New York City Irish Dance Festival 2024 to feature World Champion and Irish language TikTok sensation

A former World Champion Irish dancer is heading up the New York City Irish Dance Festival 2024. Irish dance and music, talks, performances, and workshops will take center stage at Pier I on the Hudson River on Sunday, May 5.

The 23rd annual celebration of Irish dance features traditional and contemporary moves from notable professional and student talent across the region including the well-known former All-Ireland dancer from Dublin , Niall O'Leary.

The world-renowned Niall O’Leary School of Irish Dance , the largest Irish dance school in New York City , has been training champions since 1995 and currently has locations in New York City, Philadelphia , Miami, Florida , and Mexico.

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Niall previously told IrishStar.com : " Irish dancing is in a good place artistically right now. Lots of people are passionate about it and the culture is spreading.

"We're seeing Irish dancing take off in places like Ohio and Washington which, before Riverdance , would be unheard of. There have certainly been various distractions over the years... but we're all moving with it.

"People are challenging each other to be innovative. It's an exciting time to be part of Irish dancing. The passion on display... shows how much Irish dancing has really captured people's hearts and imaginations across the world."

Niall O'Leary School of Irish Dance and Niall O'Leary Irish Dance Troupe will perform at the festival alongside Darrah Carr Dance, McGough Academy of Irish Dance , and Kahiry Bess.

Live music will come from Dan Foster (fiddle), Colin Forhan (guitar, banjo), Kieran McCarthy Fell (flute, whistle), while those looking to practice Gaeilge will be delighted to hear Vivienne O'Sayers Callaghan, the 22-year-old Irish language TikTok sensation from Co Cork , will be hosting a Pop-Up Gaeltacht. A lively céilí will round off the event.

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Admission is free and the festival will be held rain, hail or sunshine. For more information, please click here .

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