Aeríochts are concerts featuring traditional Irish music and dance, frequently held outdoors. Aeríochts are different from Feisseana and Céilís because Aeriochts have an educational component, like incorporation of the Irish-language. The Gaelic League often hosted Aeríochts during the 1920’s in Ireland, and simultaneously Aeríochts began to be held in New Rochelle, Westchester County.
The New Rochelle Aeríocht began in earnest in 1948, hosted annually at Iona College by the Council of Gaelic Societies. The event was dedicated to the rebels who led the Easter Rising of 1916, several of whom visited New Rochelle in 1914. The New Rochelle Aeríocht continued for about thirty years, featuring competitions in Gaelic football, hurling, bagpiping, Irish dancing, and Irish language elocution. At nearby Fordham University, an annual Feis was held from 1932-1957, which also featured Irish sports, dancing, and musical competitions organized by the United Irish Counties Association of NY.
In 2019, students and alumni of Iona College re-established the Aeríocht, sponsored initially by AOH Division 17. In 2021 they were joined by students and alumni of Fordham University, and this year the Aeríocht has moved to Woodlawn, the most Irish neighborhood in New York, rebranded as the New York/Nua Eabhrac Aeríocht, and hosted by one of New York’s premier Irish-American institutions, the Rambling House – located at 4292 Katonah Avenue. The Aeríocht features a unique collaboration between traditional Irish musicians, and alumni of the Iona University Pipe Band and Irish Dance team, Pelham Regional Pipe Band, and Slainté Fordham Irish Dance.
We invite one and all to join us for this celebration of our Irish culture, made possible by the financial contributions of our sponsors and by the talents of our friends in the pipe bands, ceili bands, and dance groups that perform at this event. Businesses and individuals interested in sponsoring this event should reach out to Aeríocht Committee Secretary James McGlashin at jmcglashin1@gmail.com. The contributions sponsors make help us host this event, and the Aeríocht proceeds benefit the performing organizations. Suggested donation at the door is $10, or payable by Venmo to AOH17NY. You can pick up 50/50s and admission tickets at Rambling House. The event is from 8pm-11pm. Bígí Linn!
