Maybe I was spoiled. I went to sessions with Mudcatters, and every one was wonderful. Perhaps that's the difference. In Ireland and Scotland and England, I went to sessions with real people that I had come to know online, and all of my experiences were delightful. I especially liked the singarounds at Bray, and the "Song Central" singaround in Dublin. Jack Campin took me to a nice session in Edinburgh, and Tattie Bogle took me to a very nice folk club outside Edinburgh. Martin Ryan took me to lots of wonderful gatherings on my two trips to Ireland, and so many Mudcatters in England took me to so many wonderful gatherings.
The music is there, and it's good - but it helps to know local people if you want to find the good stuff.
-Joe-