6. Sligo Set
  7. Ballycomman Set
  8. Castle Set or Cashel Set
  9. Tipperary Lancers Set
  10. Nedinagh Set
  11. Aherlow Set
  12. Ballagh Plain Half Set
  13. Lorrha / Aglish Set (Tipperary / Waterford)
  14. Newcastle Set
  15. Seit Dúrlas Eile (Michael Longhname)
  16. Ballinvreenagh Set (Tipperary / Limerick)
  17. D’Albert’s Set (french dancing master Charles D’Albert)
  18. Templebeg Set
  19. Metal Bridge Lancers Set (Pat Murphy)
  20. Nine Mile House Lancers
  21. Blacktown Set
  22. Melleray Lancers Set
  23. Sliabh GCua Set
  24. Clashmore Set
  25. Lorrha / Aglish Set (Tipperary / Waterford )
  26. Rathgormac Lancer Set
  27. Black Hill Set
  28. Dungarvan Polka Set
  29. Gortroe Set
  30. Dungarvan Half Set
  31. Knockanore Set

AUGUST

  1. Moate Set
  2. Doraheen Set
  3. Wexford Half Set
  4. Ballyduff Set
  5. Coolnabeason Set (Helen Kealy, Waterford)
  6. Kilmyshall Set (Martin Carroll Wexford)
  7. West Waterford Set
  8. Glencree Set
  9. Glengarriff Polka Set (short)
  10. Glengarriff Polka Set (long)
  11. Wicklow Set
  12. Port Fairy Set (Australia) (Fay McAlinden)
  13. The Flight of the Earls set
  14. Antrim Square
  15. Seit Doire Cholmcille (Frank Roddy)
  16. Ibiza Set (Mick Kelly and Maureen Halpin)
  17. Limerick Tumblers Set (Terry Moylan)
  18. Molly’s Waltz Cotillion (Fay McAlinden)
  19. Seit Dúrlas Eile (Michael Longhname)
  20. Borrowed Set (Paul Carr)
  21. Camp Set (John Chambers Kerry)
  22. Canberra Crooked Chain Set (Paul Carr)
  23. Casuarina Waltz Quadrille (John Short)
  24. Charlestown Set (Julia Smith)
  25. Coolnabeason Set (Helen Kealy, Waterford)
  26. Drumbo Lancers Set (Teresa Quigg)
  27. Corballa Set (Gerard Butler, Roscommon)
  28. Hunter Valley Set (James Garner)
  29. Kavaneg Set (Jean-Luc Béguignon
  30. Kilmyshall Set (Martin Carroll Wexford)
  31. Lucan Set (Tom Casserly)

SEPTEMBER

  1. Merchant Set (Padraig McEneany)
  2. Rinkinstown Set (John and Sheila McEvoy)
  3. Southern Cross Set (Des Jackson)
  4. Ainsworth Set (Charlie Kiely 2017)
  5. An Sean Chistin Set (Maureen Culleton)
  6. Ardbraccan Set (Willie Farnhan)
  7. Ardcar Set (Ashley Ray and Dany richard)
  8. Barnane Jig Set (? Pat? Composed 2017 and presented at Connie Ryan Set Dancing Weekend 2018)
  9. Battle of Affane Set (Amie Landers)
  10. Carrowbeg Set (Pat Murphy?)
  11. Croisloch Set (Padraig McEneany)
  12. Cross of the Commons Set (Joan Pollard Carew)
  13. Five Books Set (Paul Carr)
  14. Foxhunters Set (Maura Tynan)
  15. Heiligenberg Set (Sonke Speck)
  16. Jack Canny Half Set (Nora Stewart)
  17. Laois Lancers Set (Maurren Culliton)
  18. Lough Allen Set (Pat Murphy)
  19. Manchester Set (Charlie Kiely)
  20. Metal Bridge Lancers Set (Pat Murphy)
  21. Molly Malone Set (Tony Slevin)
  22. Sceilg Rock Set (Muiris Ó Briain)
  23. Seit Chamuis (Seamus Ó Mealóid)
  24. Sidmouth Set (Gerard Butler)
  25. Termonfeckin Lancers (John and Sheila McEvoy Mairead Devane)
  26. Wessex Set (Basingstoke Set Dancers)
  27. Harvest Dance Set
  28. Inverness South Square Set
  29. Souris Set
  30. Lot Seven Set

