To Thread - Forum Home

The Mudcat Café TM
https://mudcat.org/thread.cfm?threadid=136881
39 messages

singing sessions in Ireland?

04 Apr 11 - 03:00 AM (#3128051)
Subject: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: David Ingerson

Sorry for starting a new thread but I was unable to find the one from a year or two ago that listed singing sessions throughout Ireland. I'll be visiting between 7 April and 5 May and would love to attend as many sessions as I can fit into my time there.

Go raibh mile maith agat.

Cheers,

David


04 Apr 11 - 05:19 AM (#3128088)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: NP1

http://www.goilin.com/   every Friday

http://en-gb.facebook.com/people/Howth-Singing-Circle/100000652894621
Howth singing session - first Thursday in the month - Sea Angling Club

Bray Singers' Circle
Strand Hotel
Bray, Co Wicklow.
Meets 3rd Saturday of every month (all year) at 9.30 PM sharp.

http://www.irishrochester.org/SINGERS%20WEB/singers08.htm


04 Apr 11 - 07:11 AM (#3128154)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Desi C

Best one I've been to and it's also the longest running session in Ireland is Monday night session in Cleeres Bar Parliament Street in Kilkenny,I go over to play there often, some good other sessions in the city on other week nights too and a great musical town, or as the comedian Reginald D Hunter on his first visit there caled it "it's just like Disneyland!, Disneyland for Alcoholics!" Dublin these days is sadly lacking in trad music, but O'Donohughes The Dubliners old haunt is worth a visit


04 Apr 11 - 01:36 PM (#3128395)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: Liberty Boy

I dont know where you have been, Desi C, but, there's always good music in The Cobblestone, and An Góilín is in The Teachers Club in Parnell Square every Friday night where Dave would be most welcome!


04 Apr 11 - 01:52 PM (#3128407)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Leamaneh

http://www.irishrochester.org/SINGERS%20WEB/singers10.htm

That should see you right.


05 Apr 11 - 01:03 AM (#3128718)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: David Ingerson

Thanks, all. That's a lot of useful information.

There is another list that was in a Mudcat thread a year or two ago that I had the impression of being even more complete than the Rochester list.

Wondering if anyone can identify the thread?

Cheers,

David


05 Apr 11 - 07:14 AM (#3128862)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Desi C

Well Liberty Boy, maybe I picked a bad time, last two times I've stayed in Dub were both week ends, lst time just 8 months ago. Could find nothing in central Dublin, that wasn't some kind og Hen orvtag party, 95% english folk with their usual bad manners and excessive noise. But I did ask at local bars and hotels/hostels and none could point me to anything Trad or Folk. What nights are the ones you mentioned on? will look out for them next time I go over


05 Apr 11 - 03:37 PM (#3129234)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Cap n'ella

"95% English folk with their usual bad manners and excessive noise"

Hi Desi C, have to say this seems a bit harsh and certainly not representative of (probably about 95% again) of people who attend folk clubs over here, when, as in Ireland the singer is always given the utmost respect.

I'll bet these particular English folk would have been tourists out on a bender with absolutely no appreciation of the music or the etiquette, I'm not sure that it's just an English problem though, I've certainly witnessed some pretty rowdy behaviour in Dublin pubs on past visits, maybe it's more a generational thing.

Anyway, all the best and keep on singing, it's the one thing we all love.

PS: Congratulations in the Six Nations........... ouch!


05 Apr 11 - 07:42 PM (#3129448)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,John Condon

What is your itinerary David? Some excellent sessions around but would be easier to direct you if we had some idea of where you intend travelling?


06 Apr 11 - 01:22 AM (#3129585)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: David Ingerson

Good point, John. Last year I chased after every session that was feasible, sometimes driving over a hundred miles to attend one session and getting to 7 sessions and 2 singing festivals in my four weeks. After all, I'm in Ireland only once a year; might as well go for it all.

However, I just discovered a week-long immersion class which I'd like to attend (that's language, not water), so my options are now pretty limited.

8-10 April in Creggan at the Ulster Traditional Singers Weekend
10-24 April are open
25-29 April in Ceathru Rua, immersing myself in Irish
29 April - 1 May in Carna at Feile Joe Einniu
2-5 May in southwest Antrim doing research around Bonny Portmore.

That two week open period is the one in question and I already have a bunch of ideas jostling for position: an Goilin on a Friday, the Cork singers on a Sunday, the Bray singers' club on the 3rd Saturday would fit. I'm also attracted to hiking up a significant hill: Ben Bulben and Brandon come to mind. And I have friends I'd like to see in West Cork, Clare, Galway. Yeah, that's pretty scattered and I know I'll not be able for it all.

But I'm open to new ideas and any singing sessions from the second Monday through the fourth Sunday.

