Hi! This is my first post, though the "Tunes" section has been a great resource, and the discussions here appear to be entertaining.
I'm from Winnipeg, Canada, and am planning an extending trip to Ireland, up to a year. I've applied for a work permit, so hopefully it will be a working holiday, in spite of worsening economies. I'm also planning to leave at the end of March.
Does anyone have suggestions of places to go and stay for a few months? Basically, I'm looking for good sessions, and reasonable accomodation. I've heard good things about Galway, and am leaning towards heading there, but what about Cork, or Limerick? I did a search, but previous discussions seemed a little out of date. I play a number of instruments, but will just be bringing a flute and whistle. Also, I'd consider myself an advanced, rather than a beginning player.
If I were you it would be Galway or most likely Ennis. I would think there would be more sessions you would be interested around and in Ennis. Good luck!
If you go to Cork - visit Cobh and the world famous Roaring Donkey pub.
Session every ednesday night and any other time if you should choose to start one.
Galway is a College town. So it is a bit self supporting-broader economy than just one or two manufacturers. However for temp employment and such there will be alot of competition from the kids.
The other issue is its economy seems to depend heavily on retail, another temp employment oprrotunity. But with the sucky economy I imagine that could be an issue.\
Galway has a nice music scene-at least when I was there last 18 or so months ago. Very freindly players I found. Also, they are very very good so if you plan to play, better set the playing expectations up a notch or two.
Kyle - There are thirty two counties in Ireland, and you are bound to get a music session somewhere in most ot them. Are you only visiting the three counties which have responded so far???
Sorry, Kyle, but you couldn't have picked a worse time to come. Unemployment's hit 10% in the Republic and all the indications are that the number on the live register is going to increase even further. The figure's around 4.5% in the Six Counties.
Unless you have a particular employmental skill you're going to struggle to find a job in the Republic especially since the traditional areas for casual labour such as the building industry, catering and accommodation are all those which are or will suffer the most as the recession bites.
So, rather than the customary trad hot spots in the Republic (Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry), you might want to consider somewhere less affected by the economic downturn such as Belfast, Derry or Newry.
Interesting point Floss. I saw an interesting TV news item suggesting music in the UK north being overlooked given the popularity and common heritage of the south to many Americans, Aussies etc.
I tried to get there last time, but Herself, whose paternal family is from the Catholic North in Donegal was not particularly enthused.
But they are on the pound so it ,may be pricey, and since it is an industrial economy, jobs may also be problematic.
Funny. My box teacher assigned me the 'Boyne Water' a few weeks ago-used as an Orange March popularly. As I was practicing, Herself sayeth 'That's Orange, isn't it'. Ergo probably of limited utility in my South Side of Chicago (south and western Irish tradition) outpost
A Year in Ireland
A Year in Ireland
Hi! This is my first post, though the "Tunes" section has been a great resource, and the discussions here appear to be entertaining.
I'm from Winnipeg, Canada, and am planning an extending trip to Ireland, up to a year. I've applied for a work permit, so hopefully it will be a working holiday, in spite of worsening economies. I'm also planning to leave at the end of March.
Does anyone have suggestions of places to go and stay for a few months? Basically, I'm looking for good sessions, and reasonable accomodation. I've heard good things about Galway, and am leaning towards heading there, but what about Cork, or Limerick? I did a search, but previous discussions seemed a little out of date. I play a number of instruments, but will just be bringing a flute and whistle. Also, I'd consider myself an advanced, rather than a beginning player.
Cheers!
# Posted on February 18th 2009 by Kyle Borley
Re: A Year in Ireland
Cork... great lively young energy...
Galway ... same.....
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by the wicked hacker
Re: A Year in Ireland
If I were you it would be Galway or most likely Ennis. I would think there would be more sessions you would be interested around and in Ennis. Good luck!
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by CDNMoose
Re: A Year in Ireland
Has to be Ennis
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by Shylock
Re: A Year in Ireland
Not if you want to find work
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by <>-_-_-<>
Re: A Year in Ireland
If you go to Cork - visit Cobh and the world famous Roaring Donkey pub.
Session every ednesday night and any other time if you should choose to start one.
www,theroaringdonkey.com
Dennis
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by Dennis Regan
Re: A Year in Ireland
Sorry
that should be
www.theroaringdonkey.com
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by Dennis Regan
Re: A Year in Ireland
Galway is a College town. So it is a bit self supporting-broader economy than just one or two manufacturers. However for temp employment and such there will be alot of competition from the kids.
The other issue is its economy seems to depend heavily on retail, another temp employment oprrotunity. But with the sucky economy I imagine that could be an issue.\
Galway has a nice music scene-at least when I was there last 18 or so months ago. Very freindly players I found. Also, they are very very good so if you plan to play, better set the playing expectations up a notch or two.
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by zippydw
Re: A Year in Ireland
A year in Ireland will add a lot of insight into the subtle difference of describing oneself as"experienced" rather than "advanced" Kyle.
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by Patkiwi
Re: A Year in Ireland
Kyle - There are thirty two counties in Ireland, and you are bound to get a music session somewhere in most ot them. Are you only visiting the three counties which have responded so far???
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by Free Reed
Re: A Year in Ireland
Sorry, Kyle, but you couldn't have picked a worse time to come. Unemployment's hit 10% in the Republic and all the indications are that the number on the live register is going to increase even further. The figure's around 4.5% in the Six Counties.
Unless you have a particular employmental skill you're going to struggle to find a job in the Republic especially since the traditional areas for casual labour such as the building industry, catering and accommodation are all those which are or will suffer the most as the recession bites.
So, rather than the customary trad hot spots in the Republic (Clare, Cork, Donegal, Galway, Kerry), you might want to consider somewhere less affected by the economic downturn such as Belfast, Derry or Newry.
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by Floss the Tethers
Re: A Year in Ireland
Interesting point Floss. I saw an interesting TV news item suggesting music in the UK north being overlooked given the popularity and common heritage of the south to many Americans, Aussies etc.
I tried to get there last time, but Herself, whose paternal family is from the Catholic North in Donegal was not particularly enthused.
But they are on the pound so it ,may be pricey, and since it is an industrial economy, jobs may also be problematic.
Funny. My box teacher assigned me the 'Boyne Water' a few weeks ago-used as an Orange March popularly. As I was practicing, Herself sayeth 'That's Orange, isn't it'. Ergo probably of limited utility in my South Side of Chicago (south and western Irish tradition) outpost
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by zippydw
Re: A Year in Ireland
In both parts of Ireland many of the traditional temp/student jobs are now filled by eastern europeans.
# Posted on February 19th 2009 by deeor
Re: A Year in Ireland
Yep, we ran into two Hungarians tending bar in Ireland. Wife is a 56er who speaks Hungarian with no accent. We were all surprised.
Bob
# Posted on February 20th 2009 by bt