Folk Clubs/Pubs in Ireland

Subject: Folk Clubs/Pubs in Ireland
From: Johnhenry'shammer
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 02:28 AM

Hey everybody! I'm going to be in Ireland for a week starting August 26th and I was wondering if anyone can recommend some good trad venues. I'll be in Dublin, Galway, Inis Mor and Letterfrack.


Thanks

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs/Pubs in Ireland
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 02:55 AM

Dublin - Hughes' Pub by The Four Courts. The Cobblestones (?)
The Goílin Club - (At The Teachers Club, Parnell Square - Friday Night)
The Clee Club (Liberty Hall - Tuesday).
You could do worse than drop into The Piper's Club, Henrietta Street - they should be able to fill you in with details (and give you the grand tour of the building).
Galway - The Crane Pub - most nights and Sunday afternoon.
Inis More - Don't know, but it's easy to find something on an island that size - give us a wave; we can see it from here.
Enjoy,
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs/Pubs in Ireland
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 11:22 AM

Jim has supplied nice information for Dublin, but there's nothing yet on the remote areas.

When I visited Ireland, I found the best way to locate 'traditional' was to ask at the hotel front desk. Sometimes the mgt would have to do a little inquiring, so allow some time for results.

By the way, at one hotel I heard the owner ask a waitress if 'There was traditional tonight.' So I think that's how it's referred to in Ireland.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs/Pubs in Ireland
From: MartinRyan
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 12:05 PM

Galway; As Jim says - start at the Crane Bar on Sea Road. Get to Kinvara (about 20 km away) if you can.

Inishmore: Dunno! Pretty tourist-oriented in general. This increases your chances of getting SOME music - but does little for your chance of GOOD music! The main village (Kilronan) is very small so, if it's there, you'll find it. The two smaller islands (Inisheer and Inishmaan, in English) have more of a reputation for sessions, but would still be hit and miss. Ask in the tourist office.

Letterfrack: no idea!

Dublin: the Goilin starts on the first Friday of September. The Cle Club is, I think, out of action at the moment. Hughes's and The Cobblestone are the best starting points.

Regards

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs/Pubs in Ireland
From: Zen
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 12:34 PM

Also in Galway... Tigh Neachtain, An Púcán, Taaffes Bar, Tig Cóilí and The Quays may be worth a try.

I remember also having an excellent couple of sessions in a side street pub whose name I can't remember (I think it translated as The Smack in the Gob in English) but I don't know if that's still there.

Zen

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs/Pubs in Ireland
From: GUEST,BrenKen
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 03:14 PM

The Cle Club takes a break during the summer and won't be back until September. You will get plenty of sessions in Dublin but quality can vary dramatically. There are afternoon trad sessions in some of the pubs in Temple Bar on weekdays (e.g. The Oliver St John Gogarty, The Auld Dubliner) but can be hit and miss.

Also check out Aras Chronain on www.araschronain.com before you come over. This is in Clondalkin about 8 miles from Dublin city centre. Friday nights are usually good but during the summer can be hit and miss due to regulars being away on holiday.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs/Pubs in Ireland
From: Gulliver
Date: 21 Jul 08 - 08:06 PM

Hmmm... My post to this thread earlier today seems to have gotten lost in the ether. I just mentioned that there are lots of places in Dublin, and as the previous poster has pointed out, quality varies. It also depends on whether you want to just listen or join in, like singing or instrumental music, and what days you're in Dublin. Some places are glad to let new-comers join in, others frown on it. Don

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs/Pubs in Ireland
From: Jay777
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 04:51 AM

McDermott's, Doolin, Co. Clare, was brilliant in summer 1975 (was anyone there then?). It was quite a bit more touristy in 1994, but was still worth the trip from Galway. Anyone been there more recently to give an up to date view? In 75 I travelled around Ireland in a van, and followed the music by word of mouth- and there was certainly a lot of really good stuff going on, especially down the west coast. It was often spontaneous and unadvertised back then. Again, things have changed so much in Ireland over the past couple of decades, I don't know if that sort of thing happens now. Over to you, Irish Mudcatters!

Remembering, particularly at this time, the victims, families, and friends of the Miami Show Band massacre, 31st July 1975.

Subject: RE: Folk Clubs/Pubs in Ireland
From: billybob
Date: 22 Jul 08 - 11:18 AM

We had a great time in" Shorts" pub in Portumna( session every Wednesday) The last Friday in the month at " The Hill" Kiltorma, went on till the early hours and musicians came from all over Ireland.Both in County Galway.Have fun!