Originally, a ceilidh was a social gathering of any sort, and did not necessarily involve dancing.

In more recent decades, the dancing portion of the event has usurped the older meanings of the term, though the tradition of guests performing music, song, story telling and poetry still persists in some areas.

Ceilidhs were originally hosted by a fear-an-tigh, meaning "man of the house". This is still the form in Ireland, though otherwise in modern ceilidhs the host is usually referred to more simply as Host or Master of Ceremonies.

Headed up by Irish producer and DJ Ceili, Ceili Collective is a label which supports emerging talent from the emerald isle.