Calendar of Events
Our list of what's going on in the Maryland Irish set and ceili dance scene, plus a little more.
Birthdays A Week Around Today:
Bill A, Maddy A
On Thursday August 20: Mini-Ceili with live music. All dances are called. 
On Sunday August 23: The Washington Folk Festival showcases the diversity of traditional music in the Washington area. 
Sunday August 30: Emerald Isle Club Popup ceili. All dances are called. Note the unusual location.
Monday September 7: It's the annual RKIDs Labor Day party! Please RSVP by August 31 with your food choice.
Tuesday September 15: Fall dance classes begin! View fees.
Quick Steps
The Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers is proud to acknowledge receipt of this citation from the Governor of Maryland, Wes Moore, for our 35th anniversary (dated for March 17, 2026):
Recipe O'The Week
Drawn from our book of over 250 assorted recipes, here's one for you to try, along with more to sample!
If you'd like to join us but aren't interested in going to dance class, download our annual membership form below. Please fill in the first page and mail it to us with a check for your dues. But ... if you want to join either of our two semesters of classes, offered during the Fall and Winter/Spring seasons, complete the entire form and bring it to class for registration. Thank you! More about membership and classes.
F O R M
Book Discussions
Every member who is interested in participating may sign up for this group. Contact Sonja via her email as listed in our membership directory. Discussion sessions will be conducted via Zoom on designated Wednesdays; see our events calendar. Registrants will get an email from Tom O. with connection instructions shortly before each discussion date. Sometimes there will also be an outline of ideas to talk about. You have to acquire the books on your own.
Upcoming Readings and Viewings (click here)
| Jewels of the Sun | |
|---|---|
| Author: Nora Roberts | |
| Date: | Wednesday September 23, 2026 |
| Time: | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
| Place: | Zoom - 7:00 PM Socializing 7:15 PM Book Discussion starts |
 | Determined to reevaluate her life, Jude Murray flees America to take refuge in Faerie Hill Cottage, immersing herself in the study of Irish folklore and discovering hope for the future of the magical past. Aidan Gallagher possesses an uncommon understanding of his country’s haunting myths. Although he’s devoted to managing the family pub, a hint of wildness still glints in his eyes—and in Jude, he sees a woman who can both soothe his heart and stir his blood. And he begins to share the legends of the land with her—while they create a passionate history of their own. |
| Contact: | Sonja |
| This Is Happiness | |
| Author: Niall Williams | |
| Date: | Wednesday October 28, 2026 |
| Time: | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
| Place: | Zoom - 7:00 PM Socializing 7:15 PM Book Discussion starts |
 | A profound and enchanting novel set in the rural Irish village of Faha, from bestselling Time of the Child author Niall Williams, about the loves of our lives and the joys of reminiscing. |
| Contact: | Sonja |
| Diary Of A Young Naturalist | |
| Author: Dara McAnulty | |
| Date: | Wednesday November 18, 2026 |
| Time: | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
| Place: | Zoom - 7:00 PM Socializing 7:15 PM Book Discussion starts |
 | From Dara McAnulty, a globally renowned figure in the youth climate activist movement, comes a memoir about loving the natural world and fighting to save it. |
| Contact: | Sonja |
| Small Things Like These | |
| Author: Claire Keegan | |
| Date: | Wednesday December 16, 2026 |
| Time: | 7:00 pm - 8:30 pm |
| Place: | Zoom - 7:00 PM Socializing 7:15 PM Book Discussion starts |
 | It is 1985, in an Irish town. During the weeks leading up to Christmas, Bill Furlong, a coal and timber merchant, faces into his busiest season. As he does the rounds, he feels the past rising up to meet him - and encounters the complicit silences of a people controlled by the Church. |
| Contact: | Sonja |
Going beyond the discussion list, here are some books our club members recommend.
Our 35th Anniversary Celebration
Marking thirty-five years as an Irish dance organization and more, nearly 60 members and guests came out to celebrate. There was a mix of games, memorabilia, an expansive buffet, singing and dancing, and a huge cake to mark the happy occasion. More details and a couple of videos of the action are here.