Cheers,

David


06 Apr 11 - 03:58 AM (#3129637)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: Raggytash

David, whilst in Clare you may want to visit Doolin, O'Connor's from memory has frequent music,it was a bit touristy, but very good musicians for all of that. On Easter sunday afternoon there's a strong possibility that we will be in McGanns in Doolin, although we tend not to perform Irish songs/tunes when in Ireland, have fun.


06 Apr 11 - 04:02 AM (#3129640)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: Raggytash

Just another thought David, Whilst you're in Ceathru Rua, you're not from from Cleggan. On a Saturday night try Newmans Bar, Richie the landlord, is great bloke nd a fine musician, we have had some fantastic sessiosn in there, please give him my best regards if you venture there.

Cheers

Nick (formerly known as one of the "Madbuggers" he'll know who you mean


06 Apr 11 - 04:08 AM (#3129643)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: Jim Carroll

"David, whilst in Clare you may want to visit Doolin"
Health warning - Doolin is a tourist trap where visitors go to listen to themselves and other visitors - used to be wonderful when The Russels were around, but now the haunt of 12 strings and cowboy hats
Jim Carroll


06 Apr 11 - 04:50 AM (#3129657)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: harmonic miner

Cork singers club
http://homepage.eircom.net/~corcaigh/cork/corksingersclub.html

And for Trad sessions, not necessarily singing, check out www.thesession.org

Often there are tourists at sessions. So what? Sometimes the local people don't appreciate their own culture. Tourists always want to go where there are no tourists


06 Apr 11 - 06:58 AM (#3129736)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,George Henderson

Well,
There is an excellent session in Sullivans pub in Killea co. Tipperary on 11th April and a very good session in Crusheen in Co. Clare on Wednesday (I think it is the 3rd Wedneday in the month but I a not certain) Good session in Banagher on 3rd Moday of each month (Offaly)and also in Ballyboy on the last Monday of the month.

Could also recommend Jim o' the MIlls pub near Upperchurch on any Thursday. Tends to be a very late session. Hard to find though because there is no pub sign. But locals will direct you.


06 Apr 11 - 10:01 AM (#3129844)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: Liberty Boy

Desi C, The Cobblestone on most nights has very good music and Hughes' has an excellent music session every Sunday night. Not forgetting the Friday lunchtime session in O'Donoghues. What do you mean when you say central Dublin? I presume you're not talking about Temple Bar!


06 Apr 11 - 11:11 AM (#3129871)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Philippa

monthly thursday session at Tinneys, Derry city, tomorrow at 9.30
guest Maurice Leyden


15 Apr 11 - 06:10 PM (#3136003)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Al

Just to let you know that Bray Singers' Circle sessions 3rd Saturday of every month, now start earlier at 9pm. (Wicklow, Ireland, Strand Hotel, seafront.)
All singers and listeners very welcome. Any song/acoustic self-accompaniment.
This Saturday, April 16, we celebrate our 3rd Birthday with songs and cake...All free!

On facebook.


15 Apr 11 - 08:12 PM (#3136068)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: Suegorgeous

David - could be this one I started before my trip there?
Singing sessions in Ireland


16 Apr 11 - 07:22 AM (#3136255)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Desi C

Hi Cap n'ella
I was only referring to Dublin and I've only experienced Fri and Sat nights. Outside Dublin the craic is excellent, and yes it is mainly Hen & stag parties from England, sadly the centre of Dublin seems to cater exclusively for them at week ends, and as they do in the Uk, they're in the pubs by 7, patalletic by 9, and causing trouble by 10. I'm from Ireland myself and go back to play in the sessions regularly. By contrast in Kilkenny where I mostly play, there are great crowds on the week end, all kinds of live music, and best sessions going n places like Cleeres, and as you rightly said much respect given to the musicians. But I fear Dublin is earning the title 'The New Blackpool' here in england


16 Apr 11 - 08:03 AM (#3136271)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: David Ingerson

Hey, everyone, thanks for contributing! And yes, suegorgeous, that was the one! Thank you. There is a wealth of info there. I just couldn't remember its name and was unsuccessful in searching for it. Bookmarked it now.

The Ulster Traditional Singers' Weekend was a great singing experience with almost exclusively traditional songs until past 2:30 and 3:30 Fri and Sat night!

Two nights ago I was at the Ballinasloe session, with lots of good singing, both folk and trad.

Last night in Dublin at An Goilin--wonderful mostly trad session. (And it's fascinating finding out who's who on Mudcat.)

Tonight Bray, tomorrow Cork City.

What a country for singing!

Cheers,

David


16 Apr 11 - 08:23 AM (#3136283)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: The Sandman

dungarvan singers club , bridie dees bar,second monday
spalpin fanach cork city sundays.
skibbereen singers club, first friday of month, corner bar, skibbereen.
ballydehob singers club first saturday levis bar ballydehob


16 Apr 11 - 07:40 PM (#3136617)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: kendall

Thanks for this thread. Jacqui and I will be visiting Ireland and it's good to know where we can hear some good traditional music.


