Seeking Good Music While In Ireland

Subject: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From:
Date: 20 May 03 - 06:07 PM

My wife and I will be traveling to Ireland at the end of the month, I would like to hear some thoughts about where to go.

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: Noreen
Date: 20 May 03 - 06:32 PM

Godness! Where will you be, when, how long for? Or are you totally willing to be directed?

And what do you consider 'good music'? You could catch the Studio Symphony Orchestra or the Gerry Rice Jazz Band, both in Belfast on 31st May...

Do you want concerts, festivals, or sessions you can join in?

If you provide some more specifics you're more likely to get useful thoughts about where to go!

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: Raggytash
Date: 20 May 03 - 06:57 PM

Where are you heading to, Music availabilty vairies tremendously from area to area

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: GUEST,weerover
Date: 21 May 03 - 01:23 AM

In my experience, pretty much anywhere on the west coast is a good bet. Westport in Co. Mayo, Galway city and Killarney are all full of regular sessions, Doolin has a great reputation though I've never got round to getting there yet. Hughes's pub in Spiddal (Co. Galway) attracts some of the finest musicians around and Newman's pub in Cleggan (Co. Galway again) has good crack - I'll be there for a couple of weeks in August myself.

wr.

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: greg stephens
Date: 21 May 03 - 07:30 AM

Droichead Beag in Dingle, Lobby in Cork, Hughes in Spiddal all spring to mind. Places where, even if there's nothing on that night, people will tell you where it is going on. And all places worth going to anyway. Unless you know your way around, better to avoid Dublin except for the obligatory look at the bullet holes in the post office.If you like cities, Cork is much more user friendly to the outsider, and allows access to West Cork and Kerry.
    Doolin's a funny one: I've never been there, having heard it heavily criticised as a waste of space by people whose opinions I respect, but equally well you meet loads of people who say it is the greatest place this side of heaven. One day I'm just going to have to go and take a look.
   Avoid Killarney, there is a lot of tourist music but it's pretty grim. I've played gigs there, but I wouldnt visit for pleasure, though having said that the countryside around is truly fabulous.

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: Whistleworks
Date: 21 May 03 - 08:57 AM

Two people have already said Hughes' Pub in Spiddal, Co. Galway. I'll be the third. Tuesday's are the best. Doolin is a sure bet. Hope that's helpful.

Cheers.

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: Raggytash
Date: 21 May 03 - 09:29 AM

Sadly Doolin has become a tourist mecca, tourists go to listen to traditional Irish musicians who nine times out of ten hail from Bradford or Bedford anywhere but Ireland. If you do go to Doolin O'Connors is supposed to be the best bar for music and as such is frequented by hordes of people in Aaron Sweaters (OK I exaggerate but not much) and the smell of cooking is all prevading. From my experience, several visits over several years, I have always found the craic better in McGanns just up the road

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: KateG
Date: 21 May 03 - 12:20 PM

Aaron sweaters?? Oy, gevalt!

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: TIA
Date: 21 May 03 - 12:59 PM

Kevin Griffin sure as heck ain't from Bradford or Bedford. Local Doolin lad, often found in McGann's or McDermot's. Don't go to the west without hearing him.

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: GUEST,Dáithí
Date: 22 May 03 - 08:27 AM

Hi Weerover - I should be in Galway/Mayo area (on way up to Donegal) for a couple of days in August (7th and 8th).I'm looking for a session or two to join while I'm on my travels. Do you think they'd welcome a whistle player at Newmans in Cleggan? Or anywhere else for that matter?

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: koko2315
Date: 22 May 03 - 01:40 PM

I have to say...I went to Ireland last summer and had the time of my life. We hit up a lot of pubs and the best Trad music I heard was in the places that don't advertise it. Just people showing up and playing together on whatever they can agree on.

I was in Co. Tipperary, by Loch Derg.

