You'll also find it easier to "grab" an audience if you do it "live, solo". Plus you can play more freely if you're not having to keep with your backing tape . . (so if your nerves make your timing drift now and then no-one will ever notice . .)

Where on earth do you live that there are no other Irish-style musicians around . .

Mind you, I'd guess there's many a fine Irish player who wouldn't "know the difference between a major chord and an extension cord".

G.