Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 18 Nov 13 - 05:37 AM

A great weekend, as usual. Particularly fine set of sean nós guest singers.

Regards

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 09:47 AM

I thought you would, popped into town earlier to get the paper and go to the library and saw several groups of people, singers I assumed, looking for places to have soup[ or coffee.

Drizzle went again, put the washing out again and it's near dry now.

May drop in for the singing later.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Noreen
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 07:08 AM

Yes, bracing Atlantic spray on my face this morning at the Point. You're brave to risk the washing out at at all :)

Just had a look at the new statue, very nice, followed by a warming coffee in the bakery and soda bread to take home tomorrow.

More great singing to come this afternoon.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 05:54 AM

Enjoying the weather are you? (he said after just bringing in all the washing again after persistent drizzle drifted up from same Spanish Point).

Did you have a look at the new Willie Clancy statue yet?

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Noreen
Date: 16 Nov 13 - 05:50 AM

I'm at Spanish Point- and have met the famous Martin Ryan ��

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 10:17 AM

Must remember that Irish weather is extremely local - especially here i the wild west - it can vary from half-mile to half-mile
Tom Munnelly once commented when he moved here from Dublin that it was the first time he'd experienced 60 mph fog (a combination of high winds and sea mist).
They say if you can see Mount Callan it's going to rain; if you can't see it, it's already raining
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 09:20 AM

Try Met Éireann

Let's say, they give an indication of what to expect. It's november, it could be worse.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Noreen
Date: 04 Nov 13 - 09:07 AM

:)

Fair amount of rain forecast for the West coast in the week to come... but what do the BBC know...?

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 06:15 AM

". if you get a clear day !"
Ah - but if you do......!!
My first trip to the Scottish Highlands included a drive through Glencoe.
A companion had acquired a copy of a Victorian tourist guide which described this route as "gruesome and awesome", and this is how it remained in my mind for years and half a dozen trips through the Glen later - until the last time, when Pat and I drove through it during a beautiful sunset - a lifelong magical experience.
We recorded a Traveller who used to regularly take his horse drawn caravan over the Connor pass.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 03 Nov 13 - 04:41 AM

"...if you get a clear day!" is right! Don't think I ever have...

Regards

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 07:53 AM

Noreen if it's views you want take a drive over the Connor Pass from Dingle it has to be one of the most spectacular views in Ireland, simply stunning ............. if you get a clear day !

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Martin Ryan
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 07:40 AM

Taafe's and "Tigh Coili" are the main music pubs in Shop Street, the main pedestrian drag. Can be noisy and/or tourist oriented but worth a look. Naughton's (Tigh Neachtain)is nicest of the pubs, with sporadic music.

WIll be away that week - but will be back for Spanish Point!

Regards

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 06:52 AM

As Peter said, the Burren centre at Mullaghmore never was finished though the detritus took years to remove - great victory for peoples' power despite the fact that the proposals to build another on the Burren still hover threateningly.
Galway is a pleasant city (as cities go) and you're sure to find a session at The Crane Pub most nights; (out of the city centre heading north, over the Bridge (Claddagh on your left) and somewhere to the right - (we always use the Kashmir Indian restaurant as a guide - and for a meal).
There is a session on Friday (I think) nights somewhere on Shop Street where you might be lucky enough to hear Tommy McCarthy (of the London McCarthys) play - lovely fiddler.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Noreen
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 05:45 AM

Micca, I'll look out for Mr O'Rourke's cd.
I've heard a lot of him from Donal Maguire; when I sang 'Donal Og' at Limbrick for him, he sang 'Donal's reply'.

Sheer brilliance.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 05:41 AM

The visitor centre at Mullaghmore didn't go ahead, the parking area was returned, more or less, to it's orignal state. There's still the Burren centre in Kilfenora.

It's november, the weather as unpredictable a ever. Yesterday was fine. Today, not so much.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Noreen
Date: 02 Nov 13 - 05:30 AM

First night booked in Galway- at a discount, as you say, Jim.
Definitely planning on seeing the Burren again- did a visitors centre get built or is still being debated?
I have been to Dingle but don't know it well, thanks for the info Raggy.
I'm planning on the Kilimer ferry thanks Peter,I remember it well from years of going to Listowel for the fleadh �� - that's in the plan too.
Fingers crossed for clear weather for visiting Valentia, which I remember as being the most beautiful view I've ever seen. It loses a lot when the cloud is down, as it was the last time I was there!

