Well, it's that time of year again, The Willie Clancy Summer School in Miltown Malbay, Co. Clare, Ireland. It's much more than a Summer school, it's a Ceiliúradh, a Celebration, a Féile, a Fiesta, Festival, Carnival, Happening – the highlight of the Trad year both here and abroad. Anyony visiting Ireland this week with any interest in Irish Trad and Kulture should try and visit. It's too late to get accommodation within 20 miles but it's worth a long commute. If the weather is fine, it's heaven, just stroll around the streets, well maybe street as basically the town has just the one – all human life is there – having a good time. Downsides; the pubs will be mostly uncomfortably and perhaps dangerously packed and leave your gourmet taste buds behind when eating out. Try to attend one of the concerts to hear music and song in comfort or move out of town to the surrounding villages and things might be a little less hectic. Late Saturday night should be avoided as it can get a little messy, however there is generally no trouble at all during the week despite the huge crowds.

It's a mighty festival and great credit is due to the voluntary organizers and workers who have kept it going for the last odd thirty years. All that's missing is more info on the net, but the set dancers (go bhfóire Dia orainn) have produced this - http://www.setdancingnews.net/wcss/

See ya'll there. Just stop at any marshy muddy spot and ask the first frog you meet; 'where's Learaí', they all know me well.

Slán

Learaí na Láibe