In Ireland, they happen as naturally as the rain. Pubs are packed, musicians arm themselves, up pop the dancers, and the party is on.

The very same sort of whirling, merry scene, called a Ceili, has been successfully recreated in Guelph over a number of years, says Eva McCauley, musician, painter, and founder/director of the Riverside Celtic College. The annual St. Patrick’s Day Ceili is coming up Sunday, March 13, upstairs at the Albion Hotel.

McCauley said the close, limestone-walled atmosphere of the pub is as close to an authentic Irish pub as it gets in these parts. Expect that space to be packed and fierce with Irish music and dance come Sunday night. The music begins at 7:30 p.m. and runs until 10:30 p.m.