OCTOBER

  1. Truro Waltz Quadrilles
  2. Cleveland Set (dancers from Mayo and Galway)
  3. Waltz Cotillion
  4. Pride of Erin
  5. Royal Cotillion
  6. Cratone Set (?)
  7. Cúchulainn Set (?)
  8. Nass Set (Kildare composted Marie Kelly) 
  9. Australian Half Set (thought to have Irish roots)
  10. Port Fairy Set (Australia / Northern Ireland)
  11. Long Island Set (Mayo / Long Island / lively west of Ireland style)
  12. Cuirassiers Set (Michael Tubridy & Brooks Academy original from manuscript English)
  13. Arcades of Bologna Set 
  14. Blackglen Set – Betty McCoy, Maira O’Leary, Michael Tubridy
  15. Casteletown Set (2020 Pat Murphy?)
  16. Iveragh Millenium Set (Matt Joe O’Neill)
  17. Laniuish Set (Mairéad Casey, Michelle Casey, Johnnie & Maura Duffy)
  18. Limestone Plain set (Paul Wayper)
  19. Old Mill Lancers (Pat Murphy)
  20. Ormond Set (Pat Murphy)
  21. Philadelphia Set 
  22. Rimini Set

Classes, Irish Set Dancing, Past Classes

2025 November | Sean-nós Dance & more

maldonm

intro

Welcome to November Online!

Deep dive into Clare musicians.

Week by Week

WoodshedKeep Her LitSpeed & Craic
Week 13
Paddy Fahy’s Jig/Sean Ryan’s
5
Priest in his Boots
The Sunday Set		7
Martin Hayes (fiddle)
Spotify
Week 210
The Galway Rambler, The London Lasses

12
Kitty Lie Over / Kitty Lie Over as a Reel
Clare Battering – Mick Banner Step		14
Kitty Hayes (fiddle)
Week 317
Mick: Dance At Home from the Step for Sets video		19
Clare Battering – Mick $500		21
Peadar O’Loughlin (flute)
Week 424
The Crooked Road / The Foxhunter’s Reel		26
The Sunday Set (Jigs)
Clare Battering – Aidan		28
Paddy Canny (fiddle)

playlist

On this tab you will find playlists for the music, sets and video lessons for the whole course.

  • Spotify Playlist – music

All videos for this months course

week 1

Woodshed

Paddy Fahy’s Jig (also called Fahey’s Favourite, Paddy Fahey’s Jig #1), Sean Ryan’s Jig (also called Gallagher’s, The Lonely, Martin’s)

Keep Her Lit

Speed & Craic

This weeks elements

  • Priest in his Boots
    • jump hop shuffle
    • tip cross
    • side step
    • hop shuffles
    • kick
    • circle
    • grapevine
  • The Sunday Set
    • stamp
    • connemara
    • heel downs
    • shuffle downs
    • double shuffle with heel drop (Madness)
    • toe toe heel
    • cross movements (Ronan)
    • Meave (heel and stab)
    • Mick A & R – 123 | ball drop step | step shuffle drop step, ball drop drop
    • Clare – floor shuffle
    • Tricky – 12 movement, heel heel ball ball (extra beats)
    • Hips
    • Wille heel slap 12 | delay slap | 4/5 heels | Shuffle backs
  • Jig elements
    • 1 beat movements
    • 2 beat movements
    • 3 sound
    • 4 sound

week 2

Woodshed

Keep Her Lit

Speed & Craic

week 3

Woodshed

Mick’s dance at home step from the steps for sets video. Here are my notes for the Step for Sets video. I was playing around a bunch and found that this track was very nice with the step and slow. It’s a hornpipe, but it sounds great. Mary MacNamara The Humours of Tullycrine / Mikey Callaghan’s (hornpipes)

11-17-2025 Woodshed Zoom Class Video

Steps for Sets with Mick Mulkerrin and Mairéad Casey (link to notes)

Keep Her Lit

  • Paidhin O’Rafferty’s Jig (I think we just did the $500 step)
  • Clare Battering – $500

Speed & Craic

week 4

Woodshed

In this Zoom class we covered “The Crooked Road / The Foxhunter’s Reel” from Under the Moon by Martin Hayes. Edith noted that this track sits right around 126 bpm.

