I've heard that there are some great towns on the west coast for hearing traditional sessions such as Doolin, County Clare. Any favorite areas? Also has anyone been to the Puck fair in Kerry? I'm thinking of going for one of the days, maybe the first of three days. eedbjp
There are plenty of sessions there, and indeed you'll find them in Doolin, but both Doolin and the other event are highly tourist-oriented. That can also be OK, of course, but it's as well to know that in advance. The best method is to get there and ask around.
Head for Lisdoonvarna, which is just a few minutes away from Doolin by car and much less touristy. There's now a cheap hostel just off the town and the quality trad music can be heard several days of the week, especially from friday evening to sunday evening. You'll meet at least 3 of very well-known and skilled musicians there: one plays the flute, another the box, the other the pipes.
Doolin was really packed full of tourists when we went there looking for sessions.( I'm glad we went there though, as we were able to walk up to the Cliffs of Moher, and make a trip to the Burren from there. )
We learned that there were some hot sessions in Feakle.
Don't know if you've left for Ireland yet but.....
I fully recommend An Droichead Beag in Dingle. Dingle is a touristy town but An Droichead Beag is of those pubs the locals like to keep to themselves. I don't think I heard 2 words of english all night long....except when people were talking to me..my Irish is that bad!! The session music was amazing, too!
If you get outside of Galway I'd recommend a small pub, off the beaten path, in An Spideal. I can't recall the name of the place but it's off the coast road headed into the older section of An Spideal. Ask around...again, not much english to be heard but some amazing music!!
Going to ireland Next Week
Going to ireland Next Week
I've heard that there are some great towns on the west coast for hearing traditional sessions such as Doolin, County Clare. Any favorite areas? Also has anyone been to the Puck fair in Kerry? I'm thinking of going for one of the days, maybe the first of three days. eedbjp
# Posted on August 1st 2007 by eedbjp
Re: Going to ireland Next Week
There are plenty of sessions there, and indeed you'll find them in Doolin, but both Doolin and the other event are highly tourist-oriented. That can also be OK, of course, but it's as well to know that in advance. The best method is to get there and ask around.
# Posted on August 1st 2007 by Alex Wilding
Re: Going to ireland Next Week
the good are always the merry
except for an evil chance
and the merry love the fiddle
and the merry love to dance
# Posted on August 1st 2007 by Aodh Rúadh
Re: Going to ireland Next Week
Head for Lisdoonvarna, which is just a few minutes away from Doolin by car and much less touristy. There's now a cheap hostel just off the town and the quality trad music can be heard several days of the week, especially from friday evening to sunday evening. You'll meet at least 3 of very well-known and skilled musicians there: one plays the flute, another the box, the other the pipes.
# Posted on August 1st 2007 by slainte
Re: Going to ireland Next Week
There's some good traditional music to be found any night of the week in a lot of places around, including Ennis and Galway town.
A lot of it depends on how mobile you are. If you have a car, it makes it easier. If you're planted in one place, a bit more difficult.
Have a great time!
Pete
# Posted on August 1st 2007 by Reverend
Re: Going to ireland Next Week
Doolin was really packed full of tourists when we went there looking for sessions.( I'm glad we went there though, as we were able to walk up to the Cliffs of Moher, and make a trip to the Burren from there. )
We learned that there were some hot sessions in Feakle.
Have a wonderful time!
Shaskeen
# Posted on August 10th 2007 by shaskeen
Re: Going to ireland Next Week
Don't know if you've left for Ireland yet but.....
I fully recommend An Droichead Beag in Dingle. Dingle is a touristy town but An Droichead Beag is of those pubs the locals like to keep to themselves. I don't think I heard 2 words of english all night long....except when people were talking to me..my Irish is that bad!! The session music was amazing, too!
If you get outside of Galway I'd recommend a small pub, off the beaten path, in An Spideal. I can't recall the name of the place but it's off the coast road headed into the older section of An Spideal. Ask around...again, not much english to be heard but some amazing music!!
# Posted on August 10th 2007 by ceolgaelach