Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch · Greater Boston
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann Boston is a non-profit branch keeping the living tradition of Ireland alive — through sessions, céilís, dancing, our ceili band and the CCÉ Boston Music School.
About the branch
Founded in Boston in 1975, the Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch of Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann has grown into one of the largest branches in North America — a community of musicians, dancers, teachers and patrons dedicated to preserving the traditions of Ireland.
From monthly sessions and céilís to set dancing, our ceili band, Irish language classes and the CCÉ Boston Music School, there's a place here for everyone who loves the tradition — whatever your age or ability.
The full living tradition of Ireland, kept alive and shared week in, week out.
A céad míle fáilte to all — members, learners, dancers and supporters alike.
A volunteer-led 501(c)(3) organisation devoted to the tradition, not to profit.
What we do
Music, dance, language and friendship — all year round. Here's how you can take part.
Monthly traditional music and dance sessions at the Canadian-American Hall in Watertown.
Learn moreWeekly set and ceili dance classes across the city — all abilities, no partner needed.
Learn moreThe pride of the branch, performing for functions across Massachusetts and beyond.
Learn moreGroup lessons in traditional Irish music for children, teens and adults, at every level.
Learn moreIrish language classes in partnership with Cumann na Gaeilge, the Irish society of Boston.
Learn moreJoin a warm, welcoming community dedicated to keeping the tradition alive.
Learn more
Learn to play
Our world-class faculty of professional Irish musicians teaches group classes for all ages and levels — in person in Medford (Mondays) and Milton (Wednesdays), and online over Zoom on Saturday mornings.
What's on
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Canadian-American Hall · 202 Arlington Street, Watertown, MA 02472
We open the 2026–27 season with an afternoon of traditional Irish music and dancing. Coffee, tea and breads served — members enjoy discounted admission.
3:00 PM – 7:00 PM
Canadian-American Hall · 202 Arlington Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Our second seisiún of the season — traditional Irish music and dancing on the fourth Sunday afternoon. All welcome.
7:30 PM
Canadian-American Hall · 202 Arlington Street, Watertown, MA 02472
Set and ceili dance workshops return for the season, taught by Barbara Boyd. All levels welcome, from first steps to seasoned dancers.
Membership is open to all who love Irish music, dance and culture. Join us today.
Our community
" The teachers are wonderful — patient, encouraging and steeped in the tradition. I came in barely able to hold a fiddle and now I'm playing tunes at the sessions. "
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Fiddle student, Medford
" My kids look forward to class every week. It's far more than music lessons — they've found a community and a real connection to their Irish heritage. "
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Parent of two young musicians
" I joined the Saturday Zoom class from out of state and never once felt left out. It genuinely feels like sitting in a room full of friends playing tunes together. "
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Adult beginner, online class
The branch is hosting masterclass workshops with exceptional visiting musicians and tutors from Ireland, covering fiddle, banjo, accordion and concertina.
The February newsletter is out, with branch activities, upcoming céilís and items of interest to members — delivered by post or email.
Fall class times are set, with in-person classes in Medford and Milton and online Zoom classes on Saturday mornings.
Hall of Fame
Our branch is named for three towering figures of the tradition whose legacy we carry forward.
1932 – 2012
A founding member and Chairman of the Boston branch from 1975 until his death in 2012, Larry led the beloved sessions at the Green Briar in Brighton. Inducted into the Northeast Regional Hall of Fame in 2002, the branch was rededicated in his honour as the Reynolds-Hanafin-Cooley Branch.
d. 1970
Of Miltown, Co. Kerry, Michael was among the finest traditional fiddlers of his generation and one of the first recorded in the early phonograph era. A powerful influence on Irish music in Boston, he was inducted into the Northeast Regional Hall of Fame in 2004.
1924 – 1973
From Peterswell, Co. Galway, Joe Cooley was one of the most revered button accordion players in Irish traditional music. He made his home in the United States in 1954, and his playing continues to inspire musicians the world over.
Become a member, come to a session, or get in touch — the tradition is waiting for you.
