Over 2,500 dancers are set to take part in a major dance event this weekend bringing with it a nice economic boost to the town.

The 2023 An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships kicks off at the Killarney Convention Centre on Saturday (April 1).

Competitors from America, Scotland, England, Europe and all over Ireland will compete for a world title in the championships which run until April 8.

Over 39 competitions will take place over the eight days of the championships and winners will be announced every day after each competition.

The competitions are held in the INEC auditorium and The Gleneagle Ballroom for those aged nine to over 21-years-old.

The competitors will be accompanied by an entourage of organisers, teachers, adjudicators, musicians, families, friends, supporters and spectators. It's Killarney’s seventh occasion to host the championships.

The economic benefits will be felt right across Killarney’s hotels, B&Bs, restaurants, shops and many other businesses. Studies carried out between 2016 and 2019 calculated the championships were worth €12 million to the local economy.

An Chomhdháil, the organisation who run the World Irish Dance Championships, have an extensive branch network worldwide and is one of the most progressive Irish dance organisations. In 2007 it was the first to bring in the no make-up rule for girls up to and including under 12 years of age. Both male and female World Champions will be crowned across a range of age categories from under 10 through to adult.

“We are honoured to welcome the 2023 An Chomhdháil World Irish Dance Championships,” said Patrick O’ Donoghue, CEO of The Gleneagle Group. “We wish all the competitors the very best of luck and we hope everyone enjoys their stay in Killarney.”