Jamming in Ireland

[lloving]

I'll be in Ireland for a week and was interested in the possibility of playing some music with the local musicians, in a pub or elsewhere. I will be in the Galway area mostly.
Any suggestions and or warnings form those with experience in Ireland would be very much appreciated.

[JeffD]

This might be something to check out.


Of interest, though perhaps not useful.

[xiledscot]

I would say that you will be made very welcome. However,you should be aware of the differences.Especially in rural areas,between pub sessions and the “mass leader sessions” which are so prevalent,this side of the pond.
The other thing to be aware of,is that those guys,to a man,are usually first class musicians.
I am certain you will have a great time.

[Astro]

http://www.irelandmusictours.com/

http://www.irishtourism.com/trad

[Tailgate]

Definitely go to Ennis in Co. Clare if you have the time. I've spent about 5 weeks in Ireland and the best real trad sessions were in Ennis. The musicians were all fantastic.

I've also heard good things aboit Doolin.

Also, if in Cork, check out Sin È's (pronouced Shin-A's). It's a small pub with good sessions a few times a week and great prices on beer. They also have a really good Sunday afternoon session.

Doolin and Ennis are both fairly close to Galway.

[Dan Adams]

I was in Ireland in June of 2012, and had several opportunities to play music. The 'Irish Sessions' were going on when we were in Galway, and every pub had music of some kind. Each pub had sections identified as places for a session. Afternoons, not too many, in the evenings, plenty of music. My favorite was in the Spanish Arch. Plenty of pubs along Quay Lane and Cross Street in the Latin Quarter downtown. I also too the opportunity to busk on Quay Lane and was never identified as a 'Yank' until I played a bluegrass tune and a group of tourist from this side of the pond walked by and could identify the tune. "Hey, he's playing Cherokee Shuffle."

I also busked in Killarney. Met the mando player from 'Spail Pin' and traded tunes on the street before he had to get to his gig at the Grand. What a crazy place; turned up to eleven. Friend of the band!!

My favorite was joining an session in Tramore, the 'surfing' capital of Ireland. Walked in, told to sit down, and join in! Very welcoming. It's a custom that if you don't know the tune, you just put your instrument on the table and listen. I called aout a few Irish tunes that they didn't know, and ended up playing solo to quite an applause. When leaving, they let me know they were disappointed that I didn't play any bluegrass tunes for them. Sit down 'Yank' and pick us a tune!

My opinion, music in the bigger cities, Dublin (met a great fiddler in Dublin, Andy), Galway, and Killarney, are played to bring tourist into the pubs, in the rural towns, music is played in the pubs for the locals and musicians. When I return, I'll hit the pubs in the small coastal and inland communities and participate in moare sessions with the locals.

Best time ever!! Dan