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 01 Nov 13 - 08:18 AM

"What would be a good place to stop, heading westwards?"
The journey is fairly simple nowadays, what with the motorways and bypasses (haven't done it for a long time by road, but I understand less than 4 hours coast to coast) but should you decide it necessary to stop, it's often advantageous to book in advance as many hotels are offering great bargains at half-nothing due to the demise of the Celtic Tiger - (we regularly use booking,com).
The Midlands can be a bit 'curate's eggish' so any worthwhile stops usually involve a diversion off the main road.
If you decide on the straightest route - a bit far south, but if you haven't been, Cashel, in Tipperary is spectacular, and the Glen of Aherlow (south of Tipperary Town) is beautiful, weather permitting.
These may be a bit far off your route, but Ireland isn't a large country.
If the weather is good, be sure to visit the Burren
By the way, the journey from Ennis to Spanish Point is around half an hour and, again if the weather is good, come in by the Connolly Road and enjoy the spectacular panoramic views of the Atlantic
About four miles outside Miltown is Diarmuid and Grainne, a megalighic tomb said to have been erected by the eponymous heroes fleeing from Finn McCumhal's jealousy - local legend has it that any woman having difficulties procreating should sleep under it overnight - just a thought!!
Whatever way you choose - enjoy; may see you in Spanish Point.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 01 Nov 13 - 07:17 AM

Hi Noreen, Don't know if you been to Dingle before but try and get to O'Flahertys' Bar. Fergus the landlord is a great host and musician and his sister Mazz, apart from being a cracking singer runs the music shop up near Dick Macks' bar. Fergus plays guitar, accordion and banjo at break neck speed.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 01 Nov 13 - 06:13 AM

Galway is always nice and lively and you'll have musical options to during the night, the Sweeney's Men reunion on the 15th should offer a bit of nostalgia for example. And it would probably be more efficient as a way of traveling, rather than go to Miltown and pop down and back to see Dingle (if you do decide to go Miltown-Dingle-Miltown, take the Killimer ferry across the Shannon instead of the long way round through Limerick).

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Noreen
Date: 31 Oct 13 - 06:29 PM

That sounds like a good plan, Martin. I've never been to Galway.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 31 Oct 13 - 05:59 PM

One option would be to get across to Galway for Wednesday night (about 2.5 hours drive on the motorway) then wander down to Ennis along the coast on Thursday. As it happens, there's no regular music in my home village of Kinvara (12 miles outside Galway) on Wednesday at the moment - but Galway itself has lots of options.

I'm away in Scotland over those few days but will be back for Spanish Point!


Regards

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Noreen
Date: 31 Oct 13 - 05:19 PM

OK, plans going well! Thanks for all the helpful suggestions.

Have now booked into the Bellbridge in Spanish Point for the final weekend (sorry George- I'll have to come to your sing in Bray another time).

So- will have Monday to Thursday, (11th-14th) to get from Ennis to Spanish Point (!), probably heading down to Dingle, and of course Milltown for a night.

More immediately, we arrive lunchtime Weds and were going to stay the night in Dublin but don't need to now as the Clé club is off. What would be a good place to stop, heading westwards?

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: michaelr
Date: 30 Oct 13 - 06:43 PM

I recently stayed at - and can recommend - Mary Hughes' B&B "An Gleann", Ennis Road, Miltown Malbay, located 1 km from Miltown Malbay on the main road to Ennis.

Beware when buying CDs at Custy's in Ennis. They take the discs out, presumably to discourage theft. I bought a Paddy Keenan CD, and when I opened it - you guessed it: no disc. I was already too far down the road to turn back.

Have a great trip!

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,giovanni
Date: 30 Oct 13 - 12:22 PM

Jealous as hell - Lahinch golf club is right there on the coast.

