Am planning to take advantage of cheap flights to Knock in January (23rd to 30th) and would be grateful for a some inputs. I've taken a look at the session info and Galway looks to be pretty interesting for me as there appear to be some pretty regular sessions. By then I will have been playing tenor banjo for a good year plus and would like to take it with me.( more info on my profile)
Being fully aware or the discussions on the yellow board re etiquette, banjos and beginners etc can any of you folks give me some advice and info on where and which sessions are running and where I might benefit from the experience (and even get a chance to participate if possible... ).
I am also looking for info on cheap accommodation if possible and also transport possibilities from Knock airport.
Hoping you folks can help in my first trip, thanks in advance.
I was in Ireland in the spring and found two daily open sessions (both with banjo) in Galway City. These were late afternoon/early evening sessions, starting at 5 or 6, I think. One was at the Tig Coili and the other was right across the street; I can't remember the name of the pub right now. Good music, good crack, crowded with punters (maybe less crowded in the winter, when there are fewer tourists?). The musicians were friendly and welcoming --- by all means take your banjo and join in. I didn't know a single tune they played in 45 minutes or an hour, but when I got out my fiddle, they just said, "Play something you know, and we'll follow you." Both pubs are right on the main street in the center of the city: Shop Street and whatever it turns into --- the same street has several names.
I didn't get to the sessions at the Crane Bar at night. The Roisin Dubh has a lot of music, not just trad; can't remember if they have sessions, too --- I didn't get there, either.
Can't help you with the accommodations. We stayed about 20 miles outside the city and only made day trips in. I'd recommend staying right in town so it's easy to get to lots of sessions.
When I was there, they were having a problem with the public water supply in Galway City and the surrounding area, and you couldn't drink the tap water or brush your teeth with it., at risk of serious illness. The pubs all advertised that their ice was made from purified water, and of course you could buy bottled water. You might Google something like: Galway, water, parasite, to see if that situation has been resolved. I think it was supposed to be resolved by this fall, but who knows? The place we stayed had its own well, but I think not being able to drink the water would be somewhat inconvenient. I'd still recommend Galway City, though. Lovely place.
If you're driving, be forewarned, there's lots of construction going on, and lots of places where there aren't any signs directing you to the town you're looking for (though Galway City and area is very well marked).
At any rate, I know you'll have a wonderful time. Next time I go, I'm planning my trip around sessions and ceilis.
The water situation in Galway city has now been resolved. Carol's advice about Taaffes and Tigh Cóili is exactly right - great pubs, great music and great craic guaranteed.
If I were you I'd check out the University, I think they have a Traditional Music Society there and a weekly session somewhere in town.
We have a session on a Saturday in Oughterard, 15 miles west of Galway city if you are interested, with banjo, guitar, fiddle and whatever else turns up.
If you are in Galway and want to make a trip west towards Connemara, I would say go to Clifton. I had a great session/gig with John Walsh the box player a few months back. He's a fantastic player and worth just going to see. Mannion's also have a session if he is not there.
The University (NUIG) sessions are held at The Crane - have a look at http://www.thecranebar.com/ to see whats on and when - sessions most nights.
For accommodation, there are a few independent youth hostels in the city, and they shouldn't be too busy this time of the year. A Google search will bring up plenty of info.
Knock Airport doesn't have many transport connections, but as long as you arrive in daylight there's a regular bus (about every 90 minutes) to Charlestown which takes 15 minutes to get there. From Charlestown you can catch the #64 Bus Éireann service to Galway which runs around six to seven times daily and takes just over 90 minutes to reach the city.
Alternatively, you could take the #64 from Charlestown in the opposite direction town of Sligo (50 minutes) and enjoy some sessions there. Sligo also has three pretty reasonable hostels and is cheaper than Galway for B&B,
Bus Eireann is fabulous. It took a 20-something Bus Eireann driver (relative of a friend of mine) to figure out how to make my American cellphone work in Ireland. By which I mean, how many digits to use, local/area codes, etc. Not to mention his daily bravery of making the Galway-to-Dublin run. Staying outside Dublin and going into the city, Bus Eireann was the way to go. I highly recommend it.
Some great first hand info folks, thanks a million. I think I'll stick to Galway this time, I've plenty of time next year so Sligo and some others are on my future list.
The Bus Eireann looks to be a good solution, thanks CV, as for hostels, I've located a couple Barnacles Quay Street House, Claddagh Hostel and Sleepzone Galway City. Any experiences with these anyone.
Tctelboy, in terms of hostels there's Kinlay House too.
I don't know anything about Claddagh House (and its website isn't very informative), but there's also Kinlay House hostel (http://www.kinlaygalway.ie) just off Eyre Square.
Barnacles, Kinlay House and Sleepzone are all large hostels and well run. If I had to plump for one it would be Sleepzone, based on recommendations from readers (I write 'The Rough Guide to Ireland') and hostellers I've spoken to.
Whatever the case, you'll be likely to have the pick of the rooms in January, shouldn't be paying more than €15-16 and can always move on to another if you're not happy.
By the way, I provided the Bus Éireann information, not cv.
My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
Am planning to take advantage of cheap flights to Knock in January (23rd to 30th) and would be grateful for a some inputs. I've taken a look at the session info and Galway looks to be pretty interesting for me as there appear to be some pretty regular sessions. By then I will have been playing tenor banjo for a good year plus and would like to take it with me.( more info on my profile)
Being fully aware or the discussions on the yellow board re etiquette, banjos and beginners etc can any of you folks give me some advice and info on where and which sessions are running and where I might benefit from the experience (and even get a chance to participate if possible... ).
I am also looking for info on cheap accommodation if possible and also transport possibilities from Knock airport.
Hoping you folks can help in my first trip, thanks in advance.