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: weerover
Date: 22 May 03 - 01:49 PM

Daithi,

I'm sure you would be made most welcome in Newman's. I took my guitar there a few years ago, sang a couple of songs and got asked back every session for two weeks. Just drop in before the session and mention that you play. Be aware that even at 9 o'clock the pub may seem deserted and dead - don't let that put you off, it really gets going later.

wr

Subject: RE: SEEKING GOOD MUSIC WHILE IN IRELAND
From: boglion
Date: 22 May 03 - 03:31 PM

I'll second Weerover on the timing. My favourite session in the area I visit regularly is Saturday night in Tig a Cuinne in Brandon Co Kerry. It's basically accordions, bodhrans and guitars with the odd pipe and whistle thrown in.

I've often arrived at 10.30 pm and the place is deserted - only warming up around midnight.

This pub, by the way, is where Christy Moore spent all day playing with the locals just before penning "Brendon's Voyage" - the saga of St. Brendan discovering America etc after sailing from Brandon in the year of 501.

Slainte

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: PoppaGator
Date: 22 May 03 - 04:34 PM

Surprised to hear about the late-starting pub sessions; is there no legally-enforced closing time in Ireland?

Visitors to New Orleans (from elsewhere in the US, at least), are always surprised that bars here can operate 24hours/7days. Live music at most of the popular venues doesn't usually start until 10 or 11, which strikes most out-of-towners as not only strange, but inconvenient. Few working people enjoy long enough vacations to readjust their internals clocks so they can enjoy staying up til dawn. Only the youngest are able to adopt the slogan "I'll sleep when I'm dead!"

I'll be there myself in mid-August, for my first visit. Will be seeing relatives in Mayo, then will tour the West until it's time to depart from Shannon. My brother, who lives in England and knows his way around Ireland, will act as guide. I'm pretty sure we'll visit Westport, Galway City and environs, and Doolin. I'm not sure if time will permit us to venture much further south (e.g., Kerry) before it's time to leave and return to work.

Tom Henehan

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,Rob Wright
Date: 23 May 03 - 04:53 AM

Why not pop i to Chester on the way .There is a great music scene there. for futher in fo and surrounding area look on "Folk Orbit".
The Chester Festival is This Weekend. in Kelsall

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,leeneia
Date: 24 May 03 - 12:06 AM

When we visited Ireland (mostly the southwest) we could not plan our travels around sessions. So what we did was consult the hostess or owner of our hotel, and she would ask someone else (usually named Theresa) "Theresa, is there any traditional tonight?" If there was, we would go.

It was never called traditional music, it was just "traditional."

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 24 May 03 - 01:05 AM

Poppagator:

There's a legal closing time in Ireland but not necessarily a legally-enforced closing time. Depends on where you are and how closely the publican is related to the garda.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,EOIN O'BUADHAIGH
Date: 24 May 03 - 06:13 AM

if it's sessions you want while your travellin' around - why not buy the 'Irish Music' magazine as it gives quite a few pubs and venues throughout Ireland that have regular sessions. Good luck and enjoy!

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,dreoilin
Date: 24 May 03 - 06:35 AM

Dingle, in west kerry is brilliant.
Check out John Benny's   near the pier for sessions Wed Saturday Friday Sunday and set dancing monday. The owners are musicians.

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: MartinRyan
Date: 24 May 03 - 06:57 AM

Within striking distance from Galway city, try Regan's of Moycullen on Weds. or Fri. night.

Regards

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: dulcimer
Date: 24 May 03 - 07:56 AM

No one mentioned Cruise in Ennis- But a word of caution about pub sessions. I found them to be usually noisy and loud--the patrons that is. Many times one can't hear the music. Unless you get there early one many have to stand. If one doesn't care for smoke, don't go. I would suggest a couple of things. Explore. Check in at a local music store. Ask at the place you are staying. At one B&B it discovered the owner played music in a group every Friday night and I played with him in his home and was invited to play if I were in town on the next Friday. Check the signs. In Ennis, I was fortunate enough to note that the singing club was meeting with a special singer. That was about two hours of good unaccompanied singing with a local flavor--nothing canned for the tourist. Check to see if there are any music contests or fairs. One can hear people from 9 to 90 in contests and concert for a low price--and they can be heard. Finally, just go in and ask if there will be music and what kind. Several times, the local performers were glad to have a visitor play with them, even if they were getting paid. These are just some of my experiences.

