Music in Co Clare

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 03:06 PM

very good points, confused.
at what time has their been any suggestion that RAGGYTASH AND HIS FRIENDS, wished to take over., they wish to share music and listen to other people
however, I am not surprised, as two of the antagonistic posters, are people who i have encountered elsewhere as being extremely precious about ITM.
to paraphrase Martin Carthy, the only harm you can do to a song is not t sing it, the only harm you can do the music is not to play it.music is not a competition about playing the correct twiddle, it is about sharing, interacting and breaking down barriers., it is about being inclusive not exclusive.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,confused
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 02:44 PM

I've just been reading through this thread and am at a complete loss to understand what on earth the original poster has done to attract the comments.

I do see that there may on occasions be people who don't understand how to behave as is deemed appropriate in a music session, folk clubs or wherever. What puzzles me is why this has turned into an attack on a group of people who seem to just want to go somewhere during their holiday, where they can listen to some music, and possibly, when asked and if appropriate, either play or sing themselves. Nowehere in their question was there the inference that they intended to take over an event, ignore the feelings of other people or cause any unpleasantness.

Neither do I understand the presumption that some individuals have made that this collection of people (who by my understanding from reading this thread thoroughly are most certainly not a "band" as some people have assumed, but 5 individuals who each either play/sing or both, accompanied by 5 other friends)would be the sort of people who would either talk loudly while others played, join in inappropriately or commandeer seats which were being saved for others, to say nothing of the rather more ascerbic comments that have been made of their presumed behaviour.

Surely it is not too much to ask that if the original poster is known by some people this forum, as someone who does know what is acceptable behaviour and also known as a performer should be treated with a little more respect and not automatically assumed to be some sort of demon?

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: The Sandman
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 01:04 PM

My experience of tourists has been very good,99 percent sit quietly appreciate the music and clap.
I have only had one bad experience, this was a person who played along with random notes on a harmonica , I was forced to ask him to desist.
The vast majority of irish people are very friendly,and welcoming to other musicians, as are the musicians.
when i lived in Suffolk,I got to know John and Julia Clifford, they were very friendly, and encouraged me to play traditional irish music,AND were happy to play tunes with most people, Julia ADVISED me that I should stick to playing irish trad on my concertina rather thanpeices like woodland flowers.
in my experence older traditional musicians did not have the precious attitude that is now becoming prevalent, neither did they have the competitive attitude that seems to be a recent phenomenon, possibly a result of Comhaltas Competitions.
are the attitudes of certain posters on this thread typical, I think not, most of the unwelcoming on this thread are not even irish

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,Leamaneh
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 12:33 PM

I do hope, Mrs C, that you don't count me among the unfriendly ones! I've named a couple of the pubs where I play and pointed out the pitfalls.

One night, a few years back, I was playing in a small session in Cruises in Ennis - just a couple of fiddles and a flute, though we were expecting other musicians to arrive. A group of tourists appeared and commandeered all the seats around us, several of which we'd been saving for later arrivals. They clearly weren't interested in the music, talked loudly across us and one even complained that we were playing too noisily. At that point we got up and left, told the barman where we'd be and moved over to Ciaran's.

Sadly, that's not a rare experience.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 11:59 AM

And I think it incredibly arrogant Mrs C,to believe they can speak for any visitor who wishes to visit here or anywhere else on this planet.
You may wish to tune your folk session to whoever turns up on the night; but to impose that policy on all clubs and folk venues is the worst case of 'folk policing' (not a term I'm particularly fond of but it seems to fit perfectly here) I've come across and is not only arrogant, but downright dictatorial.
We get visitors all the year round for our music; most are happy to fit in with what happens here and sit in if they feel it appropriate; others are quite happy to listen.
The idea that anybody should leave home with the idea that they can ride roughshod over the local life of wherever they visit are putting up a good argument for them staying at home.
Nobody here has suggested that people should stay away - just that they should be aware that they share the planet with others - an alien concept for some here obviously.
Maybe somebody should have informed you that the empire is dead!
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Mrs C.
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 10:40 AM

