First Visit to Ireland - music suggestions

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - music suggestions
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 13 Oct 11 - 08:58 PM

Joe, have you ever travelled on NIR between Coleraine and Derry? Wonderful scenery in the area of Castlerock/Downhill. The line will be closed next summer, for at least 9 months, while upgrading is carried out.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - music suggestions
From: Jim Martin
Date: 12 Oct 11 - 11:33 PM

Again, if you have the time, a trip on the recently re-opened Ennis -Athenry section of the Limerick-Galway railway line is worth doing:

http://www.westontrack.com/

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - music suggestions
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 12 Oct 11 - 07:58 PM

There's this great Irish singer called Daniel O'Donnel. they do bus trips to his hotel.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - music suggestions
From: freespiritceol1
Date: 12 Oct 11 - 04:42 PM

Hi Nick you could do worse than to call to the top of coom the highest pub in ireland near to coolea/kilgarvan. It's the music in the mountains festival this weekend. expect anything from trad irish to country. seanos singing and dancing. local performers and international guests. it's free and a lot of fun. this friday sat & sunday.It's the real deal, not a tourist attraction. see you there if you make it, if not have a great trip. all the best john.

Friday 14th Saturday 15th and Sunday 16th October 2011
MUSIC IN THE MOUNTAINS
TOP OF COOM
IRELANDS HIGHEST PUB
A Warm welcome from your hosts Eileen & Tim Creedon  

Friday 14th October 2011
7.30- 8.30 Local Singers-Local Songs
Some of the best Local Songs and Singers From the Area Not to be missed!
9.00-10.00 Leon Brock feat. Guus Westdorp
Leon Brock's music is strongly rooted in American country rock and Americana, but bears the characteristics of the singer / songwriter tradition. Brock is strongly influenced by songwriters like Townes van Zandt, Steve Earle, Joe Ely and Hank Williams. He was the founder of the Dutch alt. country band The Red Sea Sharks, Together with bass player Martin Vermeer they recorded the CD Ordinary People live on March 15th 2009 (11 songs on a Sunday afternoon). This CD was recently released. Ordinary People is defined by the space between the notes, filled with images and reflective observations about travelling through the USA. ..
http://www.facebook.com/l/d249a/www.leonbrock.co.nr .
Followed by Open Session 10.30pm– Close
Including World class Spoon Playing demonstration from Pat "Spoons"

Saturday 15th October 2011
Impromptu sessions through the day in the bar

6.00-6.45 The McClintock Clan
Blistering tunes and songs from this brilliant family trad band. Destined for big things, see them here first!

7.00-8.30 Seanos Session songs in Irish and English with Elibhlís & some of the best local visiting Seanos Singers.
A real Treat!

8.45-10.00 Henk Vosse & Band "That's Nice"
Expect anything and everything an eclectic mix of Blues, Folk, Dutch , European and Irish music. Great Fun and Craic!
Henk Joins us this year with  his band  "Thats Nice". As always with Henk and friends expect the unexpected!
Henk opened the festival last year and really rocked the place, here he is back with his band and we are really looking forward to hearing them play.
10.00-close open session