About the Album

“Martin returned to County Clare to record Under the Moon, gaining the accompaniment of his father, famed fiddler P.J. Hayes, and guitarist Steve Cooney. He is also joined by his American musical partners, accordion virtuoso John Williams and Portland guitarist/fiddler Randal Bays. This album contains all the spirit and eloquence of his eponymous debut and adds even more passion. No one can get inside a tune–be it barndance, jig, or reel–like Martin Hayes. Under the Moon is an album that stirs the heart and electrifies the mind!” – (Compas records)

No wonder the guitar caught my attention so much during class—it’s Randal Bays! He also plays guitar on Martin’s first album. It was a bit hard to hear the guitar clearly on Zoom, so if you can, go back and listen to the recording. It’s just gorgeous. Also I don’t have liner notes anymore and Steve is also on the Album but just from listening I’m pretty sure it’s Randal on that track.

A Note on Speed

Katrina asked a great question about tempo: Are we trying to get up to 120 bpm?

For my own dancing, when I’m at a session, reels are usually a bit slower—often 110–115 bpm. At a céilí, the tempo can be closer to 120 bpm, sometimes a touch faster depending on the musicians.

On stage, though—and this is where I personally get into trouble—the tempos can really take off. This often happens when I’m invited to hop in on the last tune of the night. The band is warmed up and flying, and if I’m not warmed up or haven’t been practicing at those higher speeds, I can find myself struggling.

So what I’m really saying is: I like to be prepared for those situations. I want to know what I can comfortably pull off before I’m standing on stage in front of a crowd. If I haven’t been dancing at those tempos for a few months, I can find myself in a bit of a pickle!

Keep Her Lit

Speed & Craic | Clare Battering Steps transitions

Classes, Irish Set Dancing, Past Classes

Fridays 6:30pm | 2025 Fall | Irish Set Dances and Kitchen Dances

maldonm

intro

Welcome to Fall Term!

Through structured steps, humor and joy, explore these two Irish social dances with community. As you do, you’ll also learn about the culture from which the dances originated. All levels welcome.

Fall Term runs October 3 – December 12 (Notes: No class 10/17, 11/7, 11/21, 11/28. No black-soled shoes)

Course Resources

Week by Week

DanceSteps & MovesBackground
Week 1: 10/3Kitchen Dance:
The Corn Reeks
(Na Corn Rigs)		hop 123
hop 1234567
hop back, hop back, hop 123
house around		Article in The Irish Times
Set Dance:
Connemara Reel Set		lift 123
Lead Around / Back
Advance & Retire
House Around
Swing
Follows Chain
Week 2:
10/10		Kitchen Dances:
Stack of Barley
Week 3:
10/17		No PCC class
3rd Friday Céilí @ Waverly
Week 4:
10/24		No PCC class
Concert @ Waverly
Week 5:
10/31		Set Dance:
Connemara Reel Set
Canadian Barndance
Merchant
Week 6:
11/7
Week 7:
11/14
Week 8:
11/21		No PCC Class
3rd Friday Céilí @ Waverly
Week 9:
11/28		No PCC Class
Butterball @ Kathleen’s
Week 10:
12/5
Week 11:
12/12

playlist

On this tab you will find playlists for the music, sets and video lessons for the whole course.

history

History/Background

Set dancing teacher Padraig Mc Eneany posted a video of the French Lancers. It’s so cool! I’ve always hear about the Irish Set and other squares/sets coming from the orignial French Quadrila but never had the chance to see one. This is well worth watching if you are a set dance nerd. Same but different!

Barbra and Bret sent this to me and I wanted to share it with all of you:

  • History/Background – this a great video of set dancing on the site. One of the dancers look to me like the late Willie Keane. (the taller lead).

