Unfortunately, the Ailsa Craig has closed and they're building(or have already built) a Tesco's. It was the favourite haunt for Irish musicians.
However, The Harbour Bar esp downstairs attracts a lot of tune players. You'll also get them in the public bar of The Royal, The Fish, and The Hamilton Arms.
There's also The Queens Hotel and The Westcliffe which tend to be half/half singing and tunes. Usually The Westcliffe tends to be more Scottish but you'll get Irish musicians going there too.
Have a wander around. You'll soon get the picture.
The camp site will be secure this year so, hopefully, no trouble from the local neds.
I was there last year! The first thing I heard as I tried to enter the hotel was:: "well, I'd prefer to be f****** Bretish thenF******* Irish!!! " That one was new!
Hi John J - did they actually knock the Ailsa down? I thought it was only the extensions which were going to be demolished. I knew the bar was due to close. Also, where's "The Fish"? I thought I knew the names of all the bars with music there, but that's a new one on me..
The front was still there last year and, come to think about it, I heard there was a preservatin order or something. The bar has been shut for over a year though.
"The Fish" is just up the road from The Harbour Bar. It used to be known as The Swee. They had sessions there last year which were good at certain times. I don't know how they'll be this time but they are planned.
Thanks John J - I know the bar you mean now. It's one I've usually given a body swerve to - I'll slow down slightly, next time I walk past it
I thought there was probably some sort of preservation order on the Ailsa - it's a very old building. If they've only kept the frontage, that's a pity.
JHi John
I am going to Girvan as usual but we are down in numbers this year as there is only Me Martin Dempsey and John Savage going from here
Give us a call when you are there Stevie knows my No but it is 07710337760 if you want to call
Girvan Folk Festival
Girvan Folk Festival
Anyone for Girvan this year? 4 of us from the Glenavy crew going Friday to Monday. Where you recommend for session over weekend?
# Posted on April 25th 2007 by johnny
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
I'll be there, as usual.
Unfortunately, the Ailsa Craig has closed and they're building(or have already built) a Tesco's. It was the favourite haunt for Irish musicians.
However, The Harbour Bar esp downstairs attracts a lot of tune players. You'll also get them in the public bar of The Royal, The Fish, and The Hamilton Arms.
There's also The Queens Hotel and The Westcliffe which tend to be half/half singing and tunes. Usually The Westcliffe tends to be more Scottish but you'll get Irish musicians going there too.
Have a wander around. You'll soon get the picture.
The camp site will be secure this year so, hopefully, no trouble from the local neds.
# Posted on April 25th 2007 by John J.
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
John J - I thought, just for a moment, you said they were building a Tesco's on Ailsa Craig. Mermaids have to buy their mackerel somewhere.
# Posted on April 25th 2007 by CreadurMawnOrganig
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
No, it was the pub.
The real Ailsa Craig is still there but is known in Ireland as Paddy's Milestone,.
# Posted on April 25th 2007 by John J.
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
I was there last year! The first thing I heard as I tried to enter the hotel was:: "well, I'd prefer to be f****** Bretish thenF******* Irish!!! " That one was new!
# Posted on April 25th 2007 by downey
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
Hi johnny, great sesions in Girvan, various venues as John J says. hope to see you boys there.
# Posted on April 26th 2007 by curlew
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
Hi John J - did they actually knock the Ailsa down? I thought it was only the extensions which were going to be demolished. I knew the bar was due to close. Also, where's "The Fish"? I thought I knew the names of all the bars with music there, but that's a new one on me..
# Posted on April 26th 2007 by Ron P
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
The front was still there last year and, come to think about it, I heard there was a preservatin order or something. The bar has been shut for over a year though.
"The Fish" is just up the road from The Harbour Bar. It used to be known as The Swee. They had sessions there last year which were good at certain times. I don't know how they'll be this time but they are planned.
# Posted on April 26th 2007 by John J.
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
Thanks John J - I know the bar you mean now. It's one I've usually given a body swerve to - I'll slow down slightly, next time I walk past it
I thought there was probably some sort of preservation order on the Ailsa - it's a very old building. If they've only kept the frontage, that's a pity.
# Posted on April 26th 2007 by Ron P
Re: Girvan Folk Festival
JHi John
I am going to Girvan as usual but we are down in numbers this year as there is only Me Martin Dempsey and John Savage going from here
Give us a call when you are there Stevie knows my No but it is 07710337760 if you want to call
Michael Keown
# Posted on April 29th 2007 by sober driver