Yes from time to time people traveled. Generally however, not far. Of course exceptions like O'Carrolan who traveled to the continent but yes in deed generally there were many many communities where traveling far afield was difficult and music was composed locally. In essence it is not necessary to have outside influences to produce music. Yes outside influences did from time to time occur but not essential. Anyone can compose music anytime anywhere.

Of course transportation was much better as time went on. Especially in the 19th century however it is absolutely not necessary for the process.

A good story does not rely on the teller for its goodness. The same for songs quality is not essential when the song or story is good.

There are the exceptional greats who are good and then there are the rest of them. One can always cite exceptions however, many too many musicians are overly professional. Untouchables in it for fame....usually found out at the pool after their performance or socializing only with other musicians.

I stick to short Irish stories although well versed in the ancient longer ones. My web pages of both early Irish tales and five minute tales were the first of their kind years back. They are provided to the world FREE for everyone.

mikesamwild- brilliant exactly not just hero worshipers but doers.

You do not have to be physically isolated to cultivate the local, home grown and the FREE. It is a myth that we need specialists. Again the story is the treasure not the teller. One does not need polished performance simple telling will do. The professional bit is all hype and as it costs money immediately limits access to those who can afford it. Or those who can socialize it at the expense of the poor and needy for whom programs are now being cut. Irish storytelling flourished well before government grants.

Yes cultural grants are also declining actually we should not need them if we had FREE folk.

Conrad