Calendar of Events
Our list of what's going on in the Maryland Irish set and ceili dance scene, plus a little more.
Birthdays A Week Around Today:
Liz W, Clare C
On Thursday September 24: GWCC teaches Irish Set and Ceili dancing on Thursdays from September 17 until December 10. Instructor: Ann Marie Breheny.
Friday September 25: Lots of music, dance, highland games, food, drink and more in Bethlehem, PA at the festival. It historically attracts over 200,000 visitors to downtown Historic Bethlehem.- On Sunday September 27: Ceili with live music by the Rambling House Band: Tina Eck, Joe DeZarn,
Jesse Winch, Zan McLeod.
Monday September 28: RKIDs' eating-out social: lunch at the Atlantic Grille. Reservations are necessary.
Tuesday September 29: Annual membership meeting. Please attend, learn about the state of the organization and voice your views. The meeting will be followed by our Fall class.
Saturday October 3: RKIDs' First Saturday brunch social
On Saturday October 3: Emerald Isle Club ceili. Music by: Peter Fitzgerald and the J. Patrick’s All Stars.
Quick Steps
Marilyn and Obie again opened their doors to the RKIDs to host the annual Labor Day party. 43 came to sample great food, sing songs, talk about what they did over the summer, and just plain enjoy one another's company.
The Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers is proud to acknowledge receipt of this citation from the Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, for our 35th anniversary (dated for March 17, 2026):
Recipe O'The Week
Drawn from our book of over 250 assorted recipes, here's one for you to try, along with more to sample!
If you'd like to join us but aren't interested in going to dance class, download our annual membership form below. Please fill in the first page and mail it to us with a check for your dues. But ... if you want to join either of our two semesters of classes, offered during the Fall and Winter/Spring seasons, complete the entire form and bring it to class for registration. Thank you! More about membership and classes.
F O R M
Dances for the Fall 2026 Semester
| Main Class | |
|---|---|
 | Haymaker's Jig  video |
| Merchant video |
| Waltz Cotillion |
| Sweets of May video |
| High Cauled Cap video | |
| Rinkinstown video |
Book Discussions
Every member who is interested in participating may sign up for this group. Contact Sonja via her email as listed in our membership directory. Discussion sessions will be conducted via Zoom on designated Wednesdays; see our events calendar. Registrants will get an email from Tom O. with connection instructions shortly before each discussion date. Sometimes there will also be an outline of ideas to talk about. You have to acquire the books on your own.
Upcoming Readings and Viewings (click here)
| This Is Happiness | |
|---|---|
| Author: Niall Williams | |
| Date: | Wednesday October 28, 2026 |
| Time: | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
| Place: | Zoom - 7:00 PM Socializing 7:15 PM Book Discussion starts |
 | A profound and enchanting novel set in the rural Irish village of Faha, from bestselling Time of the Child author Niall Williams, about the loves of our lives and the joys of reminiscing. |
| Contact: | Sonja |
| Diary Of A Young Naturalist | |
| Author: Dara McAnulty | |
| Date: | Wednesday November 18, 2026 |
| Time: | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
| Place: | Zoom - 7:00 PM Socializing 7:15 PM Book Discussion starts |
 | From Dara McAnulty, a globally renowned figure in the youth climate activist movement, comes a memoir about loving the natural world and fighting to save it. |
| Contact: | Sonja |
| Small Things Like These | |
| Author: Claire Keegan | |
| Date: | Wednesday December 16, 2026 |
| Time: | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
| Place: | Zoom - 7:00 PM Socializing 7:15 PM Book Discussion starts |
 | It is 1985, in an Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, faces into his busiest season. As he does the rounds, he feels the past rising up to meet him - and encounters the complicit silences of a people controlled by the Church. |
| Contact: | Sonja |
Going beyond the discussion list, here are some books our club members recommend.
Our 35th Anniversary Celebration
Marking thirty-five years as an Irish dance organization and more, nearly 60 members and guests came out to celebrate. There was a mix of games, memorabilia, an expansive buffet, singing and dancing, and a huge cake to mark the happy occasion. More details and a couple of videos of the action are here.
