Sabine, Claymore - We've visited the West of Ireland several times with fellow singers and players. Last time there were 22 of us. My experience is that in most pubs walking in with musical instruments means that you HAVE to play. We've had some great times and met some great people.

Most of the pub music is done by artists who are booked to play for that night, but they'll usually ask if anyone in the pub wants to play, and they'll accompany (or not as the case may be - they're still getting paid).

By asking around you'll find out which pubs will let you play. Fortunately jukeboxes are rarer there than in most other places, and the Irish I've met appreciate music more than any other people I've met. Having said that, some of the sessions can be a bit 'precious', so always ask.

It's probably best when you arrive in a new location to send out scouts to each pub within staggering distance and find out exactly what goes on, when it happens and what sort of things are welcome. We're sure that you'll have a wonderful time and want to do it all again straight away. Perhaps you can post some of your experiences here?

Les and Maggie (I wonder if we'll be there again this year?)