You do get the feeling some of the people from around the parts in question are not at all very friendly!!certainly sound aggressive and extremely down right rude and definitely insulting, about people thay do not know or know nothing about, in what they put in there thread.
       If you feel so strong about people calling in at your local pub why dont you be a man and put on the pubs names you dont won't people in, I am sure this will solve your problems.
       Personally at our local folk session we welcome anyone to join us and we have some great nights on doing so, find it nice to have some different songs and tunes also make some life long friends from all over the world which we have. Before anyone says I do live in a very popular tourist town and busy all year round!!
    I think it would be upsetting to find that someone from our local folk session had been on this site and been an unelected spokesperson for us all!!
    I do think you have to read the first threads to find they are not a band but a bunch of friends on holiday wanting some place to have a drink and maybe invited to join in,It also Say's that not everyone out of the group plays or sings, They have been before to Ireland and had a better response than this very hostile one they are getting from the few spokesmen from the local Pubs they will not name!!.
       Its people that make a good folk session and with this you take the good with the bad, its great to meet new people and socialise with people that love and like traditional music as you do,Is this not what we did years ago in pubs friends old and new!! round a few table's pints in hand someone singing a song or playing a instrument. Lets try to bring them days back, I know we give it a good go were we live welcome is always on the mat!.
         So if you really don't wont visitors to your pub please Name the pubs!! then people wont go,us humans dont like being were we are not welcome.
                         Mrs C.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 10:39 AM

So far we (some of us) have been told that we have no right to an opinion because we'r not really local, and that we have to accept without comment anything that anybody cares to bring to our sessions.
"As far as I'm aware you don't know who I am"
And you don't know who we are, nor what goes on here when you don't care to grace us with your presence.
All that is being requested here is a little sensitivity and good manners - if that is offensive to you, perhaps your beat bet is to head north and turn left at Lisdoonvarna
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 07:25 AM

You know, being made welcome, it's a gift, something extended to you. Not a right you can expect or demand because you arrive somewhere spending money.

A 'session' can be many things to many people, anything from a night's socialising with friends to something put on to attract drinkers. In either case it is a stretch to assume anybody can walk in and join. I know I wouldn't walk into a group of musicians I don't know without being asked to join.

Maybe differing sets of expectations are at the root of this whole affair?

In any case calling one end of the discussion 'thumpers and whackers' is as unproductive as calling the contributions from the locals selfish or an outpouring of bile.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 07:00 AM

Well maybe I should get out more, but I can't think of many session pubs which could even begin to think of welcoming an outfit with three guitars and two goat-bashers out of ten performers, no matter how talented. Mr Raggytash's band needs to find a pub or two where they can just arrange to put on their own performances and not interfere with existing sessions. If this is the intention I can't see any reason for conflict. But there's nothing egotistical about resisting takeover bids by drop-in big bands.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 06:31 AM

Been following the thread with some interest.

Quotes

"Like Bannerboy, I've seen hundreds of sessions naused up by insensitive and (often) untalented ego-trippers"

"I'm not going to give the name of my local but most pubs here wont be very happy if your gang of pluckers and thumpers appear"

"I'm with Bannerboy - too many musicians come to Ireland more interested to be heard and not to listen - they are usually treated politely, then ignored."


ego–tripper : (noun) A person who is overly concerned with his or her own desires, needs, or interests.

Not too much ego tripping going on here then!!!!

Quote:

"And all (locals) come from places where they are in a far better position to witness first hand the effects that visitors' insensitivity can wreak on a session - in the summer we sometimes witness it on a weekly basis."

Do you really think that you have the monopoly on this in Clare? Believe me you don't!

As far as I'm aware you don't know who I am. That said, I play guitar and sing. I also visit your lovely country. So, please feel free to label me an idiotic, egotistical, insensitive and untalented plucker.

I also don't know any of you, but I wouldn't dream of labelling as such. Well not until I had witnessed the performance at least.

Your sincerely (In an idiotically, egotistical, insensitive and untalented way)

CC

None are so empty as those who are full of themselves. ~ Benjamin Whichcote

When someone sings his own praises, he always gets the tune too high. ~ Mary H. Waldrip

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 16 Apr 11 - 05:56 AM

......the offer has not been taken up.
For the reasons stated - please do not misrepresent out attitude. A cosy chat is no substitute for on-the-spot experience.
And nor were my question answered or even acknowledged - do you think we're making it up, and if not, what should we do about what is a not an unusual problem?
So far we have been open and honest about something that we know exists - it is you who has thrown a hissy-fit and said you'll never darken our door again!!
And can I echo - good luck on your trip.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,Leamaneh
Date: 15 Apr 11 - 02:10 PM

Well I don't blame you, Raggytash.

