The session runs throughout the year, kicks off around 10pm & is held in this cosy wee bar, one of the oldest bars in the Glens of Antrim, with a long, long history of music. I've been playing there for the past ten years, & can vouch for it as being one of the friendliest sessions around. If you don't believe me, check out MacSpy ( watch out for him, he has a glass eye & walks with a lisp! ) in the August edition of the Irish Music Magazine. We have some mighty players on a regular basis, & excellent musicians are dropping in all the time. It is primarily a tune session, however, great respect is usually afforded to anyone wishing to share a song.
I should also mention that I run two junior sessions in Toms throughout the year, on Wednesdays - 7.30 to 8.30pm & Sundays from 9 to 11pm. The 'Bandits', a group of my most enthusiastic students help me keep these sessions going. All young musicians are made welcome, & encouraged to participate, if they wish. Tom is the perfect host & always makes the kids feel at home.
Tom's
The session runs throughout the year, kicks off around 10pm & is held in this cosy wee bar, one of the oldest bars in the Glens of Antrim, with a long, long history of music. I've been playing there for the past ten years, & can vouch for it as being one of the friendliest sessions around. If you don't believe me, check out MacSpy ( watch out for him, he has a glass eye & walks with a lisp! ) in the August edition of the Irish Music Magazine. We have some mighty players on a regular basis, & excellent musicians are dropping in all the time. It is primarily a tune session, however, great respect is usually afforded to anyone wishing to share a song.
# Posted on August 24th 2002 by Ptarmigan
Tom's Junior Sessions
I should also mention that I run two junior sessions in Toms throughout the year, on Wednesdays - 7.30 to 8.30pm & Sundays from 9 to 11pm. The 'Bandits', a group of my most enthusiastic students help me keep these sessions going. All young musicians are made welcome, & encouraged to participate, if they wish. Tom is the perfect host & always makes the kids feel at home.
# Posted on August 24th 2002 by Ptarmigan
You can also check out the Pub's own website at:
http://www.houseofmcdonnell.com
# Posted on September 24th 2005 by Ptarmigan
Is this session still active?
I will be traveling to Ballycastle in early June and would love to stop in for a few tunes if this session is still active
# Posted on December 8th 2010 by whistle girl
The House of McDonnell, Ballycastle, Co. Antrim.
N.B. No longer any junior sessions here, but the Friday night session is still going strong.
The House of McDonnell Session Blog:
http://houseofmcdonnell.blogspot.com/
Cheers
Dick
# Posted on May 17th 2011 by Ptarmigan
Videos taken at the House of McDonnell.
#1 Featuring Dick Glasgow, Adrian Jefferies, Paul McAuley & Jerry O'Donnell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1PDeeOzELIU
#2 Featuring Dick Glasgow, Adrian Jefferies, Paul McAuley & Jerry O'Donnell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BEJ3Z8jac1I
#3 Featuring Dick Glasgow, Adrian Jefferies, Paul McAuley & Jerry O'Donnell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiJBwr5vzTs
#4 Featuring Dick Glasgow, Adrian Jefferies, Paul McAuley & Jerry O'Donnell:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vbIep29006Q
# Posted on August 20th 2011 by Ptarmigan