Sunday 16th October 2011
Sessions throughout the day in the bar
2.30-4.00  Local and Visiting Young Talent Concert
The Very best in emerging talent. Not to be missed! A Real Treat!
4.00-4.30 Jerry McCarthy
Jigs reels hornpipes fabulous trad accordion player
4.30-5.30 the ó Lúasa family
Renowned local trad family musicians world class!
5.30-6.00 exhibition of irish dancing from the acclaimed kilgarvan dancing school
6.30-7.30 Stories around the fireside
7.30-8.00 Belly dancing exhibition from Niza (the international woman of mystery and music)
A great favourite from last year come along and take part if you are brave enough
8.00-8.45 John Buckley
Fine local accordion player with his own individual style
9.00-10.00 "THE SURVIVORS" Band         
The Survivors are a 5 piece group from Glengarriff playing an eclectic assortment of music. Accordion led jigs and reels and guitar led country and western, blues, and early rock.
10.30-LATE Sore fingers time Survivors Session
Contact John & Marie at
[e-mail]
This is a free event, with no Paid Artists, all who take part do so for fun, love of Music and Craic
 High in the Kerry mountains on the Cork/Kerry Border
A warm welcome from Eileen & Tim Your hosts.
And in our opinion the best Guinness you will taste anywhere!
A fun filled weekend of Sessions, Concerts and Storytelling.
With Fabulous Local Musicians and Singers, Special Guest Appearances .Irish Dancing  and young Local Musicians. Storytelling, seanos singing and general fun and frivolity!
 The Ceol and Craic is Brilliant!
Warm up sessions organised Locally Throughout the area leading up to the  weekend, Why not come early  and make a week of it!
Check out the top of coom facebook page at
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=147803870038&ref=ts
Pics from last year at
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=30001&id=100000390005799&l=6548fce532
  Warm Up Session. Thursday 13th October 2011 Bernard Harringtons bar Glengarriff

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - music suggestions
From: GUEST,Philippa
Date: 12 Oct 11 - 05:39 AM

if you have lots of time travel via west coast as suggested. If not, you can go to Belfast via Athlone or probably faster to go Cork-Dublin-Belfast

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: Joe Offer
Date: 12 Oct 11 - 02:47 AM

This doesn't have anything to do with music, but I have to say that the most wonderful train ride I've ever had was riding the DART (rapid transit in Dublin) from end to end. The north end is in Howth, which has beautiful headlands for a short hike to a lighthouse and a view of Dublin Bay. The route south of Dublin has a beautiful view of the Irish Sea, and is best taken at sundown (maybe sunrise, but I never get up that early).

-Joe-

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: Murpholly
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 04:42 PM

There are many pubs in Cork City which advertise music nights. Get out into the villages - with an instrument and ask if you can play. One or two tunes/songs and the locals will be there with you. The Inis Cara Bar just outside Cork is one. Kay the landlady will probably welcome you and even sing a couple of songs herself if you ask.

Motorways in Ireland improved rapidly over the last few years. Dublin to Cork simples - and return. Fast and smooth and not much traffic. Sligo, Mayo etc. walk into a pub with an instrument and you will probably be invited to give them a tune.

Have a good time - we always have a great time and are made very welcome as are our sailing friends though village pubs on the whole better than major towns.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: GUEST,Beetle Bailey
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 04:16 PM

Doolin is in County Clare on the coast just south of Galway --
In the 80's no place could beat it --
I've heard that since then it's become overrun with tourists
Don't be afraid of the small towns !!!

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: GUEST,AEOLA
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 03:27 PM

If you get the chance visit Ballydehob, (Bantry Bay) you might catch Dick Miles in one of the pubs.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: Nick
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 12:43 PM

Thank you for the input. I've checked out the Session.org already which has come up with some good thoughts so the Flowing Tide or another on Thursday looks like the first option.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 12:43 PM

When I visited Ireland, I found it helpful to ask at the desk of my hotel and perhaps at the tourist Information office. Another time we spotted a poster in the window of the youth hostel.

Use the term 'traditional music.'

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: GUEST
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 12:34 PM

Thursday 13th you can walk from Temple Bar to the Flowing Tide, where Johnny Handle will be special guest in the Cle Club. Starts at 8.30 pm.
Floor singers make up the support, which may include yourself if you have a song

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: open mike
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 11:18 AM

i have heard that there is a good session at Doolin..no idea what county that is in--does anyone know?

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: kendall
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 09:09 AM

Many people find that driving through the Conor Pass is quite intimidating.
Ireland is beautiful, the people are friendly and the Guinness is without rivals.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: The Sandman
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 06:02 AM

"The Lee Sessions" will tell you everything you need to know about trad music in Cork. Very up to date as well. Sine in Cork is pretty good, but a but wild (sessions Tuesday, Friday, Sundays). Tuesdays have lots of tunes in D minor & F (great banjo and fiddle players run the session, but I can't really join in too much on flute). Fridays and Sundays also have the occasionally balkan or oldtime tune thrown in.

