I'm off to stay with some friends in Killarney International hostel 11th to 15th April. Just wondering if anyone would dare to recommend any sessions around abouts, either to help me learn some more tunes, to keep my non-playing friends happy (they love the music), or even for me to maybe pluck up the courage to push some air down my flute. Any advice much appreciated. We'll have a car.
I was at the Gathering festival there a couple months ago. I didn't play in any sessions that weren't part of the festival. However, I saw at least two pubs in the downtown area of Killarney that advertise traditional music nightly.
I know the festival was a different thing, but we were in some pretty crazy sessions there. One of them at the hotel was out of control. We got up to leave at 3:30AM just to have our inner-circle seats descended upon by the masses. We had to fight through a full set dance, and 3 other sessioning groups to get out the door at that time of the morning - unbelievable!
You will need to look about Killarney because it is famous for "stage" Irish sessions aimed at "Quiet Man" type Americans, and some of the advertised "sessions" leave a lot to be desired.
Buckley's is always a good bet, or Murphy's next door. Also The Grand hotel on Main st. can have some good sessions too. Avoid Tatlers, and Scotts - stage oirish stuff!
There are some big Accordeon names from these parts and lots of fellow box players descend on some of these sessions just to get to play with them. Its lovely to see, but sometimes the session can get overpowered.
They are very welcoming though so enjoy...
There are alos some nice sessions in Killorglin, about 16 miles away. The Forge is one venue, but I'm not sure - I'll get back to you
OK scrap that!!! The Forge is NOT the place to go - got mixed up. Looks like most of the sessions in Killorglin are not running yet after the winter, but you could try Coffey's or The Fishery.
I second Murphy's - I bumped into Jackie Healy-Rae there a year or two ago - a scary moment, that was! - but the music was top notch.
I also recommend Tuesday night in Tralee - Baily's Corner has an excellent session, occasionally a bit "fiddly" (as in six fiddles and a guitar), but always quality. And be sure to get your free pint fromo Gary or one of his excellent staff.
Killarney session recommendations
Killarney session recommendations
I'm off to stay with some friends in Killarney International hostel 11th to 15th April. Just wondering if anyone would dare to recommend any sessions around abouts, either to help me learn some more tunes, to keep my non-playing friends happy (they love the music), or even for me to maybe pluck up the courage to push some air down my flute. Any advice much appreciated. We'll have a car.
# Posted on April 3rd 2007 by NeilC
Re: Killarney session recommendations
I was at the Gathering festival there a couple months ago. I didn't play in any sessions that weren't part of the festival. However, I saw at least two pubs in the downtown area of Killarney that advertise traditional music nightly.
I know the festival was a different thing, but we were in some pretty crazy sessions there. One of them at the hotel was out of control. We got up to leave at 3:30AM just to have our inner-circle seats descended upon by the masses. We had to fight through a full set dance, and 3 other sessioning groups to get out the door at that time of the morning - unbelievable!
Pete
# Posted on April 3rd 2007 by Reverend
Re: Killarney session recommendations
You will need to look about Killarney because it is famous for "stage" Irish sessions aimed at "Quiet Man" type Americans, and some of the advertised "sessions" leave a lot to be desired.
# Posted on April 3rd 2007 by bodhran bliss
Re: Killarney session recommendations
Thanks for the responses. Anyone know of anything further afield then,but driveable?
# Posted on April 4th 2007 by NeilC
Re: Killarney session recommendations
I've had some good sessions in Buckley's but it's been at least 4 years since I was in Killarney
# Posted on April 4th 2007 by Bjcomm96
Re: Killarney session recommendations
Buckley's is always a good bet, or Murphy's next door. Also The Grand hotel on Main st. can have some good sessions too. Avoid Tatlers, and Scotts - stage oirish stuff!
There are some big Accordeon names from these parts and lots of fellow box players descend on some of these sessions just to get to play with them. Its lovely to see, but sometimes the session can get overpowered.
They are very welcoming though so enjoy...
There are alos some nice sessions in Killorglin, about 16 miles away. The Forge is one venue, but I'm not sure - I'll get back to you
# Posted on April 4th 2007 by nnicharra
Re: Killarney session recommendations
OK scrap that!!! The Forge is NOT the place to go - got mixed up. Looks like most of the sessions in Killorglin are not running yet after the winter, but you could try Coffey's or The Fishery.
# Posted on April 4th 2007 by nnicharra
Re: Killarney session recommendations
Great stuff. Thanks
# Posted on April 4th 2007 by NeilC
Re: Killarney session recommendations
I second Murphy's - I bumped into Jackie Healy-Rae there a year or two ago - a scary moment, that was! - but the music was top notch.
I also recommend Tuesday night in Tralee - Baily's Corner has an excellent session, occasionally a bit "fiddly" (as in six fiddles and a guitar), but always quality. And be sure to get your free pint fromo Gary or one of his excellent staff.
# Posted on April 4th 2007 by RockyRoader