The Ultimate Irish Dance Feis Checklist
From shoes and socks to safety pins and snacks, here's a handy checklist to help you arrive at your next feis fully prepared.
One of the easiest ways to reduce competition-day stress is to pack your feis bag the night before.
Most experienced Irish dance families have forgotten something at least once, whether it's a number holder, spare socks or even a shoe! Having a checklist can help make sure nothing important gets left behind.
Use this guide as a starting point and add your own essentials as you gain experience.
Dance Essentials
☐ Pumps
☐ Jig shoes
☐ Shoe buckles (if required)
☐ Poodle socks or tights
☐ Competition number holder, safety pins or number clip
☐ Irish dance dress or first feis costume
☐ Dress underwear or dance briefs
Hair & Appearance
☐ Wig
☐ Hairpins
☐ Hairbands
☐ Hair brush
☐ Hair spray
☐ Tiara or headpiece (if worn)
☐ Brooches or dress accessories (if worn)
☐ Make-up (where appropriate)
Shoe & Performance Kit
☐ White tape
☐ Black tape
☐ Sock glue
☐ Get A Grip spray
☐ Shoe elastics (if used)
☐ Spare pump laces
☐ Spare shoe buckles
Emergency Kit
☐ Safety pins
☐ Plasters
☐ Small first aid kit
☐ Pain relief medication (if required)
☐ Tissues
☐ Wet wipes
Food & Drinks
☐ Water bottle
☐ Sports drink (if preferred)
☐ Snacks
☐ Packed lunch (for longer competitions)
Competition days can be long, particularly at major championships, so it is worth bringing enough food and drink to last the day.
Between Competitions
☐ Hoodie, tracksuit or warm clothing
☐ Comfortable footwear
☐ Phone charger or power bank
☐ Book, puzzles or entertainment for younger dancers
☐ Blanket or cushion for long days
Feiseanna often involve periods of waiting between rounds, so a few comfort items can make the day much more enjoyable.
Event Information
☐ Competition timetable
☐ Entry confirmation
☐ Directions to the venue
☐ Hotel details (if staying overnight)
☐ Emergency contact numbers
Optional Extras
☐ Camera
☐ Feis book or results notebook
☐ Notebook and pen
☐ Spare shopping bag
☐ Small sewing kit
☐ Stain remover wipes
These aren't essential, but many experienced dance parents keep them in their feis bag just in case.
Build Your Own Checklist
Every Irish dance family develops their own competition-day routine over time.
Some dancers never travel without a lucky hair clip. Others always pack extra socks, spare tights or a portable phone charger.
Use this checklist as a starting point and adapt it to suit your own needs.
Most importantly, don't worry if you forget something occasionally. Every experienced Irish dance family has been there!
What Have We Missed?
What is the one item you always keep in your feis bag?
Share your tips and help new dancers and their families arrive at their next feis feeling prepared and confident.