Hooley

Hooley is a term used in Irish culture to denote a lively social gathering, often featuring traditional music, singing, and dancing. A hooley is typically informal and held in a home, pub, or community space, sometimes lasting several hours. The word has several spellings, including hoolie, hooley, and hoo-lie, with regional variations in pronunciation and usage.

Origin and context: Hooley derives from Irish vernacular usage and is tied to social music-making traditions such as informal sessions and dances. In Ireland and among the Irish diaspora, hooleys are common as casual gatherings for celebrations, holidays, or weekend socializing. They are often participatory, inviting guests to perform or join in.

Surnames and toponymy: Hooley is also a surname of English origin. It is borne by individuals and families in various countries, and the name may appear in genealogical records. The term can also appear as a component of place names in some English-speaking regions.

See also: hoolie, ceilidh, Irish traditional music sessions.