I live in Kilfenora and we got to talking about the McNally piece the other night in Vaughan's during an impromptu session. The general feeling was that we welcome tourists to Clare (we'd be daft if we didn't) but we certainly wouldn't want a group of ten to suddenly take over our local bar which isn't very big, especially if it interfered with our music and chat.

That's why I think Bannerboy (and I know who he is, by the way - he 'outed' himself during our chat) suggested, somewhat directly, that you head for Doolin. They're better prepared for tourism than us.

The same goes for Cassidy's in Carron as it does for us here. It's a smallish pub, but if you turn up and all order food, you'll make its owner very happy.

Good luck on your trip.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Raggytash
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 05:41 PM

Good Soldier, I have offerrd what I consider to be an olive branch to contributors in Clare, the offer has not been taken up. Thank you for your PM although it was unnecessary, I have on one occassion seen you perform. I hope to see you again at some point. I really think the original request in the thread has been distorted to such an extent it is no longer worth continuing with it.

I think as far as I am concerned this discussion should now be closed, we surely have better things to do with our lives.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 04:19 PM

I am not referring to the original poster

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 04:18 PM

Tourists are welcome in Ballydehob. There is only person on this thread, I do not wish to meet, a certain person,with a very high opinion of himself who thinks he is gods answer to irish tradtional music and thus even better than Frankie Gavin.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 03:42 PM

And all come from places where they are in a far better position to witness first hand the effects that visitors' insensitivity can wreak on a session - in the summer we sometimes witness it on a weekly basis.
"However I think I can say with some certainty that this will be our last visit to County Clare"
That would be an awful shame, unless you were planning to set out with the intentions of behaving in the way I describe - if not - what possible reason can you have for not coming again?
Don't you believe that visitors have behaved in the way we describe; do you think we're making it up - or do you think we should just lay back and think of Ireland?
And no, I don't take offence at being described as a 'blow in' - in fact I'm rather proud of the fact that I live here by choice and not because of some accident of birth - Ireland is full of wonderful people, particularly Clare.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Raggytash
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 03:20 PM

According to the 2006 census there are 110,950 people who reside in County Clare. Of the negative comments above, four in total, one comes from a "blow in" (forgive the expression Jim, but I'm sure it's one you've heard before), one from someone who I believe lives in County Cork, one who I have reservations lives in Ireland at all and one, a new contributor to this debate on whom I have no knowledge. However I think I can say with some certainty that this will be our last visit to County Clare irrespective of whatever welcome we do or do not receieve when we get there. As far as I am aware non of these people have any previous experience on which to base the bias they are clearly demonstrating towards us. However I am confident that we will have a great holiday irrespective of the few individuals who now seem hell bent on spoiling it.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: The Sandman
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 10:27 AM

I find this very sad, most of the young people of Ireland are forced to emigrate, and yet people who are bringing money to the country, are not welcomed.
I can also understand the musicians point of view, however the pub belongs to the publican, and if the publican feels that the regulars are not welcoming his customers, he has every right to tell the session to get out or alternatively the insensetive tourists to get out.
this is a situation that the owner of the pub should sort, some signs saying no bodrans, or no more than one bodhran or guitar at a time, but i suppose the pub owner may only be interested in staying in business.
still soon there wont be any pubs to play in or tourists to go to.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 09:05 AM

[i]'Having said that, the negative comments have not, to my knowledge, come from people who own businesses that rely on tourism but from individuals who may or may not have a vested interest in tourism.'[/i]

No but they were people actually living here, who don't appreciate their night out socialising being treated as a tourist attraction. I am sure you can understand that?

