PaddyI'm not sure of the details of the Ballyboughal session - though the pub is probably O'Connors. There's also a monthly session in Howth (just outside Dublin, accessible by rail) in the Pier House Bar.
And yes - that's P.J. Mind you, I suspect he'll not think much of the "USED to be on the radio" bit! Still at it on Clare FM at least, as far as I know.
Regards
p.s. Oh, yes.. Mayes is at the junction of North Frederick Street and Dorset Street. Used to be called Maguires. When I went to the first session there a few weeks ago, it brought back memories. The last time I was there was as a student over 30 years ago. It was the first and only time I was served a sandwich in kit form - two large slices of bread, ham, a dollop of butter and a knife!
For years, the Góilín specialised in pubs which were about to be demolished - either for renovation or for road clearances. They always seemed to have a quiet room upstairs that suited our purposes. now that Dublin ahs run out of derelict pubs - they're all transformed into cafe-bars - they've moved upmarket and, worse still, across the Liffey! Some regulars are a bit nervous about this and can be seen slinking along by the railings in case anyone sees them.
Joking apart, Mayes is a fine pub, the room is very suitable and staff are very hospitable.