Slí Dhála
In ancient times, five high roads reputedly originated from Tara in ancient Mide. The Slí Dhála was the road from Tara to West Munster, reaching the northern parts of County Kerry. It passed through what are now the counties of Dublin, Kildare, Laois, Tipperary, and Limerick.
According to local sources, Crea, after whom the Tipperary town of Roscrea is named and through which the Slí Dhála passed, was the wife of Dala.
Just as these roads once connected the tribes and villages of ancient Ireland, it is our aim to connect and support all musicians, singers, dancers and storytellers in West Dublin and beyond.
Comhaltas
Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Éireann promotes Irish music and culture around the world. It is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music.
Founded in 1951, Comhaltas is a non-profit cultural movement with hundreds of local branches around the world. Comhaltas provides support and guidance to facilitate music, dance and language classes in it's network of branches.
Each year the Fleadh Cheolanna are held at County, Provincial and All-Ireland level bringing young and old together to compete in competitions and partake in the numerous music sessions.
Comhaltas has invested in archiving thousands of hours of Irish music recordings, with a large print library and a growing collection of videos. Comhaltas also publishes recordings, books, and tutorials of Irish music.
Craobh Slí Dhála
Craobh Slí Dhála CCÉ, founded in early 2016, is now well established as a branch of Comhaltas in the Dublin 15 area of Fingal. Over the past 6 years we have provided opportunities for local musicians of all levels to get together and play music, by encouraging and promoting Irish Traditional music, singing, dancing and the use of the Irish language in the locality and beyond. Regular sessions have been organised in the local area to give an opportunity for musicians of all ages and abilities to gather to play music together. We have been especially encouraged to see the large number children who have joined in the monthly sessions. We meet new musicians in the area regularly and welcome them to participate in our events to help grow the local community of musicians and artists.
A fundamental element of our activities are our classes in Irish traditional music, song and dance. We organise and deliver 3 terms of up to 34 weeks of classes in a wide range of musical instruments. Students in each instrument are taught by excellent teachers who play the instrument to a high standard. Among our students are beginners, improvers, and advanced musicians of all ages, both children and adults. We have built up a strong membership over the years, and we are recognised locally as the foremost organisation in the delivery of Irish Traditional Music, Song, and Dance classes and tuition.
We organise workshops where external tutors are brought in to teach during weekends or holiday periods. Annual concerts are organised as another outlet for members, friends, and families to celebrate together and display the talents that they have developed over the previous year. We participate annually in the Fleadh Cheoil at County, Provincial, and All-Ireland level. These competitions are fantastic occasions that help our musicians to focus on an outlet for their talents. The bonds and friendships formed preparing for and participating in the Fleadh Cheoil competitions and festivities last for a lifetime.
As a completely voluntary organisation, we depend on our membership fees and local fundraising events to support our activities. We have a strong and dedicated committee of local people. Together, we are engaging with the local community to raise the profile of the branch and to grow the community of musicians, singer, dancers, and storytellers in the Dublin 15 area by providing outlets for them to engage and develop their talents. We are growing as part of the cultural landscape in Dublin 15.
Our musicians perform at local festivals and events, and we ensure to visit local care homes and hospitals to perform for the elderly and residents several times per year. Our members also support local groups at various times throughout the year, such as during Seachtain na Ghaeilge and at Christmas and Easter time. We perform in local churches for Irish masses and during major celebrations. We engage with the diverse community in Dublin 15 and our members and their families include those from a broad range of nationalities.
Music for Life! Bígí Linn!