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Raggytash
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 07:01 AM

I've done a bit a digging, with a pointer from Frank McNally himself, and found that in 1999 he published an "Essential Guide for the first time traveller to Ireland" below is an extract of the article which can be found in full at:-

http://www.irishcultureandcustoms.com/atravel/travelguide.htlm

Traditional Music
Many visitors to Ireland make the mistake of thinking of traditional music as mere entertainment. In some parts of Ireland this may even be an accurate impression. However, in certain fundamentalist strongholds such as Co. Clare, traditional music is founded in a strict belief system which has been handed on from generation to generation. This is overseen by bearded holy men, sometimes called "Mullahs", who ensure that the music is played in accordance with laws laid down in the 4th Century. Under this system,"bodhran players" are required to cover their faces in public. Other transgressions, such as attempting to play guitar in a traditional session, are punishable by the loss of one or both hands. A blind eye may be turned however to the misbehavior of foreigners, but it's best not to push it.

I recommend you read the rest of the article it's very tongue in cheek and quite amusing

I think the best we can do is ignore the bile that has occasionally surfaced in some posts and trust that the hospitality we have received in all the other places we have visited can be found on this trip, if not we will have to put it down to experience and spend our money somewhere else next time. Having said that, the negative comments have not, to my knowledge, come from people who own businesses that rely on tourism but from individuals who may or may not have a vested interest in tourism.

Incidentally Frank wished us well for our forthcoming trip.

Cheers

Raggytash

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 05:27 AM

"about one night when we're over in Clare we meet in a bar, not one that has a regular session, and sit down together for the night, swap pints and songs."
This might well prove entertaining and even educational, but has nothing whatever to do with the present discussion.
How about your turning up at our local one night and listening while some goat-abusing pratt, oviously under the very mistaken belief that they are god's gift to the tradition, drives the playing of our own musicians into the ground with his/her unrythmical and certainly un-musical offerings.
Mrs C
Ireland is a beautiful and welcoming place, that is why we chose to live here.
It is the insensitive behaviour of occasional flies in the ointment who threaten to make it less welcoming - hasn't happened yet, but it could easily do so.
I was once taken aback by the somewhat cool reception we once got as visitors to St Ives in Cornwall - it didn't take me more than a couple of vandalised music sessions here in Clare for me to begin to realise what that hostility was about.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Mrs C.
Date: 14 Apr 11 - 04:25 AM

I have just been reading through this thread and find it very upsetting of the rudeness Bannerboy and Frank McNally.
That thay can make a judgment on a group of musicians and singers, Thay do not know! as for the journalist printing in the paper about them with out knowing them or talking to them, that surly most come under some kind of slander, I do hope one of them look in to that!!
       I too have been to Ireland for the sing a rounds with my husband and a bunch of friends some are musicians and singers,   
I have never found this sort attitude or rudeness!! I have always found Ireland most welcoming and a beautiful place.
                   Mrs C.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Raggytash
Date: 13 Apr 11 - 02:25 PM

Ho Hum, could I make a invitation to both Bannerboy and Jim, how about one night when we're over in Clare we meet in a bar, not one that has a regular session, and sit down together for the night, swap pints and songs. I think this thread has served it's useful purpose and it's time for all to sit back a bit. Frank McNally's column paints a very poor picture of all concerned, myself included. He could have contacted me through Mudcat to get a more information and I think that both Bannerboy and Jim would have welcomed the opportunity to give him a clearer idea of their viewpoint. I live in a tourist destination and have an inkling of some of the dichotamies that exist between the local population and the needs of the local economy.
So to reiterate, if Bannerboy and Jim would like to meet up for a pint we would welcome the chance to meet them and chew the fat over a beer .. or three.

Cheers

Raggytash

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 13 Apr 11 - 11:42 AM

I hope Frank McNally makes a financial contribution to the Mudcat website!

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,Barnacle (at work)
Date: 13 Apr 11 - 08:32 AM

wooo Raggytash, I just read the article you are now famous (or infamous, if you see it that way).

whilst I sort of understand Bannorboy's point of view, I canot condone his rudeness to someone he has never met. He could have put his argument in a much more constructive and sympathetic manner, requestng that you do not barge in and demand an audiece, wait to be asked etc etc.

I know that you are a veteran performer, would be aware of these unspoken rules and would not upset anybody on purpose, but this is not the case for everyone.

Each time we have visited Ireland, we have been wholeheartedly welcomed, invited to sing, taken to local venues: we even spent one evening (at the request of the landlord) covering for the local musicians until they could get back from a wedding and on their return it turned into the highlight of our visit.

