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Irish Dance Trivia Quiz

Here are some questions for the Irish dancer funtrivia.com players!

A multiple-choice quiz by teash. Estimated time: 3 mins.

Author
teash

Time
3 mins

Type
Multiple Choice

Quiz #
226,678

Updated
May 22 22

# Qns
10

Difficulty
Average

Avg Score
6 / 10

Plays
935

Last 3 plays: Guest 213 (8/10), Guest 85 (9/10), Guest 73 (6/10).

One at a Time - Single Page - Timed Game

1. What is NOT a term to describe Irish dance shoes used to perform a slip jig? Hint

light shoes

jig shoes

ghillies

pumps

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2. What is not a term to describe Irish dance shoes used to perform a hornpipe? Hint

clogs

hard shoes

heavy shoes

jig shoes

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3. Which of the following is not a traditional set dance? Hint

St. Patrick's Day

The Blackbird

Garden of Daisies

The CharLady

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4. Which of the following is not a type of Irish dance? Hint

square dance

set dance

ceili dance

figure dance

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5. In which city in Ireland have the World Championships of Irish Dancing been held most often? Hint

Killarney, County Kerry

Dublin

Glasgow

Miltown Malbay, County Clare

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6. In which year were the World Championships of Irish Dancing cancelled due to an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in Ireland? Hint

1999

2002

2001

2000

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7. What is the dress called which is worn by Irish dancers at the highest level of competition? Hint

school dress

one-off dress

solo dress

gavinesse dress

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8. What is a regional competition called, where dancers can qualify for major, international Irish dance competitions such as World or North American Championships? Hint

Fleadh

Ceili

Oireachtas

Feiseanna

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9. Which ancient manuscript is the source for many of the Celtic designs used in Irish dance costumes? Hint

Book of Kells

Book of Armagh

Book of Kent

Book of Kerry

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10. What North American has contributed the most to the promotion of Irish dancing in the world due to the popularity of "Riverdance"? Hint

Michael Flatley

Dennis Dennehy

Donny Golden

Peter Smith

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Most Recent Scores

May 21 2025 : Guest 213: 8/10
May 20 2025 : Guest 85: 9/10
May 18 2025 : Guest 73: 6/10
May 11 2025 : Guest 142: 5/10
May 11 2025 : Guest 51: 8/10
May 09 2025 : Guest 172: 7/10
May 08 2025 : Guest 172: 7/10
May 07 2025 : Guest 172: 7/10
May 07 2025 : Guest 24: 6/10

Score Distribution

Quiz Answer Key and Fun Facts

1. What is NOT a term to describe Irish dance shoes used to perform a slip jig?

Answer: jig shoes

Irish dance shoes for light dancing (reels, light jigs, slip jigs) are made of soft, black leather. They resemble ballet shoes, but with a criss-cross lacing pattern. The shoe must fit very snuggly so the dancer can show off arching of the foot during the dance.

2. What is not a term to describe Irish dance shoes used to perform a hornpipe?

Answer: clogs

The shoes used to perform hard shoe dances have evolved over the years and now include hi-tech, fiberglass tips for better sound. Some dancers wear fancy buckles on the shoes.

3. Which of the following is not a traditional set dance?

Answer: The CharLady

The traditional sets are all very old tunes and were a part of early Irish dance history. These are usually performed at fast tempos.

The CharLady is a set dance, but not a traditional one - it was composed in 2010 by Michael Fitspatrick.

4. Which of the following is not a type of Irish dance?

Answer: square dance

Although it originated in 17th century England, the square dance also became popular as an American country dance, which is believed to have originated from Irish ceili dancing brought over by Irish immigrants.

5. In which city in Ireland have the World Championships of Irish Dancing been held most often?

Answer: Dublin

For the first ten years of the Oireachtas Rince na Cruinne, the event was held in Dublin. After that, it has been held in different cities around the world - including a couple of times in the USA.

6. In which year were the World Championships of Irish Dancing cancelled due to an outbreak of Foot and Mouth disease in Ireland?

Answer: 2001

All qualifiers from the cancelled 2001 event (including my daughter), were allowed to compete in the 2002 World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

7. What is the dress called which is worn by Irish dancers at the highest level of competition?

Answer: solo dress

The solo dress is made from elaborate materials and each one is unique. Usually reserved for the highest levels of competition, a dancer is sometimes recognized by her dress since they are all unique. The solo dress is very expensive and there is a huge second-hand market for out-grown dresses.

8. What is a regional competition called, where dancers can qualify for major, international Irish dance competitions such as World or North American Championships?

Answer: Oireachtas

Oireachtas, which is pronounced "or-oc-tass", is a huge competition. In North America, they are separated by region. There are formulas which are used to compute the qualifiers for World and North American championships.

9. Which ancient manuscript is the source for many of the Celtic designs used in Irish dance costumes?

Answer: Book of Kells

"The Book of Kells" is from the mid-eighth century. It is currently on display at Trinity College Library in Dublin, Ireland.

10. What North American has contributed the most to the promotion of Irish dancing in the world due to the popularity of "Riverdance"?

Answer: Michael Flatley

Michael Flatley has definitely had the most influence in the popularity of Irish dancing through "Riverdance" and "Lord of the Dance". The other fellows listed are also North American Irish dance masters and have been quite instrumental in their own right! Michael Flatley is also a fabulous flute player!

Source: Author teash

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