Kitchen Dance: The Corn Reeks (Na Corn Rigs)

  • In: hop (or drop) 123, hop (or drop) 123 (2x)
  • Out: hop back hop back hop back hop back
  • house: hop 123 (6x), hop back hop back hop back hop back

connemara

Connemara Reel Set

This playlsit has several Connemara dances. The first set is the Connemara Reel Set that we danced in class.

corn

Kitchen Dance: The Corn Reeks (Na Corn Rigs)

  • In: hop (or drop) 123, hop (or drop) 123 (2x)
  • Out: hop back hop back hop back hop back
  • house: hop 123 (6x), hop back hop back hop back hop back

stack

Stack of Barley

barndance

Canadian Barn Dance

merchant

Merchant Set

Classes, Irish Set Dancing, Past Classes

Tuesdays 6:30pm | 2025 Fall 1 | Irish Set Dancing

maldonm

intro

Welcome to Fall Term 1!

Week by Week layout:

SetBegInter/Adv
Week 1: 09/23Antrim Square Setup 3’s
up jig or skip 3’s
down 3’s
Kilfenora Plain Setup 3’s
Advance & Retire		Clare Batter #1
Clare Batter #2
Clare Batter #3
Week 2:
09/30		Connemara Reel Set

Review:
Antrim Square Set
Kilfenora Plain Set		up 3’s
up jig or skip 3’s
down 3’s		Conneamra:
Connemara Step
Stamp & Stamp
Zig Zag or 6 heels
Finishing Step
Any step from Connemara Steps Course

Kilfenora Plain Set
Clare Batter #1
Clare Batter #2
Clare Batter #3
Week 3:
10/07		Harvest Dance Set

Review:
Antrim Square Set		up 3’s
skip 3’s
down 3’s
Conneamra:
Connemara Step
Stamp & Stamp
Zig Zag or 6 heels
Finishing Step
Any step from Connemara Steps Course
Week 4:
10/14		Review:
Harvest Dance Set
Antrim Square Set

If time:
Kilfenora Plain Set
Connemara Reel Set
up 3’s
skip 3’s
down 3’s
Advance & Retires
Week 5:
10/21		West Kerry

Review 1-2 of these:
Harvest Dance Set
Antrim Square Set
Kilfenora Plain Set
Connemara Reel Set		down23’s
up 3’s
Advance & Retires
Week 6:
10/28		Clare Mazurka set

Review:
West Kerry		Polka step – Down23’s
Term 2 Starts:
11/04		New 6 week block!

This first six-week term we’ll dive into the joy of Irish set dancing by learning a new set each week while also reviewing the set from the previous week. This layered approach builds confidence, helps steps and figures settle in, and keeps the dancing lively and fun.

At the 3rd Friday Céilí, we’ll bring it all to life by dancing the sets to live traditional music from both local favorites and visiting musicians. Nothing compares to the energy of a full set moving together with the music — it’s the heart of the tradition!

All levels are welcome. Beginners will learn smooth foundational steps and partner movement, while more experienced dancers will explore battering steps and footwork variations. Each dancer can choose their own level of challenge, and together we’ll create a strong, supportive set on the floor.

To support your dancing between classes, you’ll also have access to:

  • A Spotify playlist with music for the term
  • YouTube and Vimeo playlists with video references and lessons
  • Pre-recorded companion videos focusing on battering for sets. This is a great way to practice on your own or with a partner, and to build confidence in your footwork before bringing it back into the set.

By the end of the term, you’ll have several full sets under your belt, a foundation of smooth steps, and—if you’re ready to push further—a repertoire of battering steps to carry into céilís and beyond.

Fall Term 1 runs September 23 – October 28.

Course Resources

Class Structure

All Dancers / Beginners

Each week, I will teach smooth steps for different tune types. We’ll focus on how to dance these steps with your partner and within the set.

Intermediate / Advanced

I’ve included video lessons of the battering steps. You can choose to work ahead or use them to review after class. In-person, I’ll briefly introduce each battering step, but the real progress will come from your own drilling and practice.

  • Battering steps are usually danced between 110–120 bpm.
  • Be patient with yourself—when the music feels too fast, switch back to the smooth steps until you’re ready.

Companion Course

Online: Battering for Sets / Sean-nós Steps

  • Class page with Zoom Link and class links
  • Course home page – Week 1 & 2 are Clare Battering Steps, Week 3 – Polkas, Slides and Jigs. You will need to login with the login and password that I sent you. If you need it again email or text me maldonmeehan@gmail.com, 971-373-1374 and I will send it on.