No chance you could quickly learn to play golf? - nah, maybe not.

g

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 30 Oct 13 - 11:46 AM

Thanks Martin
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 30 Oct 13 - 10:04 AM

Found the (paper) programme for Spanish Point - no sign of it online. Theme is "Emigration and Songs of Exile". Basic programme is:
Fri
20.00 Opening, lecture and informal singing session
Sat.
11 Singing workshop led by Jim McFarland
14.00 Singing session
16.00 Seminar "Emigration, Past, Present, Future"
18.00 dinner
20.00 Grand Concert
22.30 Singing session
Sun.
13.00 Farewell singing session

Small (5€) charges for most events. €20 for concert. Weekend ticket available.

Hope this is a help. Highly recommended.

Regards

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 30 Oct 13 - 09:57 AM

Re accommodation - further
Miltown Malbay has several recommended B&Bs - can get details for you if you wish.
The nearest one to the Ballbridge - literally 2 minutes walk, is run by the daughter of the original owner, Deidre O'Malley and faces out into Mal Bay (with spectacular views of New York if your eyesight is good enough!!)
Probably wise to confirm accommodation ASAP from experience of friends in past years.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Raggytash
Date: 30 Oct 13 - 09:08 AM

Hi Noreen, you could do worse than try and see what is on in Clifden on the Connemara, a very beautiful part of the world if all else fails.

Lowrys in Clifden normally has music on a Thursday night with some very good musicians and a great mixture of songs and tunes. (tel:[phone])The numerous other bars often have sessions going and are open and generous with visiting singers/musicians.

Richie Newman will probably he playing in Lowrys(he has a bar in Cleggan). He is also a great guy and very talented on mandolin, guitar and banjo, give him my regards if you see him please.

Cheers

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 30 Oct 13 - 04:27 AM

"I've found the page for booking into the hotel"
Try the Bellbridge Hotel web-site direct - nuff sed!!
Any problems with space, The Armada Hotel is within staggering distance of the proceedings
The theme of the week-end is Emigration (I think) - am I the only one having difficulty finding information on what exactly is happening this year - haven't come across a poster or a programme so far?
"can anyone tell me what other charges there are for the weekend?"
The singing sessions are free, can't remember if there is acharge for the talks, if any - apart from that, there is a charge for the Saturday night concert
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 30 Oct 13 - 04:15 AM

Noreen

Apart from the hotel accommodation costs, there is a small charge for the weekend activities and an optional seminar dinner on the Saturday, as far as I recall. I'll check details if nobody posts them here soon ('catter Liberty Boy has family connections with the organisers!).

B&B's less common than they used to be and November is low season - but you should still be fine.

Regards

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Micca
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 10:09 PM

Noreen, while your in Ennis, you might try and get your hands on a copy Of Brian O'Rourkes CD ( I got mine from there by Mail order from there) It has Chantal du Champignon (which he wrote) Drumsnot (also his) and Donal Ogs reply!! Hilarious all of them, he is a Nobel songwriter!!have a lovely musical trip

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Noreen
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 07:32 PM

Thanks for the helpful ideas.

I'm interested in the Spanish Point weekend.
I've found the page for booking into the hotel, can anyone tell me what other charges there are for the weekend?

We're taking the car so will be up for travelling round a bit, and finding nice B&Bs on the way- are B&Bs still easy to find?

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Diva
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 12:39 PM

Jim and George both know about Scittish singers! They whiles let a few of us loose at the Frank Harte, Innishowen and Knockroghery!

Diva - a Scittish singer

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 08:16 AM

"with a scittish flavour."
Love the "scittish" George - would have gone down a bomb in Knockroghery on Sunday night!
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,George Henderson
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 07:58 AM

Bray Singers Circle are meeting on 16th November. We also have an additional night on 23rd with a scittish flavour.