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,Lidy
Date: 24 May 03 - 11:23 AM

Ireland. Lucky not to suffer under the weirdo "2 in a Bar" entertainment laws... imagine what would happen if someone tried to introduce (and enforce) it there!! there'd be outrage...

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST
Date: 24 May 03 - 01:00 PM

In Westport- I think it's Matt Molloy's pub? Not quite sure, but anyway- good music there.

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: dulcimer
Date: 24 May 03 - 08:33 PM

Molly's is usually packed. Conway's just up the street is pretty good.

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,René
Date: 13 Apr 06 - 12:58 PM

We stay in Cleggan (Co Galway)from 13 May till 20 May 2006.We are looking for good Irish music overthere.
Wich pub ?

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: weerover
Date: 13 Apr 06 - 03:31 PM

Richie Newman's pub is the one in Cleggan. It won't be difficult to find - the village is very small.

wr.

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,hen harrier
Date: 14 Apr 06 - 07:48 AM

There's a very good session in Lynch's (Friel's Pub - Willie Clancy's local) on the Mullagh Road in Miltown Malbay on Sunday afternnons with Jacky Daly, Henry Benagh and friends usually holding court. Jacky also has a regular session in the "Crosses of Annagh" pub just outside town.

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: Doug Chadwick
Date: 14 Apr 06 - 09:03 AM

I will be travelling from Dublin to Cork on Thursday, 4th May, for this year's Eurogathering and then back towards Dublin on Monday, 8th May.

Does anyone know of any sessions I may catch on the way there or back?


DC

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: James Kelly
Date: 14 Apr 06 - 01:54 PM

Hi Doug, On your trip from Dublin to Cork if you want to make a detour into Waterford, I recommend T & H Doolans during the week night. James

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: number 6
Date: 14 Apr 06 - 01:58 PM

The streets of Galway City ... has best street musicians I've seen anywhere.

sIx

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,Captain Swing
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 01:54 PM

Clonakilty, Cork - good music everywhere but refreshingly little trad stuff.

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,SG
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 02:34 PM

Pick up a copy of "In Dublin".

And which James Kelly might that be, posting here at Mudcat?

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: Declan
Date: 15 Apr 06 - 08:53 PM

For info on Sessions in Dublin click on This thread and follow the links.

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,bobcat
Date: 16 Apr 06 - 01:13 PM

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,bobcat
Date: 16 Apr 06 - 01:17 PM

I am in Clifden, Connemara in August. Where do i go for traditional music pubs/sessions? (I am on foot as I am on a walking week)!!!

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,bflat
Date: 16 Apr 06 - 10:47 PM

I'll be there, Ireland, for two weeks this summer, should be able to stop into a few of the places mentioned. I'm looking forward to this trip as I understand the hospitality in wonderful and the landscape breathtaking. Thanks to Guest:Eoin for the thread.

Ellen

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: GUEST,Paddy Plastique
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 03:11 AM

You can forget the concerns expressed above by Dulcimer, I think, about smoke - a thing of the past now (inside the bar at least).
Nobody mentioned my namesake 'Dan o'Connell's' in Knocknagree Co. Cork. Is there no longer music/dancing there ???
A bit off the tourist track (although only about 20 miles east
of Plastic Paddy hell (Killarney)) but had a good reputation.

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: Seamus Kennedy
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 03:51 AM

Hoban's in the Octagon in Westport is a great one too.

Buckley's in Killarney.

Seamus

Subject: RE: Seeking Good Music While In Ireland
From: ard mhacha
Date: 17 Apr 06 - 01:49 PM

The International Pan Celtic Festival taking place to-morrow in Letterkenny Co Donegal and running until the 23rd of April.
Award winning traditional artists from Scotland, Wales, Brittany, Isle of Man, Cornwall and Ireland.

Head to the north-west for scenic beauty and great music.