Fellow musicians across continents are aware of the etiquette, know how to behave and welcome fellow musicians and singers. We have never found otherwise, but, there again, I cannot recall meeting Bannerboy, perhaps he is the exception!

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 13 Apr 11 - 07:32 AM

irish Times columnist Frank McNally once again lifts a subject off Mudcat to fill his column :

An Irishman's Diary

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 07 Apr 11 - 07:36 AM

"but please be assured we do know how to behave."
Wouldn't dream of suggesting otherwise Nick - but there are plenty who come here who don't, and spoil it for you people who obviously do.
Enjoy your next trip
Best wishes,
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Raggytash
Date: 07 Apr 11 - 07:16 AM

Hi Jim

Some 12 years or so ago I was in McGann's listening to the assembled company who obviously knew other and played together regularly, I had my guitar with me, in it's case. After about an hour, one man, presumably the "leader" asked if anyone would like to play or give a tune, the man next to me said this lads got a guitar and so I was invited to sing, I sang Kieran Halpin's Low Road after which a space was made for me at the table with the other musicians and although I only sang one other song all night it was possibly the best session I had enjoyed in many a long month. As a group we do know how the behave ourselves and would never crash anothers session or seek to dominate such. Having visited Ireland close on 40 times in the last 16 years and having experienced so much wonderful hospitality that I could write books about it, for example one landlady up in Mayo cooking a 3 course meal for 10 of us and refusing to take payment on the grounds that she had invited us. We had a rare session in there that night, just great fun and friendship. Hopefully we can do the same on this visit, but please be assured we do know how to behave.

Cheers

Nick

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 07 Apr 11 - 06:02 AM

"so we can find places where we can listen."
Then the place is not Doolin.
Clare is by far one of the richest counties in Ireland for traditional music, ranging from set sessions with regular players, where it is good manners to wait until you are invited to sit in - to 'all welcome' nihts. The problem is that many visitors cannot tell the difference and just plunge in, sometimes doing no damage, at other times egotistically ruining.
This, understandable creates a resentment and ruins it, both fr the regulars and for the visitors (many people visit here all the year round simply to listen to Clare music).
Like Bannerboy, I've seen hundreds of sessions naused up by insensitive and (often) untalented ego-trippers - bodhrans, keyboards, 12-string Kalashnikovs - we've seen them all, and we still talk about them long after they've gone home - "Remember that goat-beating gobshite......" - and no doubt we will in the future.
Unfortunately Doolin, with its proud history of wonderful music, has become the place we send the menaces - a sort of Irish Van Dieman's Land.
You will be made welcome when you come here - we were a lifetime ago (a couple of Brits looking for singers and musicians) - but if you want that welcome to be long-lasting - bring your sensitivity with you - all it takes is to remember that you are not the only one on the planet.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,bannerboy
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 08:09 AM

for the record i am not a troll, live in North Clare and have seen too many local sessions ruined by eejit tourists.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Raggytash
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 07:22 AM

We don't all play at the same time! and Jim, one of the reasons for this thread is so we can find places where we can listen.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Steve Shaw
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 04:28 AM

Three guitars and two bodhrans? Blimey...

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 04:12 AM

I'm with Bannerboy - too many musicians come to Ireland more interested to be heard and not to listen - they are usually treated politely, then ignored.
As the man said - stick to Doolin if that's what you're after.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Raggytash
Date: 06 Apr 11 - 03:50 AM

Hi Les, I doubt if the troll is from Ireland at all, I and my fellow travellers have had nothing but wonderful hospitality in the 29 of the 32 counties I have visited, obviously I cannot speak for the 3 remaing counties. Perhaps the troll may eminate from much closer to home, they are possibly very aware of not being welcome when they sing in pubs here and are thus embittered.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Les from Hull
Date: 05 Apr 11 - 04:19 PM

I'm very grateful for the welcome I've had as a musician in pubs in Ireland, and I know that Raggytash is too. It wouldn't do for everyone reading this thread to think that no one is welcome anywhere. But I can sympathise to an extent with Bannerboy as well. You do get some dreadful tosh turning up. I can assure him that Raggytash isn't in that category.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,bannerboy
Date: 05 Apr 11 - 12:13 PM

i'm not going to give the name of my local but most pubs here wont be very happy if your gang of pluckers and thumpers appear

as i said stick to Doolin

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Les from Hull
Date: 05 Apr 11 - 10:18 AM

céad míle fáilte?

