I just got back from Clare and Galway. Yes, I second Greycap's motion! Ennis is a beautiful town, full of great music. Fiddler and bouzouki player Eionn (Owen) O'Neill hosts an open session at May Kearney's pub on Wednesday nights. Cruise's pub is another fine one for music, and they serve very good food. Ennis is full of pubs with traditional music.Check into Custy's Traditional Music Shop on Francis Street. They will tell you who's playing where. B&B's average 35 Euros a night, including breakfast. I recommend Laurel Lodge in Ennis. Quiet, comfortable, and a very friendly couple who run it. Tel: (065) 6821560.

In Galway, Tis Coili, The Crane, and Taafe's are where to hear sessions. Wednesday nights The Crane holds a "listener's club," where gigs are held for around 7.50 Euros. No bar talk, as the performers are given center stage. After the performance there's a session, where everything's back to the normal talking.

Your within an up to an hour's drive to Ennistymon, Lahinch, Bunratty Castle (about 1/2 hr), the Cliffs of Moher and a good day trip to the Burren and Connemara, incredibly beautiful country. Happy trails!

Chanteyranger