A guide to Irish Cultural Groups in Australia

Irish music is only one of the cultural acitvities alive and well down under. Image: athena

Australia remains, as ever, a popular destination for Irish emigrants. But migrants don't need to cut all ties with home: there are a plethora of Irish and celtic clubs and assocations, thanks to the close historic ties between the two countries on opposite sides of the globe.

Comhaltas

http://comhaltas.ie/

Comhaltas Ceolteoiri Éireann (the society of musicians Ireland) are a group that specialise in the preservation of Irish culture both at home and around the world. Some of the main functions they serve are the provision of classes in traditional Irish music and dance.

In Australia, they have branches in Adelaide, Canberra, Melbourne and Perth. These branches offer tuition in traditional musical styles and in set dancing, so soon you'll be able to play and dance your way through jigs and reels with ease.

Cumann Gaeilge na hAstráile

http://www.gaeilgesanastrail.com

Want to learn Irish or keep up the mother tongue? It's possible, even if you've never spoken it before - ask your fellow Australian.

The Cumann Gaeilge is an Irish-language club which runs Irish classes, a Daonscoil (folk school) for one-week intensive courses, publishes regular newsletters and more.

Australian Irish Dancing Association

http://aidainc.com/

The worldwide phenomenon that is Irish dancing is alive and well in Australia, and is overseen by the Australian Irish Dancing Association.

AIDA runs the annual Australian Irish Dancing Championships each year, which circulates among major cities in the country, and maintains a database of dancing teachers and dance schools in each territory.

Gaelic Football & Hurling Association of Australasia

http://www.gaelicfootball.com.au/

No matter where you travel on earth, you're likely to find a nearby GAA club. The Australia region incorporates both major Gaelic games and the New Zealand clubs.

The Association runs the annual Australasian championships, and is seeing particular growth in women's football. While many of the players are Irish migrants, there are also local players and a growing base.

The Association website has a list of clubs by region, so you're sure to find somewhere nearby.

Celtic Council of Australia

http://www.celticcouncil.org.au

The Celtic Council of Australia have been around since 1982, organising Irish and celtic events in every territory, including an annual Celtic festival.

The website design can be confusing, but there's a wealth of information and links to Irish-Australian events and groups if you delve in. Membership is AUD $25 per year.