Ceilidh Bands for hire in Northern Ireland

Hire a Ceilidh band in Northern Ireland for your wedding, Burns night or event today. We have 3 fantastic traditional Scottish and Irish bands available to hire in Northern Ireland to make sure everybody gets on their feet! With varying line-ups and instruments, fantastic callers to instruct the dance moves, and bands that will also play your favourite pop covers, there's no better time to book a Ceilidh band. Hire a Ceilidh band in the UK for your wedding, Burns night or event today. Pronounced 'kay-lee', these bands will perform upbeat traditional Scottish tunes while calling out the dance moves out to keep your guests on their feet! Ready to book? Simply browse our collection of our 3 best local Ceilidh bands in Northern Ireland available for hire today. Our groups have callers to instruct the dancing and many bands will also play your favourite pop covers. There's no better time to book your Ceilidh band!

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Ceilidh bandsinNorthern Irelandforany price, sort bybest match
All the bands below are available to travel to Northern Ireland
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Hire ALTAGORE Ceilidh band with Encore
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From£1425
Ceilidh bandBallymena

100% GENUINE IRISH BAND, DIRECT FROM THE GLENS OF ANTRIM

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Hire Lagan Ceili Band Ceilidh band with Encore
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£400 - £660
Ceilidh bandEnniskillen

Irish & Scottish ceilis. Bands from 2 to 5 people. Caller with a roving mike teaching the dances. Optional singer/guitar to add Irish folk.

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Hire Gaolta Ceilidh band with Encore
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£650 - £1500
Ceilidh bandNewry

Lively and energetic Irish Traditional Folk Group based in Newry & Mourne, Northern Ireland.

Latest reviews of our Ceilidh Bands in Northern Ireland

Lagan Ceili Band
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star

"Thank you to the Lagan Ceili Band for a fantastic Ceili, everyone who joined had a brilliant time - the music and dance calling were spot on. Many thanks "

Hannah hired Lagan Ceili Band for a Private event (available in Northern Ireland)

Verified Review, 8 June 2024
Lagan Ceili Band
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star

"The band was just great! They read the crowd well (it was slightly older (70th birthday party), so they allowed for plenty of breaks to rest and chat) and got loads of people up dancing, many of whom were a bit nervous to start, but ended up thoroughly enjoying themselves. The caller, Diarmuid, was a great teacher and everyone learned the steps quickly. One of the really nice things was that the music and dancing were done with the lights on and it wasn't too loud, so still possible for those not dancing to have chats in the background. The caller and the musicians were so accommodating and friendly too. I would highly recommend them!"

Oonagh hired Lagan Ceili Band for a Private event (available in Northern Ireland)

Verified Review, 26 August 2022
Lagan Ceili Band
Full starFull starFull starFull starFull star

"All that we could have wished for. An event involving all ages groups from aged 5 to 80+ and everyone was dancing. An excellent caller, one of the key skills needed."

Richard hired Lagan Ceili Band for a Private event (available in Northern Ireland)

Verified Review, 12 August 2022

FAQs about hiring Ceilidh Bands in Northern Ireland

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What is a ceilidh band?

A ceilidh band (pronounced ‘kay-lee’) is a group of musicians that specialise in traditional folk music for ceilidh dances (usually jigs). Ceilidh bands will usually have fiddle players, accordionists, bagpipers playing and a “caller” leading the dances.

What do people do at a ceilidh?

Ceilidhs comes from the Gaelic word for ‘party’ and typically feature a ceilidh band with a caller who will lead the guests in traditional folk Scottish (or Irish) dances. Ceilidh’s are a great way to entertain your guests because they offer an interactive experience where the guests are part of the performances and the dances are simple enough for all ages and abilities, meaning everyone can get involved.

How long do ceilidh dances last?

A traditional Ceilidh dance can last anywhere from 2 to 3 hours, usually broken down with 3-4 dances and then a break. Our Ceilidh bands, however, are flexible and can play for as short or as long as you need.

What instruments are used in a ceilidh band?

Ceilidh bands commonly feature traditional folk instruments. Some common instruments you will find in a Ceilidh band include the fiddle, the accordion, bagpipes, the flute and a banjo. Each Ceilidh band’s lineup will feature different musicians and some bands will feature drums or percussion instruments, such as bodhrán (traditional Irish drum), or guitars. It’s also good to properly check their lineups before booking but if you’re unsure, speak to one of our experts who can give you tailored advice on what would work well for your venue.

Are ceilidh bands only for weddings?

Although wedding ceilidh bands are particularly popular, ceilidh bands are not limited to weddings. Ceilidhs are also popular for birthday parties, anniversaries, and other celebrations, as a fun form of interactive, unique entertainment. Ceilidhs bands are also very popular for corporate events as the dances are a great way to break the ice and get people talking. Overall, ceilidh bands bring people together, making any event memorable with their spirited tunes and engaging dances. You can speak to one of Encore's experts today to find the perfect ceilidh band near you.

Why should I choose a ceilidh band for my corporate event?

Although wedding ceilidh bands are particularly popular, ceilidh bands are not limited to weddings. Ceilidhs are also popular for birthday parties, anniversaries, and other celebrations, as a fun form of interactive, unique entertainment. Ceilidhs bands are also very popular for corporate events as the dances are a great way to break the ice and get people talking. Overall, ceilidh bands bring people together, making any event memorable with their spirited tunes and engaging dances. You can speak to one of Encore's experts today to find the perfect ceilidh band near you.

Hiring a Ceilidh Band in Northern Ireland

Useful information

Popular genres:
Ceilidh, Folk, Pop
Average response time:
3 hours
Busiest times:
June, August, September

How much does it cost to hire a Ceilidh Band in Northern Ireland?

The typical price per group member for Ceilidh Bands is:
£Budget£220
££Pro£330
£££High-end£400+

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Bear in mind: musicians typically play for 45 mins with a 15 min break per hour.
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A guide to hiring Ceilidh Bands

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