Over 65 years of excellence in Irish dance.

Our story

For over six decades, Scoil Uí Nualláin has been a pillar of Irish dance education in Limerick, shaping generations of dancers who have excelled on the world stage. Established in 1959 by the esteemed Tony & Rose Nolan, the school has built a reputation for excellence, tradition, and innovation.

From its humble beginnings in O'Connell Street, Limerick, to producing over 50 World Championship titles, Scoil Uí Nualláin is more than just a dance academy—it is a legacy in motion.

The Legacy of Tony & Rose Nolan

The foundation of Scoil Uí Nualláin was built by two visionaries—Róisín Nolan TCRG and Anthony Nolan SDCRG. Their dedication to excellence and passion for teaching shaped dancers who not only won titles but carried Irish dance across the globe. Under their leadership, Scoil Uí Nualláin became synonymous with quality instruction and a deep respect for Irish tradition.

Pioneers in Dance

In 1959, Tony & Rose Nolan founded Scoil Uí Nualláin, shaping it into one of the most respected and successful Irish dance schools in Munster and beyond. As one of the oldest schools affiliated with An Coimisiún Le Rincí Gaelacha (CLRG), their dedication to the art form saw generations of dancers rise through their ranks, bringing home numerous World Championship titles and cementing the school’s place in Irish dance history.

But their impact extended far beyond competition. Tony & Rose were true custodians of Irish dance, ensuring that it was passed down the way it was meant to be—with skill, discipline, and deep respect for tradition. Their influence shaped not just their students, but the cultural fabric of Limerick, where Scoil Uí Nualláin became a pillar of excellence, inclusivity, and community.

Passing Through Generations

Their legacy is most profoundly reflected in their children, each of whom carried their parents’ passion for Irish dance onto the world stage:

  • Daire Nolan – Internationally renowned dancer and choreographer, best known for originating the role of the "Dark Lord" in Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance. His performances captivated audiences worldwide, solidifying his status as a leading figure in Irish dance.

  • Niamh Nolan – A talented competitor and performer, Niamh contributed to multiple World Championship-winning céilí teams, further reinforcing the family's reputation for excellence in team dancing.

  • Cian Nolan – A four-time World Champion, Cian followed in his parents’ footsteps, becoming a teacher, adjudicator (ADCRG), and leader at Scoil Uí Nualláin. After performing as a lead dancer in Lord of the Dance, he returned home to teach alongside Tony & Rose, eventually stepping into their role to continue their life’s work. Today, he mentors and adjudicates dancers globally, ensuring that the Nolan family’s influence in Irish dance remains as strong as ever.

Though Tony & Rose Nolan are deeply missed, their dedication, vision, and love for Irish dance live on—through Scoil Uí Nualláin, their children, and the many dancers whose lives they touched. Their legacy is not just one of titles and trophies, but of a community built on passion, tradition, and the unwavering belief that Irish dance belongs to all who seek it.

Timeline of Tradition & Success

For over six decades, Scoil Uí Nualláin has stood as a beacon of Irish dance excellence, shaping generations of dancers from its home in Limerick City to the grand stages of the world.

Founded in 1959 by Tony & Rose Nolan, the school quickly gained a reputation for its exceptional instruction, competitive success, and deep respect for tradition. In 1970, Scoil Uí Nualláin became one of only two schools in the world to compete in the inaugural World Championships, marking the beginning of a legacy of competitive triumphs, with students securing over 50 World titles in the decades that followed.

As the school evolved, it embraced both competition and performance, with dancers appearing in Riverdance, Lord of the Dance, and international productions, further cementing its influence on the global Irish dance community.

Today, under the leadership of Cian & Ciara, Scoil Uí Nualláin continues to honor its rich heritage while embracing the future, ensuring that dancers of all levels have the opportunity to learn, grow, and carry the tradition forward for generations to come..