The Corner House (right next door to Sine) has sessions Tuesdays, Wednesdays and the first Friday of every month. Repertoire is more standard traditional tunes, except for on Fridays were loads of Sliabh Luachra music is played (about 40% slides and polkas).

Gables is also nice, but usually very quiet (2-3 musicians). Session on Wednesdays and Sunday nights.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 05:49 AM

As things are all I can say is : bring your wellies and your brollie.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: The Sandman
Date: 10 Oct 11 - 05:37 AM

cork city , try spailpin fanach opposite the old beamish brewery, sunday night singers club, there are sessions on in cork city over the weekend, try contacting jim walsh he runs the singers club, and should be able to help.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: Suegorgeous
Date: 09 Oct 11 - 09:05 PM

hello again Nick

Here are a couple of past threads that may be useful to you, one of which I started:

thread.cfm?threadid=124893

thread.cfm?threadid=122302

Hope you have a lovely time.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: foggers
Date: 09 Oct 11 - 08:02 PM

Try www.thesession.com for up to date postings about musical sessions. We have found it to be a handy resource for tracking down sessions in holiday destinations.

I echo the advice about travel in Ireland takinf longer - fewer motorways and public transport radiates outwards from Dublin rather than crossing north to south or east to west, so routes all tend to be via Dublin or other principal towns. But whatever you do and wherever you go you will have a great time. Its a country we keep going back to.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: michaelr
Date: 09 Oct 11 - 07:46 PM

From Cork to Belfast is pretty much a southwest to northeast trip. I don't know the direct inland routes, but I have taken the western route. It could take you through Galway via Ennis which is great for music. From Ennis it's only a short detour to the Burren, Cliffs of Moher, and Aran Islands.

Further north I recommend Sligo town and the surrounding "Yeats country" - Ben Bulben, Glencar lake etc - and on to Donegal town. Lots of storied music area north of Donegal such as Teelin and Gweedore; lovely scenery at Glen Gesh Pass and Glenveagh National Park. The North coast is great as well (Bushmills, Giant's Causeway).

Or you could go straight East from Sligo through Letterkenny and Co. Fermanagh and Monaghan, which I haven't seen but am told are lovely.

Any way you go, I'm sure you'll have a great time.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 09 Oct 11 - 06:44 PM

Have a nice time.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: Nick
Date: 09 Oct 11 - 06:40 PM

It's a first trip and we'll no doubt return. So it's just to get an idea of a few places to revisit and realise that there will be a certain amount of travelling. We are going to a wedding so that is the main Cork bit but wanted to see a friend of ours in Belfast so that rather determined the shape of things.

Subject: RE: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: Ross Campbell
Date: 09 Oct 11 - 06:32 PM

Ireland is a pretty big place, and doesn't (yet) have the motorway network you might be expecting. With that itinerary you will be spending a large part of your time at the wheel (assuming you're driving - public transport would take much longer). You would pass some great scenery going west-about from Cork to Belfast, but you wouldn't have time to stop anywhere!

Have a good trip. You can always go back again.

Ross

Subject: First Visit to Ireland - suggestions
From: Nick
Date: 09 Oct 11 - 04:46 PM

I'm off to Ireland for a week for the first time and hopefully will catch some music along the way.

Any suggestions for a selection of favourite places from people would be appreciated. And any suggestions for music places along the way would be too.

The plan so far is this:

Thurs 13 Oct - Stay in Temple Bar, Dublin - any suggestions for a session or somewhere to share a song? If not anywhere good to listen?

Frid 14 Oct - Sun 16th - staying around Cork


Tues and Wednesday we're meeting a musical friend in Belfast so should be sorted

Getting from Cork to Belfast offers many many possibilities - the idea being to break the journey somewhere in the middle(ish). I'm thinking somewhere like Galway or Athlone or Sligo but I'm very open to suggestion. I do like attractive landscapes, interesting places and music.

Not asking for much!

Any suggestions welcome.