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What we do…

Scoil Acla as an organisation promotes traditional arts and supports artists throughout the year on Achill Island, Co. Mayo. The highlight of the year is our Annual Summer School which takes place for a week in July and attracts hundreds of students, tutors and artists to Achill. The very first Summer School was established 1910, and the event has been run by our voluntary committee every year in Achill since its relaunch in 1985 – up to 2020 when the Covid-19 pandemic forced the summer school to adapt and move online for two years.

Tours &
Demonstrations

Are you a tour group, school or college? Would you like to learn all about Irish Traditional music in a fun and relaxed setting in one of the most beautiful places on earth? – Scoil Acla has you covered! We have given lectures on local history, our musical culture and how musical instruments are made!

Why not Contact us to enquire today!?

Local
Music Classes

Our local classes run right through Autumn, Winter and into Spring! At Scoil Acla, we believe in the proverb “Mól an Óige agus tíochfaigh siad”. We are proud to have taught hundreds of locals over the years on a variety of different instruments from the Tin whistle, to the concertina, guitar and Accordion – open to adults & children!

Summer
School

Our annual summer school is undoubtedly the highlight of the year for Scoil Acla. Learn from some of Ireland’s top musicians, take part in a session, learn some art, a bit of Gaeilge or attend one of the many concerts and recitals! There’s something for everyone! – All whilst enjoying the splendour of Achill Island!

A Branch of
Comhaltas

Scoil Acla (CCÉ) is a proud branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann is the largest group involved in the preservation and promotion of Irish traditional music.

We’re a non-profit cultural movement with hundreds of local branches around the world.

Tríd na Glúnta | Through the Generations

2021
Founded
2021
Revived
0
Students taught

Latest Scoil Acla news & press releases

John ‘Twin’ McNamara Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
The highly anticipated Scoil Acla Summer School returns to Achill Island from July 28th to August 3rd, 2024. This year's festival promises to be yet another remarkable celebration of traditional Irish music, culture, language and heritage, attracting enthusiasts from near and far.
The launch of a new 10-track album "Chongie Road" by local Achill musician, Séan Lynch is set to take place at the Wavecrest Hotel, Dooagh, Achill on Saturday, September 23rd.
@scoilacla.ie
Scoil Acla CCÉ | Achill Island

@scoilacla.ie

Year-round promotion of traditional music, culture & Gaeilg' Acla (Achill Irish). Branch of @comhaltas Annual Summer School (est. 1910). #BígíLinn
  • Today, 17th April, marks the 62nd anniversary of the death of Scoil Acla co-founder, Caherlistrane-born Eva O'Flaherty. 

This portrait of her, taken from her biography by Mary J. Murphy was painted by Derek Hill in her Dooagh home in 1947.

Credit: Dublin City Gallery Hugh Lane Collection

#scoilacla25
  • Coiste Scoil Acla was delighted to present John 'Twin' McNamara with a Gradam na hÉigse Award from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann this week for his life-long service to music, song, language and culture in Achill and Beyond. Comhghairdeachas John! 🎶 🏅
  • Scoil Acla is delighted to announce that booking is now open for Scoil Samhraidh Scoil Acla 2025 – Celebrating 40 Years Since the 1985 Revival!

Bígí linn for a jam-packed week of music, culture and craic. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. A €20 late registration surcharge applies to all music courses booked after the end of June so get your Early Bird discount today!

Ná caill amach – reserve your place now at www.scoilacla.ie/booking and be part of an unforgettable summer full of ceol, cultúr agus spraoi!

#scoilacla25 #ceiluradh #40thanniversary #Ceol #Music
  • The closing date for branch entries to Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2025 is next Wednesday 19th March. Please have your entries with Irene Gielty, Runaí Scoil Acla by 18.00 via info@scoilacla.ie or to any committee member. #FleadhMhaighEo #MayoFleadh #Ceol
Today, 17th April, marks the 62nd anniversary of the death of Scoil Acla co-founder, Caherlistrane-born Eva O'Flaherty. 

This portrait of her, taken from her biography by Mary J. Murphy was painted by Derek Hill in her Dooagh home in 1947.

Credit: Dublin City Gallery Hugh Lane Collection

#scoilacla25
Today, 17th April, marks the 62nd anniversary of the death of Scoil Acla co-founder, Caherlistrane-born Eva O'Flaherty. This portrait of her, taken from her biography by Mary J. Murphy was painted by Derek Hill in her Dooagh home in 1947. Credit: Dublin City Gallery Hugh Lane Collection #scoilacla25
6 days ago
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Coiste Scoil Acla was delighted to present John 'Twin' McNamara with a Gradam na hÉigse Award from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann this week for his life-long service to music, song, language and culture in Achill and Beyond. Comhghairdeachas John! 🎶 🏅
Coiste Scoil Acla was delighted to present John 'Twin' McNamara with a Gradam na hÉigse Award from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann this week for his life-long service to music, song, language and culture in Achill and Beyond. Comhghairdeachas John! 🎶 🏅
Coiste Scoil Acla was delighted to present John 'Twin' McNamara with a Gradam na hÉigse Award from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann this week for his life-long service to music, song, language and culture in Achill and Beyond. Comhghairdeachas John! 🎶 🏅
Coiste Scoil Acla was delighted to present John 'Twin' McNamara with a Gradam na hÉigse Award from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann this week for his life-long service to music, song, language and culture in Achill and Beyond. Comhghairdeachas John! 🎶 🏅
Coiste Scoil Acla was delighted to present John 'Twin' McNamara with a Gradam na hÉigse Award from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann this week for his life-long service to music, song, language and culture in Achill and Beyond. Comhghairdeachas John! 🎶 🏅
2 weeks ago
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Scoil Acla is delighted to announce that booking is now open for Scoil Samhraidh Scoil Acla 2025 – Celebrating 40 Years Since the 1985 Revival!

Bígí linn for a jam-packed week of music, culture and craic. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. A €20 late registration surcharge applies to all music courses booked after the end of June so get your Early Bird discount today!

Ná caill amach – reserve your place now at www.scoilacla.ie/booking and be part of an unforgettable summer full of ceol, cultúr agus spraoi!

#scoilacla25 #ceiluradh #40thanniversary #Ceol #Music
Scoil Acla is delighted to announce that booking is now open for Scoil Samhraidh Scoil Acla 2025 – Celebrating 40 Years Since the 1985 Revival! Bígí linn for a jam-packed week of music, culture and craic. Places are limited, so book early to avoid disappointment. A €20 late registration surcharge applies to all music courses booked after the end of June so get your Early Bird discount today! Ná caill amach – reserve your place now at www.scoilacla.ie/booking and be part of an unforgettable summer full of ceol, cultúr agus spraoi! #scoilacla25 #ceiluradh #40thanniversary #Ceol #Music
3 weeks ago
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The closing date for branch entries to Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2025 is next Wednesday 19th March. Please have your entries with Irene Gielty, Runaí Scoil Acla by 18.00 via info@scoilacla.ie or to any committee member. #FleadhMhaighEo #MayoFleadh #Ceol
The closing date for branch entries to Fleadh Cheoil Mhaigh Eo 2025 is next Wednesday 19th March. Please have your entries with Irene Gielty, Runaí Scoil Acla by 18.00 via info@scoilacla.ie or to any committee member. #FleadhMhaighEo #MayoFleadh #Ceol
1 month ago
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