Madden's is probably the most well-known traditional music venue in Belfast. Sessions used to run until 11.30 on Friday's and Saturdays but now they have a late licence until 1.00 AM so less people are sprinting to the Hercules around the corner for a last drink. You never know who might be playing and sessions can occur at any time as well as the regular slots, especially at weekends during the daytime in the run-up to Christmas. The regulars are real characters, friendly and full of banter so expect the odd joke at your expense.
Went up for a wee visit last week and the music wasn't bad. Musicians in attendance included Stevie Porter on Pipes, Adrian Scahill on box, Aidan Walsh banjo, Jim Byrne Guitar, Maria Rafferty Flute, Dusty Dorris Fiddle, Robin on Fiddle plus a clatter of us Co Down boys. Had the makings of a brilliant session but the noise level of the punters really was a distraction.
Maddens, from time to time,suffers from its own popularity.During term time it gets the odd influx of university students who are there because it is seen as the place to go,not to listen to the session. Unfortunately this can also apply to some of the regulars . The music,when audible, is normally excellent.
Excellent session in Maddens on a monday night 9pm-11.30pm.
Core musicians every week are Barry Kerr (flute/pipes) and Donal O Connor (fiddle), there's usually another wee handful of musicians turn up as well. Very good music
Much quieter, the punters are there to listen to the music.
Was down in Maddens last night (Monday). Amazing session. Only know 2 of the players names Tom Clarke on pipes and Breandan O'Her on Flute. As the night went on there was pipes, 3 flutes, 4 fiddles, button box, banjo and a harp. I couldn't believe the stuff I was hearing! Great night.
this session is still up and running 9 - 11 monday nights, downstairs at maddens is a noisey place at the best of times... but the tunes were great and the players were very friendly.
Old favourite
Madden's is probably the most well-known traditional music venue in Belfast. Sessions used to run until 11.30 on Friday's and Saturdays but now they have a late licence until 1.00 AM so less people are sprinting to the Hercules around the corner for a last drink. You never know who might be playing and sessions can occur at any time as well as the regular slots, especially at weekends during the daytime in the run-up to Christmas. The regulars are real characters, friendly and full of banter so expect the odd joke at your expense.
# Posted on December 5th 2002 by Conán McDonnell
Went up for a wee visit last week and the music wasn't bad. Musicians in attendance included Stevie Porter on Pipes, Adrian Scahill on box, Aidan Walsh banjo, Jim Byrne Guitar, Maria Rafferty Flute, Dusty Dorris Fiddle, Robin on Fiddle plus a clatter of us Co Down boys. Had the makings of a brilliant session but the noise level of the punters really was a distraction.
# Posted on February 8th 2003 by breandan
Noise levels
Maddens, from time to time,suffers from its own popularity.During term time it gets the odd influx of university students who are there because it is seen as the place to go,not to listen to the session. Unfortunately this can also apply to some of the regulars . The music,when audible, is normally excellent.
# Posted on May 11th 2003 by Béal mór
yes,on the odd few times i've visited there's been some great music going on.
especially fiddles and flutes.
which was nice...
# Posted on May 11th 2003 by biggus dave
Excellent session in Maddens on a monday night 9pm-11.30pm.
Core musicians every week are Barry Kerr (flute/pipes) and Donal O Connor (fiddle), there's usually another wee handful of musicians turn up as well. Very good music
Much quieter, the punters are there to listen to the music.
# Posted on February 6th 2004 by Britney Spears
Great evening sessions in Maddens on Sat at 4 with Kevin Dorris and usually a good guest
# Posted on April 29th 2005 by eurbanjo
Was down in Maddens last night (Monday). Amazing session. Only know 2 of the players names Tom Clarke on pipes and Breandan O'Her on Flute. As the night went on there was pipes, 3 flutes, 4 fiddles, button box, banjo and a harp. I couldn't believe the stuff I was hearing! Great night.
# Posted on September 9th 2008 by dee.
this session is still up and running 9 - 11 monday nights, downstairs at maddens is a noisey place at the best of times... but the tunes were great and the players were very friendly.
# Posted on December 28th 2010 by crm