Craft Shop, cultural demonstrations, museum, concerts and ceilidhs at the Gaelic College

Craft Shop, cultural demonstrations, museum, concerts and ceilidhs at the Gaelic College
Open Gallery

St. Ann's Bay & North Shore

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Trip Advisor Rating 4.5

Based on 101 Reviews

About

The Craft Shop at Colaisde na Gàidhlig is your first stop when visiting our campus in St. Ann’s. Be sure to make room for a visit next time you’re in the area as it’s a haven for true gems and treasures. Home to great variety, the Craft Shop specializes in Celtic jewelry, Gaelic language and music books, local and regional CDs and DVDs, as well as a vast selection of handcrafted items like pottery, woodcarvings, stained glass, clothing, greeting cards, and books from Cape Breton and surrounding areas.

  • Open May 15 – October 20 with days and hours varying

We are your one-stop-shop for specialty items, like stunning hand-woven wear, custom-made tartan clothing and accessories, and our gorgeous collection of newly released capes, all made on-site at the College.

The Great Hall of the Clans is the home of your cultural experiences on campus. With an interactive museum, you will discover the ancient history of the settlers to this area from the Highlands of Scotland, along with an exploration of the traditions still living today. The Rev. Norman Macleod Exhibit takes you on a journey around the world, from Scotland to St. Ann’s and later on to Waipu, New Zealand. A fascinating tale, it interprets the life of the man, and the preacher, allowing each visitor to know the history and experience one of the most remarkable migrations in history.

  • Open June 5 – October 6, 2023
  • Monday to Friday only
  • 9am – 4:30pm
  • Adults: $10  |  Youth: (12 and under) $8  |  Family: (2 adults, 2 children) $25

Get a first-hand look at the living traditions of Nova Scotia Gaels with our cultural demonstrations. Witness the construction of a great kilt, learn some Gaelic words and a song during a milling frolic, tap your toes to some traditional Cape Breton music, and watch our master weaver create one-of-a-kind pieces at the loom. (no weaving demo for Sept/Oct)

  • Running June 26 – October 6, 2023
  • Monday to Friday, beginning at 10:30am
  • Free with admission

Ceilidhs and concerts are offered throughout the year, with lunchtime ceilidhs occurring during KitchenFest! (June 30-July 8) and then again July 31 – September 1, 2023.

  • Lunchtime Ceilidhs: Monday to Friday  |  Admission: $20 
  • Wednesday Night Ceilidhs: Wednesdays  |  7:30pm  |  Admission: $15 as of July, 2023

Visa, MasterCard, American Express, Debit, and cash are accepted.

Bus tours are welcome.

Location & Contact

51779 Cabot Trail, St. Ann's, Nova Scotia

Social Media

Locals Know Blog

Ashley George’s Ski Adventure at Cape Smokey

Cape Smokey offers a ski experience that’s both easy to reach and impossible to forget. A short, two-hour flight from Toronto lands you right on Cape Breton Island, where you’ll find incredible coastal scenery, fresh powder,...

3 Minute Read

7 Birds to Discover on Cape Breton Island

Birding can provide an escape, the thrill of 'hunting' and a chance to see some of nature's most impressive species. It's fair to say we can all use an escape right now, so let me take...

3 Minute Read

Why the Celtic Colours International Festival is a “Don’t-Miss” Event

As autumn's vibrant hues cover Cape Breton Island's hills and coastlines, one event captures the season’s essence perfectly: the Celtic Colours International Festival. Held each October, this renowned festival blends music, culture and natural beauty.

3 Minute Read