This companion Zoom class (with recordings provided) is designed to complement the weekly set dancing course. It focuses on footwork, step practice, and moving with steps.

The material will strengthen your battering and help you feel more confident when dancing in the full set, whether in class or at a céilí.

A great way to build skills at home, on your own or with a partner.

Advance & Retires

playlist

On this tab you will find playlists for the music, sets and video lessons for the whole course.

week 1

History/Background

My teacher Padraig Mc Eneany posted a video of the French Lancers. It’s so cool! I’ve always hear about the Irish Set and other squares/sets coming from the orignial French Quadrila but never had the chance to see one. This is well worth watching if you are a set dance nerd. Same but different!

Barbra and Bret sent this to me and I wanted to share it with all of you:

  • History/Background – this a great video of set dancing on the site. One of the dancers look to me like the late Willie Keane. (the taller lead).

Steps

  • Reel: up 3’s
  • Jig: up jig or skip 3’s (just like the reel up 3’s but in jig time and maybe more skip)
  • Slide: down 3’s

Partner Moves

  • Lead around (shoulder hold)
  • Swing (waltz hold)
  • House

Group Moves

  • Follows star
  • Leads star
  • House around
  • Slide the side (also called Square house)
  • Antrim Square
  • Cross (follows/leads)
  • Little Christmas
  • Swing Corners
  • Slide & Change

Antrim Square

Kilfenora Plain Set

Recourses:

Steps

  • Reel: up 3’s
  • Advance & Retire: Reels
  • Clare Batter #1
  • Clare Batter #2
  • Clare Batter #3
  • Jig Step – down Jig and Up (for the 7’s only)
  • Up jigs are dances in these figures or dances – Facebook post on up jigs, article on up jigs
    • Antrim Square • Fig 2
    • Ballykeale • Fig 2
    • Birr • Fig 2
    • Boyne • Fig 3
    • Charlestown • Fig 2
    • Clare Orange & Green • Fig 5
    • Clare Plain Reel • Fig 5
    • East Galway • Fig 4
    • Harvest Dance • Fig 1 (video in link)
    • Kilfenora • Fig 5 (up-jig for sevens, down-jig aka polka for the chain)
    • Paris • Fig 4
    • Portmagee • all figures
    • South Galway • Fig 4

Partner

  • Set & Swing
  • Under the Wing
  • Sevens (up jig)

Group

  • Follows Chain
  • Under the Wing (tops/sides)
  • Wheelbarrow

week 2

Week 2

Steps

  • Connemara Step – This step can be dances with a hop or a step. I tend to dance it with the step rather than the hop. I takes less energy and I can have more stamina.
  • Stamp & Stamp – When I was first incorporating battering steps into the Connemara set I used this step a lot as it allowed me to travel further than the Connemara step. I still use it when I need to cover more distance in a set or traveling across the set.
  • Heels or Zig Zag – I love this step for moving sideways. It’s very nice in the back to back movement.
  • Finishing Step – This is a great step for dancing the last 2 bars of something. It takes the place of 2 Connemara step and adds a different rythmic pattern.
  • Full Connemara steps course – If you want to explore more steps check out the full Connemara Sean-nós course. I often use these steps in the Connemara set as well as the sets from the Aran Isllands.

Partner

  • Lead Around/Lead Back
  • Swing (céilí hold)
  • Advance & Retire
  • House

Group

  • Follows Chain
  • Back to Back
  • Little Christmas

Connemara Reel Set

week 3

Week 3

Steps

  • Up Jig or Skip 3’s
  • Down 23’s / Polka step
  • Note on steps: this is a fast moving dance and you want to be sure to move with your skip step rather than the small tidy step you might use in other sets. This step covers a lot of ground and is a lively dance.

Partner

  • Swing (waltz hold)
  • Swing (céilí hold)
  • Show the follow
  • Gallop
  • Stack of Barley

Harvest Dance Set

Here is a kitchen dance or 2 hand dance of the Stack of Barley. It has more moves that we danced in the Harvest Dance Set.

week 4

Week 4

week 5

Week 5

week 6

Week 6