Anyone have any tips on where a family can spend a holiday in Ireland that has something to offer for everyone.Most important would be a good local and not too touristy session scene, but also nice scenery for walking, picnicking etc and perhaps near the sea for a cold (or warm?) swim.
Any tips welcome.
Wo there. Be careful here. I asked a similar question two weeks ago and the ignoramus' on the site wouldn't even reply once to the request. So don't hold your breath.
Anyway, anywhere in clare should be a good choice. Lovely part of the country and has everything you desire
Does that make you one of the ignoramusi on the site as well, copo24?
I've only ever been to Clare and Galway City. I highly recommend both, but there's an awful lot of Ireland besides those two places, so I wouldn't presume to tell you those are the only places to go.
Yeah, West Clare and Galway city are good for music. But my favourite county is Fermangh for its beautiful scenery. It's the lake district in Northern Ireland, but just an hour drive from Sligo town. There are many historic sites around Lough Erne, and the cruise to Devinish Island is a must!
What time of year will you be there? That'll make a difference to the session scene almost everywhere. The sea will still be cold whenever you go, but worth it - there are some lovely beaches. If you're there in summer almost anywhere on the west coast would fit the bill. No offence to the rest of Ireland, that's just the bit I know best.
copo24, sorry I didn't answer, but I don't know much of the east apart from Dublin.
My wife & I have had the privilege of visiting Ireland, both the ROI and NI, for four years in a row, now. Each time we've attended a hammer dulcimer festival, first in Cork City, then in Bushnmills this last year. But one yuear we spent a week in Co. Clare doing the musical tourist thing - visiting sites in tune names, meting people and attending sessions. We'cve also attended sessions in NI, especially, Co. Antrim.
This year, I'm going back to study with some musicians in Ulster, then to the dulcimer festival.
So, during that time, the wife and I have come to the conclusion that one could spend a month in each county on the island and not see or hear all one wanted to see or hear.
Co. Clare has some great music. One place to go is Shortt's in Feakle on Monday nights. There are B&Bs and a hostel there. You might check at Custy's in Ennis to make sure it's still going on. I think there may also be a session at Pepper's in Feakle during the week as well. These are not specifically for tourists. But you never kow who will show up to have a tune or two.
Cork City has some good session in June and July, which is the only time I've been there.
House of McDonnell (sp?) in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim (NI) on Friday night, I think, and Springhill Bar in Portrush, Co. Antrim (NI) on Thursday nights. For more of what's happening in Co. Antrim, etc. see ptarmigan's website:
I'm hoping to get over to Fermanagh in May when I'm there. I'm hooked on their music since I got the "Hidden Fermanagh" book and CDs! Some really nice tunes there.
And as had been said, a lot would depend on the time of year you go, but mainly for the tourist-motivated sessions, I'd think. There are some, such as the ones I listed in Co. Antrim, that go on year-round.
Why not buy the next edition of the Rough Guide to Ireland (due to be published in May, 2006)? All the best sessions are listed as well as the most pleasant spots to stay.
Yep, Fermanagh, Clare and Galway are all great, but I'm afraid I couldn't accord with suggestions regarding Bundoran and Dingle - both horribly commercial. Miltown's nice and quiet aside from Willie Week and there are several other pleasant places in the area, apart from Lahinch, such as Ballyvaughan and Kilfenora.
Personal choices - Cushendall (County Antrim), Inistioge (Co, Kilkenny), Bunbeg/Annagry/Glencolmcille (Co. Donegal) & Dungarvan/Ring (Co. Waterford) - and, if it's beaches you want, then basing yourself in either Strandhill or Rosses Point and heading into Sligo town for the sessions might be a good alternative.
I should also have added that I've co-written two editions of 'The Rough Guide to Family Fun in Ireland' which should be available free from Bord Fáilte or your local Tourism Ireland outlet.
You'll find everything you need in south County Down. The Mourne Mountains, Dundrum Bay, long safe beaches, abundant, cheap seafood, an area of outstanding natural beauty that has barely been 'developed' in tourist terms, great sessions and a genuine sense of what unaffected Irish hospitality is, that spirit that so many places further south in the Celtic Tiger seem to be busily exorcising or turning ever more adeptly into stage managed, mercenary paddywhackery.
Don't forget Westport! Matt Malloy's pub is pretty crowded, but fun session in the back. And down the road at Hoban's a session in the backroom has some singing and dancing. A great place for players and tourists. Westport is beautiful, close to the sea. There are tours that will take you to Cong (where they filmed "The Quiet Man" w/John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and up to Achill Island.
There's a lovely B&B run by Maire/Declan Dever called Westwood House on Altamont St that is walking distance from town. (098) 25520 is their number.
For copo24, north of Dublin you must go to Newgrange. It's over 5000 years old and an amazingly magical place to be. I want to be there on Dec. 21 2012...
Wherever you go in Ireland is sure to be an adventure. After 2 trips, the 3rd I went to the Blarney castle 'cause I had my son w/me and it was actually really cool. I didn't kiss the blarney stone (local reasons) but the trees on the grounds are unique and interesting.