Noreen, you will be very welcome in Bray. Note that the Esplanade hotel (next to our venue, are offering a special rate of 79 euros per night for a double rrom with breakfast but you must mention Bray Singers Circle to get that rate.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Jim Carroll
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 07:29 AM

You'll hear some fine singing at The Clare Traditional singing weekend at Spanish Point and I would concur (on the basis of a recent visit) that Kinvarra is well worth a visit.
Good music tends to be wall-to-wall in Miltown Malbay - Spanish Point is next-door.
Haven't visited the Ennis Trad Festival for some years but, while the music can be excellent, singing has never been a major feature of the proceedings.
Don't know how long you intend to stop, but you need more than a few days to sample the delights of West Clare.
"launching several CDs that have been out for over a year. Bit of a sham isn't it?"
Someone once commented that Ireland has more 'launches' than Camell Lairds shipbuilders.
"your post was a negative criticism "
Take it easy Cap'n - Peter is a fine musician whose contribution to Irish music is to be applauded, as is his contribution to this forum, with his carefully considered and knowledgeable postings.
Jim Carroll

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 07:27 AM

Well that explains it. Thanks Lynn. I did actually consider that but when I checked yesterday before I posted I had scrolled down the programme and all that showed was the date for the 2013 festival. Easy mistake to make.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Lynn W
Date: 29 Oct 13 - 07:09 AM

Peter you are looking at last year's programme I think - see the date at the top, they leave it up as a guide to the sort of thing that's on until the new one is available. It's always last minute, particularly with the session trail, you often don't get that until you've arrived, can't be helped, I'm just glad someone does this at all. Headline artists are up on their facebook page.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 05:33 PM

cork city singers club, sundays spailpin fanach opposite the old beamish brewery

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 04:51 PM

peter laban,so you have to resort to swear words, the truth hurts doesn't it, peter, your post was a negative criticism of an organiser attempt to promote a festival during a severe economic recession, stop criticising and start your own festival, that is if you are capable of it which i doubt.
here is another singers circle,
Leitrim Singers Circle have decided to   meet in Forde's Pub, Drumkeeran at 5.00pm., they have a face book page

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 02:04 PM

trying to be a bit more constructive, Noreen, there's an excellent singing session at Durkan's pub in Ballinacarrow, south of Sligo on Tuesday the 12th at 9pm- don't eat beforehand!

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 01:22 PM

Feck off troll.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: The Sandman
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 01:13 PM

peter laban you are always moaning about something if you dont like something you dont have to go, but someone else is trying to do smething positive [like running a festival in an economic recession]and along comes a moaner like peter laban, such and such is a sham, negative people like laban, are of no use to anyone, laban if you think its a sham get off your butt and organise your own festival, in the meantime shut up

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 12:36 PM

I know that Martin but to be still launching after a year is surely stretching it a bit, isn't it?

On the other hand, maybe it's just a sign there are not as many new CDs being made as there were a few years ago.

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 12:19 PM

Most traditional CD's see more launches than some people see lunches! ;>)>

Regards

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: GUEST,Peter Laban
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 10:56 AM

Just looked at the festival's programme and couldn't help noticing they are launching several CDs that have been out for over a year. Bit of a sham isn't it?

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: MartinRyan
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 10:13 AM

... and Kinvara, just over the border, depending on how mobile you are. The Spanish Point festival would be well worth staying for/getting back to - very different from the Ennis festival.

Regards

Subject: RE: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Jim Martin
Date: 28 Oct 13 - 09:56 AM

Sounds like Clare might be a good place to head for as there's always plenty going on there anyway (Ennis, Miltown Malbay, Ballyvaughan, Kilfenora, Kilrush, Enistymon)!

Subject: Noreen's Irish Adventure- ideas?
From: Noreen
Date: 27 Oct 13 - 05:47 PM

Hi all!
I'll be over in Ireland for the Ennis Traditional Festival 9/10 Nov, and am looking for some 'proper' singing and playing either side of the weekend. This is the first time I've been over for years, and am looking forward to take in some of the wonderful gatherings I've heard about.

I'd planned to go to the Clé club in Dublin on Weds 6th Nov (day of arrival) but have just found out that the Clé club has changed to monthly meetings and there will be nothing on that night.

I'd also planned to take in the Goilín Club on the Friday 15th November, but I find that'll be off because all the regulars will be over at Spanish Point for another singing weekend.

I'm hoping the Bray Singers' Circle will still be on, on Saturday 16th, just before we go home- or will they be at Spanish Point too? Should we stay over in Clare too?!

So, I'm looking for ideas of where to go/ what's on between 11th and 16th, to plan the rest of the holiday around.

Thank you for any ideas :)