20 Apr 11 - 08:26 PM (#3139359)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Gulliver

Check out this url for sessions in Dublin:

http://www.dublinsessions.ie/

It doesn't list all the sessions available - I know of at least half-a -dozen others not listed, but it's a start. It's best if unfamiliar with the venue to phone the pub to check that the session is on.

Don


21 Apr 11 - 07:21 AM (#3139585)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Desi C

Don't forget Kilkenny, Monday night in Cleeres, Ireland's longest running session, tell them Desi C reccommended you


21 Apr 11 - 02:03 PM (#3139784)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: freespiritceol1

Ist Sunday in the month Top Of Coom (Irelands highest pub!) Early mixed session starts around 5.00. Family friendly, Near to killarney/Kenmare. Local songs/tunes/recitations. It's great fun.

Wednesday Night session starting around 9.00 Bernard Harringtons Bar Glengarriff west Cork.Mix of everything.

Have a brilliant trip.

All the best

John


15 Sep 11 - 06:04 PM (#3223802)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Paul Magee

I am going to be in Clare for the month of November. Can someone tell me what singing sessions/clubs are on these days in the Banner County? I attended Robbie McMahon's session in Spancilhill on a first Friday a couple of years ago. It was a great night. Some excellent singers.

Thanks


16 Sep 11 - 08:59 AM (#3224158)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,John Moulden

If David Ingerson gets back to this thread, I'd be interested in his Bonny Portmore research and may have something to add.


16 Sep 11 - 09:50 AM (#3224181)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,John Condon

In Clare in November this year you will have:

Wednesday 2nd: Shannon Singers Club, Wolfe Tones GAA Club, Shannon
Friday 4th: Spancilhill Singers Club, Duggans Pub, Spancilhill
Wednesday 9th: Crusheen Singers, Highway Bar, Crusheen
Friday 11th: Ennis Singers, Cois na hAbhana, Ennis
Saturday 12th: Feakle Singers, Shortts Bar, Feakle
Friday, 18th: Doonbeg Singers, Comerfords Bar, Doonbeg
Friday, 25th: Shanaglish Singers, Whelans Bar, Shanaglish


Never short of a chance to sing!!!


16 Sep 11 - 02:00 PM (#3224318)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Paul Magee

Wow..... Spoilt for choice. Thanks for that. Will definitely make a few of them. Thanks.


26 Sep 11 - 05:33 PM (#3229600)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,SKIBBEREEN

Great Singers Club in Corner Bar, Skibbereen every first Friday of the month
see www.skibbsingers.com


27 Sep 11 - 04:44 PM (#3230149)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: The Sandman

ballydehob singers club, oct 1 levis bar


06 Nov 11 - 10:22 AM (#3251354)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Tony Kelly

Heard a great song in Abbeyfeale yesterday, at the Gary MacMahon Singing Weekend, about the Clare Singers Sessions. Should have won the competition easily. That was yourself John I take it performing it. Well done!


08 Nov 11 - 03:34 PM (#3253014)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,John Condon

Thanks Tony. It was a fine session on the Saturday. The weekend grows from strength to strength. Anyone who is able to attend Duggans Bar Spancilhill Singing Session on Friday, 2nd December would be extremely welcome.

The legend that is Robbie McMahon will be 85 during December and we have a special night lined up to celebrate on the 2nd. Robbie is singing better than ever.


16 Feb 24 - 09:04 AM (#4197305)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: Stilly River Sage

Bringing back to the top since the subject came up on Facebook.


16 Feb 24 - 09:10 AM (#4197307)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: The Sandman

Cork singers club.
JUNE 14 16 2024 www.fastnetmaritime.com


16 Feb 24 - 12:57 PM (#4197321)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: GUEST,Sam

This is the web address of CSC.

https://www.facebook.com/corksingersclub/

Please ignore the message above.


16 Feb 24 - 07:19 PM (#4197350)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: FreddyHeadey

Singing Circles Ireland
https://facebook.com/groups/852693051408846

2016 list from Comhaltas Rochester
http://irishrochester.weebly.com/singers-sessions.html

You might get some leads on Sean's Singing Session Videos page
https://facebook.com/seanmcboc/

A search for circle on The Folk Club Map gets about twenty Singing Circle results in Ireland.
Copy the link and paste it in to a browser; use landscape format.
www.google.com/maps/d/u/0/viewer?mid=1Tf5UnYW2tZqJO6qcaMDdT3v-4D8JutUK
There are probably other singing sessions there which don't use the word circle ;)

The Etiquette At Singing Sessions Of Traditional Irish Songs
www.enjoy-irish-culture.com/Traditional-Irish-songs.html


17 Feb 24 - 01:38 AM (#4197362)
Subject: RE: singing sessions in Ireland?
From: The Sandman

Cork singers club meets at An Spailpin Fanach Address: 29 S Main St, Centre, Cork Sundays ocyTober to june They also appear as group at
www.fastnetmaritime.com
https://www.facebook.com/corksingersclub/
please ignore guest sam
this is the correct info with link to website