Best Places To Watch Irish Dancing In Chicago

By Lauren Wulf

St. Patrick's Day is upon us. 'Tis the season for all things festive and green. Whether you're looking to learn the great tradition of Irish dance or just take in a performance on St. Patrick's Day, here's a list of some of the best dance schools and performers in Chicago.

Trinity Irish Dancers is one of the most well-known and largest Irish dance schools in Chicagoland. Schools are located in Lakeview, Northwest Chicago, Downers Grove, Elmhurst, Palatine, Western Springs & Wisconsin. See performances throughout the year and St. Patrick's Day. Check their website for the latest events.

The Sheila Tully Academy Of Irish Dance was founded more than 48 years ago by Sheila Tully Driscoll. Based in Glenview, classes and performances are also held at satellite locations throughout Chicago. To see a St. Patrick's Day performance, visit their website.

The McNulty School Of Irish Dance, has 19 locations from Arlington Heights to Westchester. The McNulty Dance Performing Troupe has additional performances and workshops held throughout the city and suburbs. Performances can been found on their website.

The Dennehy School Of Irish Dance has been performing and teaching in Chicagoland for over 50 years. With such famed students such as Michael Flatley (Riverdance, Lord Of The Dance), founders Dennis and Marge Dennehy were inducted into the North American Feis Committee Hall Of Fame. Check their website for upcoming St. Patrick's Day performances.

The Irish American Heritage Center is known as the authority on all traditions, events and Irish American history. Various classes are held at the center throughout the year and St. Patrick's Day. Several Irish Dance schools and organizations perform and practice at the IACH. Performers and schools are listed below. For a full list visit their website.

• Mulhern School Of Irish Dance
• O'Hare School Of Irish Dance
• Trinity Academy Of Irish Dance
• Sean Nos Dancing Lessons
• Francis O'Neil Club
• Set Dance Instruction is also available every Tuesday

Lauren Wulf, CBS Chicago

Lauren Wulf writes about living in Chicago on a budget on her website, A Poor Girl's Guide Chicago.