St. Patrick's Ceili, 15 March 2014. The real Irish evening.

There's only a few days left to buy tickets, but if you're looking for a great night out on this coming Saturday night, why not get tickets for the Comhaltas Ceoltoiri Eireann Annual St. Patrick's Ceili? This grand event is held at 194 Fourth Ave, in Ottawa's Glebe, in the basement of Blessed Sacrament Church.

Doors open at 5:30, and a super tasty meal is served up by Franz Gierer, a European chef, at 6PM. After the dining tables are cleared of the 3 course meal, the large and live ceili band strikes up and the Irish dancing begins! The dances are a combination of ceili dances (large group participation). These dances are easy and instructions are given before and during the dance. There is also set dancing, which if you're not familiar can best be described as the Irish version of square dancing (better music, wink!). Instructions for set dances are also given.

This event is fun for the whole family, and is a nice break from the drink-your-head-off crowds filling the bars. No green beer is served (when did THAT start?), and after an hour of dancing, there is live entertainment for viewing. The dancing resumes, and then another break time where free Irish soda bread with jam and cheese, and tea, tea!

If you don't make it this Saturday, try going to any one of a number of ceilis Comhaltas holds during the year, on the third Saturday of the month, in the basement of Blessed Sacrament Church. Save on babysitting costs, bring the kids! They have dancers from age 3 and well up into their 90s on many occasions. 

Website: www.ottawacomhaltas.com

Dinner and Ceili Tickets: HERE