A céilí band is a group of musicians that provides music for céilí dances and set dances. Céilí bands first emerged in the late 19th century to provide louder music needed to fill larger venues. The 1950s and 1960s saw the golden age of céilí bands, with bands regularly filling the largest halls in Ireland. Céilí bands typically include fiddles, flutes, accordions, concertinas, piano, bass, drums, and occasionally uilleann pipes, piccolo or saxophone. Instruments like guitar and bodhrán are not used due to not being loud enough. All melody instruments play in unison for volume.

1. The Céilí Band TraditionTullaCéilí Band

2. Céilí BandsA céilí band is a group of musicians assembled in order to provide the music for a céilí dance (social dance) or set dance.

3. Céilí BandsThe 1897 Gaelic League FéileSamhaincéilí in Bloomsbury Hall in London is thought to have been the first formal céilí with a band. This landmark began the development of group-playingin pursuit of the louder volume required to fill larger venues.The 1950s/60s was the golden age for the céilí band. The bands attracted such crowds of dancers as to fill the largest halls in Ireland, City Hall in Cork and the Mansion House in Dublin were packed to capacity on a weekly basis.

4. Instruments used in Céilí BandsInstruments typically used include the fiddle, flute, button accordion, concertina, piano, bass and snare drum with woodblock and banjo.Other instruments used more occasionally include the double bass, uilleann pipes (Tulla Band), piccolo (McCuskers) and saxophone (Gallowglass).The bodhrán and guitar are generally not used as they are not loud enough for packed dance halls

5. In the céilí band all the melody instruments play in unison, for volume.The snare drum provides a backbeat.The piano adds a bass line and harmony. It also helps keep the very steady rhythm needed for dancing.InishfreeCéilí Band

6. Céilí Bands todayDespite not replicating the level of popularity enjoyed by céilí bands in the 1950s/60s, céilí bands remain busy. ComhaltasCeolteoiríÉireann have ensured this.Competitions, such as the FleadhCheoil and festivals, such as Temple Bar Tradfest, help promote céilí bands.Many céilí bands have long histories and rivalries with each other. These include the Kilfenoracéilí band, the Tullacéilí band and the Táincéilí band.