Cammy, I would have thought that the best way to plan would be to ask some of the locals who frequent this forum to email you off-thread letting you know of their sessions and arranging to meet up with them where possible. I personally, would stay well away from the touristy sessions.
Good luck with your travels and you should set up a travel diary site or just give us regular reports on your travels.
Hi Cammy,
I suggest the Aran Islands, particularly Inis Oirr, the smallest island. It's a very beautiful and peaceful place, very safe and family-oriented, with 3 pubs that usually have music sessions going on in the summer. The beach is lovely, there's some interesting sites on the island to look at (a castle, a shipwreck, some old churches, etc.), and there's a good selection of accomodation to choose from--B&Bs, cottages to rent, a small family-run hotel, a campsite. I recommend going there in the earlier part of the summer, if possible, though. It's a small place and during the high season, July and August, or over the bank holiday weekends, it gets pretty overrun with tourists.
Paul Moclair suggested another truly beautiful, often overlooked part of Ireland. County Down has lots to offer in the way of great scenery, beaches, family entertainment, good pubs, and friendly locals. Newcastle is at the foot of the Mournes and has a beach and a little waterfront area with arcades and stuff like that. And Castlewellan has a nice big forest park with a lake, etc. You're also not far from areas like Downpatrick that have sites supposedly associated with St. Patrick. What's more is that not as many tourists, especially foriegn tourists, seem to visit the northern part of Ireland as they do the south or west, so Down doesn't feel as touristy as the rest of the rest of the country.
Musical holiday in Ireland
Musical holiday in Ireland
Anyone have any tips on where a family can spend a holiday in Ireland that has something to offer for everyone.Most important would be a good local and not too touristy session scene, but also nice scenery for walking, picnicking etc and perhaps near the sea for a cold (or warm?) swim.
Any tips welcome.
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by Cammy
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Wo there. Be careful here. I asked a similar question two weeks ago and the ignoramus' on the site wouldn't even reply once to the request. So don't hold your breath.
Anyway, anywhere in clare should be a good choice. Lovely part of the country and has everything you desire
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by copo24
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Sounds to me Cammy, like you just described Lahinch in County Clare.
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by Penfold
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
http://www.irishtourism.com/escorted_tours/irish_harmony1.htm
there ya go copo..not knowing whether you prefer melody or harmony, I chose the "Harmony" tour for you just to be safe
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by Sunnybear
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Cammy, there are many here who will be more helpful than I, but we did stay in Sligo for a couple weeks as a base and daytripped from there...
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by Sunnybear
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Does that make you one of the ignoramusi on the site as well, copo24?
I've only ever been to Clare and Galway City. I highly recommend both, but there's an awful lot of Ireland besides those two places, so I wouldn't presume to tell you those are the only places to go.
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by Zina Lee
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Yeah, West Clare and Galway city are good for music. But my favourite county is Fermangh for its beautiful scenery. It's the lake district in Northern Ireland, but just an hour drive from Sligo town. There are many historic sites around Lough Erne, and the cruise to Devinish Island is a must!
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by slainte
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Sorry, that should read *Devenish* Island.
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by slainte
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
What time of year will you be there? That'll make a difference to the session scene almost everywhere. The sea will still be cold whenever you go, but worth it - there are some lovely beaches. If you're there in summer almost anywhere on the west coast would fit the bill. No offence to the rest of Ireland, that's just the bit I know best.
copo24, sorry I didn't answer, but I don't know much of the east apart from Dublin.
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by John Gillard
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Hi, cam.
My wife & I have had the privilege of visiting Ireland, both the ROI and NI, for four years in a row, now. Each time we've attended a hammer dulcimer festival, first in Cork City, then in Bushnmills this last year. But one yuear we spent a week in Co. Clare doing the musical tourist thing - visiting sites in tune names, meting people and attending sessions. We'cve also attended sessions in NI, especially, Co. Antrim.
This year, I'm going back to study with some musicians in Ulster, then to the dulcimer festival.
So, during that time, the wife and I have come to the conclusion that one could spend a month in each county on the island and not see or hear all one wanted to see or hear.
Co. Clare has some great music. One place to go is Shortt's in Feakle on Monday nights. There are B&Bs and a hostel there. You might check at Custy's in Ennis to make sure it's still going on. I think there may also be a session at Pepper's in Feakle during the week as well. These are not specifically for tourists. But you never kow who will show up to have a tune or two.
Cork City has some good session in June and July, which is the only time I've been there.
House of McDonnell (sp?) in Ballycastle, Co. Antrim (NI) on Friday night, I think, and Springhill Bar in Portrush, Co. Antrim (NI) on Thursday nights. For more of what's happening in Co. Antrim, etc. see ptarmigan's website:
http://www.causewaymusic.co.uk/
He has a list iof sessions.
I'm hoping to get over to Fermanagh in May when I'm there. I'm hooked on their music since I got the "Hidden Fermanagh" book and CDs! Some really nice tunes there.
