Rowan Fae

Great feis opportunity!

We're excited to bring TEAMS competitions to Digitochtas this year.

To help plan your teams here's some helpful information:

*Team Competitions require a seperate team entry form. Each team will receive a one time Team number for labeling their team videos. Please allow extra time for submitting these forms and receiving numbers.

2 and 3 Hands - Own schools choreography - Minimum 48 Bars

4, 6, and 8 Hands should be from your organization’s Ceili book or Ar Rinci Ceili 30 popular Ceili Dances - Minimum to the 1st figure. You can compete all figures if desired.

Group Performance is open to all schools with any number of dancers to submit performance pieces used for festivals, recitals, or to express their school’s own unique artistic pieces. Minimum 1.5 Minutes, Maximum 5 minutes.

IIDA Digiochtas 2026

We are so here for this!

Oh, we are seated!

‘Derry Girls’ creator Lisa McGee will be releasing a new mockumentary Netflix series set in the world of competitive Irish dancing.

The new six-part series is called ‘Jig’ (sound familiar?) and will begin shooting in Northern Ireland next year.

According to early reports, ‘Jig’ will centre on best friends Cara and Fletcher from the struggling Sweeney School of Dance in Derry, who take on their seemingly unbeatable rivals in Florida.

The show will follow both schools in the lead-up to the World Championships.

Will you be tuning in? ☘️

📸: Wikimedia Creative Commons

Gutted. Rest easy.

With broken hearts we announce the passing of Glen Hansard in the early hours of this morning.

We are still dealing with the shock of it all, so we kindly ask that the privacy of Glen’s family, colleagues and friends is respected at this difficult time.
Photo by Mikolaj Rotowski

Not at Worlds this year, but our hearts are still right there on that stage 💚

Missing our friends, missing the energy, and reminiscing on every moment from the past two seasons. Grateful for the memories we made — and hoping we get to see everyone again next year ✨

An dtiocfaidh tú chuig an damhsa linn? - Will you come to the dance with us?

The Irish word "damhsa," meaning dance, holds a special place in our hearts. Growing up surrounded by music and musicians, we've been incredibly fortunate to know many dancers whose skill and grace have always left us in awe. While we may not be the most gifted dancers ourselves, witnessing the mastery of these artists as they embody the music through their movements is truly mesmerizing.

Irish dancing, in particular, has a unique ability to captivate and inspire. The rapid footwork, the precision of each step, and the vibrant energy of the dancers bring traditional tunes to life in a way that seems almost magical. It's as if the dancers are not just performing but conversing deeply with the melody, expressing stories and emotions that transcend words.

Each time we watch a performance, whether a fluid sean-nós dance in a cozy pub or a thunderous ensemble on the grand stage, we are reminded of the power of "damhsa" to connect us to our culture, our history, and each other. It’s a profound dialogue between music and movement, heritage and heartbeat.

We may not be able to dance with the same elegance or skill, but the joy of watching those who can is a reminder of the beauty of Irish dance and the incredible talent that continues to flourish in our community.

Have you ever felt moved by a dance?

Our dancers had such a wonderful time this afternoon at Emerald Downs! A huge thank you to Emerald Downs for having us back this year!

It’s June!

In Ireland, "Meitheamh," or June, ushers in a time of significant transition and natural beauty. As the sixth month of the year unfolds, Irish landscapes burst into their fullest bloom, and the air fills with the promise of summer. For secondary students June is marked by the culmination of their academic endeavours with the Leaving Certificate exams, while for the rest of us the joy of increasingly longer days leading up to the summer solstice.

For secondary students across Ireland, Meitheamh is a critical time. The Leaving Certificate exams, a cornerstone of Irish education, typically take place this month. It's a period filled with intense study and anticipation, as students' futures hinge on their performances. Ironically, these crucial exams occur just as the weather turns its most delightful, with sunny days that beckon everyone outdoors, adding an element of longing to the already tense atmosphere.

Meitheamh also hosts the summer solstice, the longest day of the year, which is deeply embedded in Irish culture and history. This celestial event has been celebrated for thousands of years, with ancient monuments aligned to capture the sun’s rays on this special day. The solstice is a time to honor the strength of the sun and the fertility of the earth, marking a peak of energy and light.

With the approach of the solstice, the mood across Ireland lifts significantly. The long days allow for evenings filled with light, ideal for gatherings, outdoor activities, and simply soaking in the beauty of the natural world. The vibrant energy is palpable, as both nature and people alike bask in the peak of seasonal joy.

How will you make the most of these longest days?

Wishing all those sitting the Leaving Cert the very best on Wednesday. We'll have the candles lit for you!