Set Dancing Ceili with Micheal Sexton - Miltown Malbay

A set dancing ceili with musician Micheal Sexton takes place at Miltown Malbay Community Hall on Sunday 12 July 2026 - the closing day of Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy, the world-famous traditional music summer school that draws players, dancers and listeners to this West Clare town every July. The timing makes it one of the most charged nights of the week: the town has been full of music for nine days, the classes have finished, and the community hall fills with people who have been on their feet dancing since Monday. If you have never tried set dancing, a ceili like this is as good an entry point as exists in Ireland - the sets are called out, the pace is sociable rather than competitive, and the music carries you through.

What to expect

Micheal Sexton provides the music for an evening of traditional set dancing from 8pm to 11pm. Sets danced at Miltown Malbay ceilidhs during Willie Clancy week typically include Clare favourites alongside well-known national sets - the Boyne, the Claddagh, the Valentia - as well as lancers and polkas. The community hall is a proper dancing space, nothing fancy, exactly the right size for an evening of this kind. The ceili is organised by Miltown Malbay Set Dancing, a local group that runs regular events at the hall through the year; this July date is one of the highlights of their calendar. Beginners are welcome - the atmosphere at Willie Clancy week ceilidhs is warm and inclusive, and you will not be left sitting on the wall for long.

Getting there

Miltown Malbay is about 35km west of Ennis on the N67, the coastal road that runs through Kilmihil and Mullagh. From Limerick, allow roughly an hour by road via the N18 and N85. From Galway, take the N18 south to Ennis and then the N67 west - around 90 minutes. There is no rail connection to Miltown Malbay itself; Bus Eireann serves the town on the 350 route from Ennis, though evening return times are limited during the festival period, so check ahead. Driving is the most practical option for most visitors. Parking is available on the main street and the surrounding roads; expect the town to be busy all week.

While you’re in Miltown Malbay

During Willie Clancy week the whole town is effectively one continuous session - pubs, doorsteps, the square - and arriving on the Sunday gives you the closing atmosphere, which is something to experience in itself. There is more to see in Miltown Malbay and across Co. Clare.

Good to know

• Date: Sunday 12 July 2026, 8:00pm to 11:00pm
• Admission: €15
• Contact: Bill Lynch at 087 939 3357 or setsie@me.com for further information
• Coincides with the final day of Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 2026 (4-12 July)
• No booking required - pay on the door