And as had been said, a lot would depend on the time of year you go, but mainly for the tourist-motivated sessions, I'd think. There are some, such as the ones I listed in Co. Antrim, that go on year-round.
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by RickD
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Why not buy the next edition of the Rough Guide to Ireland (due to be published in May, 2006)? All the best sessions are listed as well as the most pleasant spots to stay.
Yep, Fermanagh, Clare and Galway are all great, but I'm afraid I couldn't accord with suggestions regarding Bundoran and Dingle - both horribly commercial. Miltown's nice and quiet aside from Willie Week and there are several other pleasant places in the area, apart from Lahinch, such as Ballyvaughan and Kilfenora.
Personal choices - Cushendall (County Antrim), Inistioge (Co, Kilkenny), Bunbeg/Annagry/Glencolmcille (Co. Donegal) & Dungarvan/Ring (Co. Waterford) - and, if it's beaches you want, then basing yourself in either Strandhill or Rosses Point and heading into Sligo town for the sessions might be a good alternative.
All the best,
Geoff
Co-author, The Rough Guides to Ireland and Dublin
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by Floss the Tethers
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Whoops,
I should also have added that I've co-written two editions of 'The Rough Guide to Family Fun in Ireland' which should be available free from Bord Fáilte or your local Tourism Ireland outlet.
All the best,
Geoff
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by Floss the Tethers
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
You'll find everything you need in south County Down. The Mourne Mountains, Dundrum Bay, long safe beaches, abundant, cheap seafood, an area of outstanding natural beauty that has barely been 'developed' in tourist terms, great sessions and a genuine sense of what unaffected Irish hospitality is, that spirit that so many places further south in the Celtic Tiger seem to be busily exorcising or turning ever more adeptly into stage managed, mercenary paddywhackery.
# Posted on January 15th 2006 by sergeant fox
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Kinvara, Co. Galway - and/or Sligo town
# Posted on January 16th 2006 by Lizzy
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
If u visit co.tipperary - mon, murray's upperchurch,
tue, Liam o'ryrans, Ballina
wed, th kenyon, nenagh, Pepper's, feakle, co. clare
thu, the whiskey still, dromneer,
fri, moloney's bar, scariff, co.clare
sat, kinnity castle, co. offaly,]
sun, the derg inn terryglass (6pm)
njoy!
# Posted on January 16th 2006 by Ben Williams
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Don't forget Westport! Matt Malloy's pub is pretty crowded, but fun session in the back. And down the road at Hoban's a session in the backroom has some singing and dancing. A great place for players and tourists. Westport is beautiful, close to the sea. There are tours that will take you to Cong (where they filmed "The Quiet Man" w/John Wayne and Maureen O'Hara, and up to Achill Island.
There's a lovely B&B run by Maire/Declan Dever called Westwood House on Altamont St that is walking distance from town. (098) 25520 is their number.
For copo24, north of Dublin you must go to Newgrange. It's over 5000 years old and an amazingly magical place to be. I want to be there on Dec. 21 2012...
Wherever you go in Ireland is sure to be an adventure. After 2 trips, the 3rd I went to the Blarney castle 'cause I had my son w/me and it was actually really cool. I didn't kiss the blarney stone (local reasons) but the trees on the grounds are unique and interesting.
Enjoy!
# Posted on January 16th 2006 by banjobabe
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Cammy, I would have thought that the best way to plan would be to ask some of the locals who frequent this forum to email you off-thread letting you know of their sessions and arranging to meet up with them where possible. I personally, would stay well away from the touristy sessions.
Good luck with your travels and you should set up a travel diary site or just give us regular reports on your travels.
# Posted on January 16th 2006 by Donough
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Thanks Donough and everyone else for their ideas. I'll be checking it out..
# Posted on January 16th 2006 by Cammy
Re: Musical holiday in Ireland
Hi Cammy,
I suggest the Aran Islands, particularly Inis Oirr, the smallest island. It's a very beautiful and peaceful place, very safe and family-oriented, with 3 pubs that usually have music sessions going on in the summer. The beach is lovely, there's some interesting sites on the island to look at (a castle, a shipwreck, some old churches, etc.), and there's a good selection of accomodation to choose from--B&Bs, cottages to rent, a small family-run hotel, a campsite. I recommend going there in the earlier part of the summer, if possible, though. It's a small place and during the high season, July and August, or over the bank holiday weekends, it gets pretty overrun with tourists.
Paul Moclair suggested another truly beautiful, often overlooked part of Ireland. County Down has lots to offer in the way of great scenery, beaches, family entertainment, good pubs, and friendly locals. Newcastle is at the foot of the Mournes and has a beach and a little waterfront area with arcades and stuff like that. And Castlewellan has a nice big forest park with a lake, etc. You're also not far from areas like Downpatrick that have sites supposedly associated with St. Patrick. What's more is that not as many tourists, especially foriegn tourists, seem to visit the northern part of Ireland as they do the south or west, so Down doesn't feel as touristy as the rest of the rest of the country.
# Posted on January 16th 2006 by Roe