April News

An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships took place in Killarney this week

Over 1400 Dancers to take part

The 2022 An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships kicked off (Monday, April 11) at The Gleneagle.

Competitors from America, Scotland, England, Europe, and all over Ireland will compete for a world title in the championships which run from April 11 to 16. Over nineteen competitions take place over the six-day championships and winners are announced every day after each competition. The competitions are held in the INEC auditorium and The Gleneagle Ballroom. The age profile of the competitors is age 9 to over 21 years old. In excess of 1400 dancers will take to the stage over the course of the six days.

The competitors will be accompanied by an entourage of organizers, teachers, adjudicators, musicians, families, friends, supporters, and spectators. An Chomhdháil is delighted to return to Killarney this year. This is Killarney’s sixth occasion to host the An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships.

The economic benefits of these championships will be felt right across Killarney’s hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, shops and many other businesses.  Studies carried out between 2016 and 2019 calculated the Championships were worth €12 million to the local economy.

An Chomhdháil, the organization that runs the World Irish Dance Championships, has an extensive branch network worldwide and is one of the most progressive Irish Dance organizations, being the first Irish Dance organization to bring in the no-makeup rule for girls up to and including under 12 years of age in 2007.  Both male and female world champions will be crowned across a range of age categories from under ten through to adult.

“We are honored to welcome the 2022 An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships,” said Patrick O’ Donoghue, CEO of The Gleneagle Group. “We wish all the competitors the very best of luck and we hope everyone enjoys their stay in Killarney.”