Irish Traditional Music and Dance

This degree, offered through the Irish World Academy of Music and Dance at the University of Limerick, immerses you in Irish traditional music and dance as both a performing art and a living cultural tradition. You develop advanced performance skills on your principal instrument or in dance, while also studying the history, theory, and ethnomusicology of Irish traditional arts. Modules cover sean-nós song, lilting, regional styles, and ensemble playing alongside academic research methods. Practical sessions, studio rehearsals, and performance workshops form a large part of your weekly timetable, and you engage regularly with Ireland's vibrant festival circuit, including Fleadh Cheoil events and community sessions. Erasmus and international exchange opportunities allow you to explore related folk and world music traditions abroad.

Entry typically requires the Leaving Certificate with a minimum of six subjects, including English at Ordinary level or above, and most successful applicants hold a mix of Higher and Ordinary level passes meeting the minimum points threshold. There are no mandatory Higher-level science or Maths requirements, though strong results across your subjects are expected. CAO points for this programme are generally moderate, but an audition is a compulsory part of the admissions process and carries significant weight alongside your academic results. QQI Level 5 or 6 FET awards in music, performing arts, or a related discipline can provide a recognised progression route for applicants without the standard Leaving Certificate. Mature applicants aged 23 or over may apply through the mature student entry route and will also be required to audition. HEAR and DARE supplementary admissions schemes are available for eligible applicants from socioeconomically disadvantaged backgrounds or with disabilities.

Demand for skilled practitioners in Irish traditional music and dance remains steady, supported by strong cultural tourism, the GAA and Comhaltas networks, and growing international interest in Irish heritage. Teaching roles in second-level schools, ETB community education, and private tuition provide a reliable employment base for graduates. The professional performance sector is competitive, and most successful graduates build portfolio careers combining performance, teaching, recording, and community arts work. Funding through the Arts Council of Ireland and Creative Ireland programme continues to support traditional arts projects, offering further opportunities for graduates.