Scoil Uí Nualláin – A Legacy in Motion

  • 1950s – The Foundation of a Legacy

    1959 – Tony & Rose Nolan establish Scoil Uí Nualláin in Limerick City, with a vision to foster excellence in Irish dance and provide a home for dancers of all levels.

  • 1960s – The Rise of Competitive Success

    The school quickly gains recognition, producing its first national and international champions.

    Tony & Rose Nolan develop rigorous yet nurturing training methods, setting the foundation for future success.

    Students begin competing in major Irish dance competitions, solidifying the school's reputation.

  • 1970s – Making History on the World Stage

    1970 – Scoil Uí Nualláin is one of only two schools worldwide to compete in the inaugural World Championships—a tradition that continues today.

    The school gains international acclaim, with students consistently placing at the highest levels of competition.

  • 1980s – Growth, Expansion & Generational Success

    The school continues to dominate at major championships, securing numerous All-Ireland and World titles.

    The first generations of dancers trained by Tony & Rose Nolan begin teaching, furthering the school’s reach.

    A strong emphasis on performance emerges, with dancers appearing in cultural events and international festivals.

  • 1990s – A Legacy of Champions

    Scoil Uí Nualláin dancers win multiple World Championship titles, cementing the school as one of the most successful Irish dance academies in the world.

    Tony & Rose Nolan continue to shape future generations of dancers, producing some of the finest Irish dancers of the decade.

    The school embraces both competition and performance dance, allowing students to explore different pathways in Irish dance.

  • 2000s – A New Era of Innovation & Excellence

    Cian Nolan, son of Tony & Rose, emerges as one of the school’s most successful dancers, securing:

    4 World Championship titles

    7 All-Ireland titles

    North American & Great Britain titles

    Gold in Minor, Junior & Senior Céilí events

    2008 – The school further develops its performance program, with dancers appearing in major productions.

  • 2010s – The Next Generation Takes the Lead

    2012 – Cian Nolan earns his ADCRG, becoming a highly respected adjudicator and instructor.

    2019 – Ciara Sexton, a five-time World Champion & internationally acclaimed lead dancer from Riverdance & Lord of the Dance, joins Scoil Uí Nualláin, bringing unparalleled experience in performance, choreography, and education.

    The school continues to balance competition and performance, ensuring every dancer can thrive in their chosen path.

  • 2020s – Tradition & Innovation in Harmony

    Scoil Uí Nualláin expands its teaching team, welcoming renowned instructors and emerging educators.

    The school remains at the forefront of Irish dance, with students excelling in competition, performance, and professional careers.

    Community & Accessibility: The school strengthens its commitment to inclusivity introducing fundraising annually to remove financial barriers for beginner dancers.

Ciara & Cian

At the heart of Scoil Uí Nualláin stands a partnership forged in tradition, excellence, and innovation. Cian & Ciara Nolan bring together a wealth of experience in both competitive and performance Irish dance, ensuring the school remains a beacon of Irish dance education, artistry, and community.

Together, Cian & Ciara are not only husband and wife but also partners in passing down the tradition of Irish dance. As proud parents to three young boys, Rí, Culann, and Cúan, they balance family life with their commitment to shaping the next generation of dancers, ensuring Scoil Uí Nualláin remains a place where tradition thrives and the future of Irish dance shines bright..

We are the keepers of tradition and the architects of the future, ensuring that the art of Irish dance remains as vibrant and inclusive as the generations who shaped it.

Rooted in heritage yet ever evolving, we pass down the rhythms of the past while embracing innovation, welcoming dancers of all backgrounds to find their place within this timeless art form.

Whether taking their first tentative steps, striving for competitive excellence, or pursuing the path of performance, every dancer is nurtured in an environment that values community, passion, and individuality.

At our core is the belief that Irish dance is for all who seek it, and through dedication, artistry, and the pursuit of excellence, we carry the legacy forward—ensuring it thrives for generations to come.

Join the Legacy.

Whether you're taking your first steps in Irish dance, dreaming of competing at the highest level, or simply wanting to be part of an inspiring community, Scoil Uí Nualláin is the place to grow.