You can travel across Achill with an instrument in its case, or simply with a desire to listen. At Scoil Acla, both ways of arriving have their place. The summer school brings musicians, students and visitors together around a repertoire learned by playing with others. The Irish language, singing and dancing also have their place: all are ways of discovering what the island passes on from one generation to the next.
The project grew out of a local branch of the Gaelic League, named in honour of Gráinne Mhaol. Emily Weddall was among those who helped establish the first school. From 1910 onwards, the idea was to create a place for teaching Irish and keeping music, singing and dancing alive. Relaunched in 1985, Scoil Acla continues this work today as a branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann, with activities that extend beyond the summer week alone.
What sets Scoil Acla apart from a concert festival is the time devoted to learning. People come to work on an instrument, try out a new practice or hear musicians whose lessons they can also attend. Gaeilg Acla, the Irish of Achill, gives this transmission a local character. Even visitors who do not speak the language can get a first taste at a session: you can sit and listen to how the musicians pick up a tune, link melodies together and adjust their playing to one another.
The organiser has announced the summer school from Sunday 25 to Friday 30 July 2027 on Achill Island, in County Mayo. Classes, concerts and recitals are part of the usual format. The teachers, venues and 2027 enrolments have yet to be confirmed. The festival app still contains details from 2026, including John Lynch and the Mulcahy family: these names give an idea of the event, but they are not the line-up for 2027.
If you would like to attend a class, check the required level, the length of the enrolment period and whether you need to bring your instrument. If you are stopping on Achill for a day or two, a concert or recital is easier to fit in than a course lasting several days. Check the official Scoil Acla website before finalising your itinerary: the association’s address in Cashel does not apply to every session. When travelling with family, start with an event open to the public and check its duration before booking.
Essential information to help you plan your visit, including key landmarks, access information, and booking options.
Achill Island, comté de Mayo ; association basée à Cashel, lieux des séances à confirmer, Achill Island, County Mayo, Republic of Ireland, Tourist sites in Ireland
