'Real' sessions in Dublin

Subject: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: Cats
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 02:40 PM

We are off to Dublin soon and will be looking for a 'real' session as opposed to something put on for the tourists! I know that most of the pubs in Dublin have sessions on most nights but anyone know of any that should not be missed or know of a session where singers are welcome and not just musicians.

Subject: RE: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: bill kennedy
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 03:22 PM

for singers it's got to be An Góilín, Friday nights in Tom Maye's Pub at the Junction of North Frederick Street and Upper Dorset Street starting at 9.30pm. first session of the new season will be September 3.

For others, you might check a copy of Irish Music Magazine which lists sessions (sometimes out of date, be sure you contact the pub to see if they are still there) in the back pages of each issue.

Subject: RE: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: bill kennedy
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 03:25 PM

they have a website here http://www.goilin.com/index.php , check out last years calendar, it will make your mouth water, last session was July 1, hope you are travelling at or about the 3 of September or later so you can check it out.

Subject: RE: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: MartinRyan
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 06:10 PM

Starting point is Hughes's of Chancery Street - near the "Four COurts".

Regards

Subject: RE: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: Bev and Jerry
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 06:46 PM

As a rule, singing and instrumental music are not mixed in Ireland. An Goilin, which should not be missed no matter what, is strictly unaccompanied or sean nos singing. Hughes has always been instrumental whenever we've been there. Also try Mother Redcap's.

Having said that, we were at a fine session at O'Connor's Pub in Ballyboughal two years ago where there was unaccompaied singing, accompanied singing and instrumentals. As far as we know, they are still having this session on Tuesday nights. Ballyboughal is a little north of the Dublin airport so you'll need a car. Don't worry about findind the pub. If you find Ballyboughal, you'll have no trouble finding O'Connor's.

Bev and Jerry

Subject: RE: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: erinmaidin
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 06:59 PM

down on the south side, monkstown/blackrock area is the Wishing Well. Monday night sessions...tunes mixed liberally with songs. Been going for the past 14 yrs. or so ....nice session..nice people.

Subject: RE: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: BanjoRay
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 08:37 AM

Maybe the best Old Time band in these islands has a regular session in Dublin at The Cobblestone, Smithfield every Saturday, 5.00 - 7.00 p.m.
The Rough Deal String Band
details from superb banjo player Bill Whelan at 01-8331920
Cheers
Ray

Subject: RE: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: GUEST,fidjit
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 09:17 AM

You could try Barny McKenna's hangout at "The Lighthouse", at Howth on a Sunday. Take "The Dart". Get there early, but don't sit on their seats!

Subject: RE: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: PoppaGator
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 01:07 PM

I believe Mother Redcaps has been demolished to built a parking garage or some such monstrosity. My brother visited there a couple of months back and learned that the place was about to be torn down. (He may, indeed, have attended the very last musical event at that pub.) Unless there was some kind of last-minute reprieve, it's probably gone by now.

I posted this info in some other "sessions in Dublin" Mudcat thread as soon as I got the news.

Someone who is actually in Dublin or nearby, please verify (or contradict) this. I'm thousands of miles away in New Orleans, Louisiana, just passing along something I heard.

Subject: RE: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 01:30 PM

Hughes's

Subject: RE: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: Cats
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 01:31 PM

Thanks folks... and thanks for the pm's too.. It's a start.

Subject: RE: 'Real' sessions in Dublin
From: Kevin Sheils
Date: 18 Aug 05 - 04:31 AM

Just to slightly correct Bev and Jerry above, although singing is the raison d'etre of the Goilin club there is not a strict rule on unaccompanied singing, although that is how the majority perform. To quote their own website:

We do not have a ban on musical instruments, but, as its a Singer's club, we prefer, if you want to play that you also sing. Anyone who has an interest in listening to, or performing songs will find that they are "as welcome as the flowers in May".

Certainly on my visit one performer accompanied the song and was later asked to sing another amd the I know that the following weeks guest performer accompanies himself from time to time on concertina.

Don't go there for instrumental sessions though, but definitely go there.