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 03:27 PM

Ho hum, go on then Bannerboy, which is your local, we don't want to go where we are not welcome, just as an aside certainly has an "i" in it.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,bannerboy
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 12:37 PM

stick to Doolin raggytash we certanly wouldnt' want you in our local!

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Tattie Bogle
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 10:04 AM

Had a great evening in Doolin a couple of years back: last Sunday in February, so we expected it to be quiet, but found we'd arrived during the Micho Russell festival so there was music everywhere!

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: MartinRyan
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 09:35 AM

Thanks for that, Leamaneh! Wasn't sure what the story was, having driven past it a while back...

Nick
As you probably realise, Inisheer, smallest of the Aran Islands, is easiest to reach from Doolin. Bit of a hens/stags vibe these days thanks to Father Ted! I did a concert there last year and had a good time. Probably hectic over Easter itself but could be very nice the following week. Inis Meain is the quietest of the islands - and none the worse for that!

Regards

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,Leamaneh
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 09:19 AM

Cassidy's reopens for 2011 on Easter Saturday.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 09:15 AM

Hi Martin, we're renting a house at Toulough and will get there on the afternoon of Easter Saturday, our last night will be the following Friday as on the Saturday we will travel back to Dublin. So we'll have 7 nights in the area. During the day we'll be travelling round in the minibus and do the normal tourist bits, Ailwee Caves, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis Friary and hopefully we'll get to nip over to Inishmor (I've wanted to visit them for years, might stay a night). As well as dropping into Liscannor, Lahinch, Ennistymon, Corofin etc and I've got to take the gang round Black Head to Fanore, truly a beautiful area. But nights we've got nothing planned and so are open to suggestions, probably stay local for a couple of nights as we'll be knackered, there's none of us getting any younger.

Cheers

Nick

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: MartinRyan
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 08:39 AM

HI Raggytash

Not sure Cassidys of Carran is still open - I'll check. I'm away (in Chester, ironically) over Easter itself but if you let me know when you might hit Kinvara, I can probably tell you what's on where.

Regards

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Raggytash
Date: 04 Apr 11 - 07:17 AM

Hi Martin et al,

We will be over near Kinvara/Ballyvaughan over Easter and the few days afterwards. We will be 10 strong 3 of whom play guitars, 1 bouzouki (novice)2 Bodhrans and 5 of us sing, our music varies from tradional songs from Cornwall up to Scotland, many contemporary songs and even some Country/middle of the road stuff. We take our session with us, however if we can find other singers/musicians that would be great. McGanns at Doolin is our likely destination for Easter Sunday afternoon unless advised otherwise and at some point I would like to take the gang to Cassidys at Carran. Although I have visited County Clare 3 times before it is some time since I was last there. We travel in a minibus, but the shorter the journey to a venue the better, the more time for Guinness and singing.
Our nearest bar is the Corcomroe Bar between Sheshia and Bealaclugga, hope they like tourists in there as we do like our Guinness.

Cheers

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: MartinRyan
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 04:25 AM

Lots of music - traditional and other - in Kinvara. Remind me here or by PM nearer the time and I'll give you the details.

Regards

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: Raggytash
Date: 10 Mar 11 - 04:12 AM

We're staying halfway between Kinvarra and Ballyvaughan so we're looking for places in the northern region of Clare.

Cheers

Raggytash

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: oombanjo
Date: 09 Mar 11 - 02:37 PM

and theres Peppers bar in Feakle just turn up and start playing the pub will fill up in 20 mins or so and stays open till the last man leaves

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 09 Mar 11 - 02:06 PM

Hi, Raggytash. I visited Clare a few years ago, staying at a hotel in the country outside Ennis. The owner of the hotel told us where to go for traditional music.

Subject: RE: Music in Co Clare
From: oombanjo
Date: 09 Mar 11 - 01:26 PM

Try the Feakle festival in August .cheers Oombanjo