Terry
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by tctelboy
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
I was in Ireland in the spring and found two daily open sessions (both with banjo) in Galway City. These were late afternoon/early evening sessions, starting at 5 or 6, I think. One was at the Tig Coili and the other was right across the street; I can't remember the name of the pub right now. Good music, good crack, crowded with punters (maybe less crowded in the winter, when there are fewer tourists?). The musicians were friendly and welcoming --- by all means take your banjo and join in. I didn't know a single tune they played in 45 minutes or an hour, but when I got out my fiddle, they just said, "Play something you know, and we'll follow you." Both pubs are right on the main street in the center of the city: Shop Street and whatever it turns into --- the same street has several names.
I didn't get to the sessions at the Crane Bar at night. The Roisin Dubh has a lot of music, not just trad; can't remember if they have sessions, too --- I didn't get there, either.
Can't help you with the accommodations. We stayed about 20 miles outside the city and only made day trips in. I'd recommend staying right in town so it's easy to get to lots of sessions.
When I was there, they were having a problem with the public water supply in Galway City and the surrounding area, and you couldn't drink the tap water or brush your teeth with it., at risk of serious illness. The pubs all advertised that their ice was made from purified water, and of course you could buy bottled water. You might Google something like: Galway, water, parasite, to see if that situation has been resolved. I think it was supposed to be resolved by this fall, but who knows? The place we stayed had its own well, but I think not being able to drink the water would be somewhat inconvenient. I'd still recommend Galway City, though. Lovely place.
If you're driving, be forewarned, there's lots of construction going on, and lots of places where there aren't any signs directing you to the town you're looking for (though Galway City and area is very well marked).
At any rate, I know you'll have a wonderful time. Next time I go, I'm planning my trip around sessions and ceilis.
Best,
Carol
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by carolsviolin
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
Thanks for the first info Carol, I'll certainly take note of findings. Am really looking forward to it.
Thanks again
Terry
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by tctelboy
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
Taaffe's
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by Patkiwi
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
The water situation in Galway city has now been resolved. Carol's advice about Taaffes and Tigh Cóili is exactly right - great pubs, great music and great craic guaranteed.
If I were you I'd check out the University, I think they have a Traditional Music Society there and a weekly session somewhere in town.
We have a session on a Saturday in Oughterard, 15 miles west of Galway city if you are interested, with banjo, guitar, fiddle and whatever else turns up.
Have a great trip, Galway is a fab place.
Saidhbh
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by saidhbh
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
Saidhbh,
Wish I'd known about your session in Oughterard. We stayed right near there, in a cottage at Ross Castle.
Yeah, Taaffe's was the one I couldn't remember.
What a relief that the water is good to drink again!
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by carolsviolin
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
If you are in Galway and want to make a trip west towards Connemara, I would say go to Clifton. I had a great session/gig with John Walsh the box player a few months back. He's a fantastic player and worth just going to see. Mannion's also have a session if he is not there.
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by 52Paddy
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
Thanks for the info folks, keep 'em comin'
Can't wait for the trip.....
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by tctelboy
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
The University (NUIG) sessions are held at The Crane - have a look at http://www.thecranebar.com/ to see whats on and when - sessions most nights.
For accommodation, there are a few independent youth hostels in the city, and they shouldn't be too busy this time of the year. A Google search will bring up plenty of info.
Have fun..!
Mike
# Posted on November 9th 2007 by Mike C
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
Knock Airport doesn't have many transport connections, but as long as you arrive in daylight there's a regular bus (about every 90 minutes) to Charlestown which takes 15 minutes to get there. From Charlestown you can catch the #64 Bus Éireann service to Galway which runs around six to seven times daily and takes just over 90 minutes to reach the city.
Alternatively, you could take the #64 from Charlestown in the opposite direction town of Sligo (50 minutes) and enjoy some sessions there. Sligo also has three pretty reasonable hostels and is cheaper than Galway for B&B,
Hope that helps.
# Posted on November 10th 2007 by Floss the Tethers
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
Bus Eireann is fabulous. It took a 20-something Bus Eireann driver (relative of a friend of mine) to figure out how to make my American cellphone work in Ireland. By which I mean, how many digits to use, local/area codes, etc. Not to mention his daily bravery of making the Galway-to-Dublin run. Staying outside Dublin and going into the city, Bus Eireann was the way to go. I highly recommend it.
# Posted on November 10th 2007 by carolsviolin
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
Some great first hand info folks, thanks a million. I think I'll stick to Galway this time, I've plenty of time next year so Sligo and some others are on my future list.
The Bus Eireann looks to be a good solution, thanks CV, as for hostels, I've located a couple Barnacles Quay Street House, Claddagh Hostel and Sleepzone Galway City. Any experiences with these anyone.
Thanks for the help.
# Posted on November 10th 2007 by tctelboy
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
Tctelboy, in terms of hostels there's Kinlay House too.
I don't know anything about Claddagh House (and its website isn't very informative), but there's also Kinlay House hostel (http://www.kinlaygalway.ie) just off Eyre Square.
Barnacles, Kinlay House and Sleepzone are all large hostels and well run. If I had to plump for one it would be Sleepzone, based on recommendations from readers (I write 'The Rough Guide to Ireland') and hostellers I've spoken to.
Whatever the case, you'll be likely to have the pick of the rooms in January, shouldn't be paying more than €15-16 and can always move on to another if you're not happy.
By the way, I provided the Bus Éireann information, not cv.
# Posted on November 10th 2007 by Floss the Tethers
Re: My first trip to Ireland... info if possible.
Ok MC sorry about that, must have misread (gettin' old) thanks for the info and will take a look at the site you mentioned.
Thanks again..
# Posted on November 11th 2007 by tctelboy