A ceili or céilidh (pronounced 'kaylee') is the traditional Gaelic social dance in Ireland and Scotland. Before discos and nightclubs, there were céilidhs in most town and village halls on Friday or Saturday nights; they are still common today. Originally céilidhs facilitated courting and prospects of marriage for young people and, although discos and nightclubs have displaced céilidhs to a considerable extent, they are still an important and popular social outlet in parts of Ireland and Scotland. Céilidhs are sometimes held on a smaller scale in private or public houses.

Céilidh music is provided by any assortment of fiddle, flute, accordion, bodhrán, and in more recent times also guitar, drums and bass guitar. The music is cheerful and lively, and the basic steps can be learned easily; a short instructional session is often provided for new dancers before the start of the dance itself.