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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

Scoil Acla is delighted to announce that renowned Mayo musician, Tom Doherty, has been appointed as the Artist in Residence for Scoil Acla 2025.
Coiste Scoil Acla is proud to announce that world-renowned accordion player, artist and composer Sharon Shannon will officially open the 2025 Scoil Acla Summer School with a special concert on Sunday, 27 July.
Scoil Acla is saddened to learn of the passing of Paul Durcan, one of Ireland’s most distinctive and celebrated poets. Paul was our esteemed Poet in Residence in 2015, and his unforgettable reading in St. Thomas’ Church, Dugort remains a highlight in the festival’s history.
John ‘Twin’ McNamara Honoured with Lifetime Achievement Award from Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
@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
  • POPULAR MAYO MUSICIAN NAMED ARTIST IN RESIDENCE FOR SCOIL SAMHRAIDH SCOIL ACLA 2025 🎼

“I’m honoured to be named Artist in Residence at Scoil Acla 2025. This summer school has played a huge part in my life since John ‘Twin’ McNamara first invited me to teach here back in 1987. Over nearly four decades, I’ve shared unforgettable weeks on Achill and had the privilege of teaching alongside some of the finest musicians and tutors in the country." - Tom Doherty

Read our Full Press Release on our website www.scoilacla.ie 

#ScoilAcla25 #40thAnniversary #Ceol #Music #Tradition #ScoilAcla #SummerSchool #Achill #Mayo @topfans
  • 🌟 Calling all Scoil Acla alumni, locals and friends! 🌟

We’re building a digital archive to preserve the history, memories and stories of Scoil Acla — and we need your help! 📸🎥

Got any old photos, videos, or memories from Scoil Acla? Whether you were a student, tutor or part of the community, we’d love to see your contributions! 🤩

👉 Send your photos and videos to info@scoilacla.ie and help us keep these precious moments alive for generations to come!

#ScoilAcla25 #40thAnniversary #Ceol #Archive
  • 🎉 Happy 90th Birthday to John Twin McNamara! 🎉

From all of us at Scoil Acla, go raibh míle maith agat John for a lifetime of cultural richness, inspiration and dedication.

Breithlá shona - Go maire tú an chéad! 💚🎶
  • Over 100 tickets already sold for @sharonshannonmusic's opening night concert for our 2025 Summer School! Book today to avoid disappointment! 🎟 #ScoilAcla25
POPULAR MAYO MUSICIAN NAMED ARTIST IN RESIDENCE FOR SCOIL SAMHRAIDH SCOIL ACLA 2025 🎼

“I’m honoured to be named Artist in Residence at Scoil Acla 2025. This summer school has played a huge part in my life since John ‘Twin’ McNamara first invited me to teach here back in 1987. Over nearly four decades, I’ve shared unforgettable weeks on Achill and had the privilege of teaching alongside some of the finest musicians and tutors in the country." - Tom Doherty

Read our Full Press Release on our website www.scoilacla.ie 

#ScoilAcla25 #40thAnniversary #Ceol #Music #Tradition #ScoilAcla #SummerSchool #Achill #Mayo @topfans
POPULAR MAYO MUSICIAN NAMED ARTIST IN RESIDENCE FOR SCOIL SAMHRAIDH SCOIL ACLA 2025 🎼 “I’m honoured to be named Artist in Residence at Scoil Acla 2025. This summer school has played a huge part in my life since John ‘Twin’ McNamara first invited me to teach here back in 1987. Over nearly four decades, I’ve shared unforgettable weeks on Achill and had the privilege of teaching alongside some of the finest musicians and tutors in the country." - Tom Doherty Read our Full Press Release on our website www.scoilacla.ie #ScoilAcla25 #40thAnniversary #Ceol #Music #Tradition #ScoilAcla #SummerSchool #Achill #Mayo @topfans
1 week ago
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🌟 Calling all Scoil Acla alumni, locals and friends! 🌟

We’re building a digital archive to preserve the history, memories and stories of Scoil Acla — and we need your help! 📸🎥

Got any old photos, videos, or memories from Scoil Acla? Whether you were a student, tutor or part of the community, we’d love to see your contributions! 🤩

👉 Send your photos and videos to info@scoilacla.ie and help us keep these precious moments alive for generations to come!

#ScoilAcla25 #40thAnniversary #Ceol #Archive
🌟 Calling all Scoil Acla alumni, locals and friends! 🌟 We’re building a digital archive to preserve the history, memories and stories of Scoil Acla — and we need your help! 📸🎥 Got any old photos, videos, or memories from Scoil Acla? Whether you were a student, tutor or part of the community, we’d love to see your contributions! 🤩 👉 Send your photos and videos to info@scoilacla.ie and help us keep these precious moments alive for generations to come! #ScoilAcla25 #40thAnniversary #Ceol #Archive
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
2/4
🎉 Happy 90th Birthday to John Twin McNamara! 🎉

From all of us at Scoil Acla, go raibh míle maith agat John for a lifetime of cultural richness, inspiration and dedication.

Breithlá shona - Go maire tú an chéad! 💚🎶
🎉 Happy 90th Birthday to John Twin McNamara! 🎉 From all of us at Scoil Acla, go raibh míle maith agat John for a lifetime of cultural richness, inspiration and dedication. Breithlá shona - Go maire tú an chéad! 💚🎶
2 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
3/4
Over 100 tickets already sold for @sharonshannonmusic's opening night concert for our 2025 Summer School! Book today to avoid disappointment! 🎟 #ScoilAcla25
Over 100 tickets already sold for @sharonshannonmusic's opening night concert for our 2025 Summer School! Book today to avoid disappointment! 🎟 #ScoilAcla25
3 weeks ago
View on Instagram |
4/4