I’m considering a trip to Ireland in 2010 and was wondering if there were any times to aim for or stay away from? It’s all about the music of course, but I think I prefer a string of quality pub sessions to a week of a mobbed festival, but never having been to either in Ireland I’m open to advice.
There’s all sorts of options from Joanie’s bus tour (I’m leaning that way at the moment) to just following my nose for a week or two.
I generally like to put down roots for several days rather than spend the whole holiday flitting about. That said, I don’t mind driving all day long either.
If it was me … Dingle for its general wondrousness. Plus maybe a few days in Cork and the Limerick/Abbeyfeale area (I’m a Cork & Kerry gal). If you’re in Cork, call in at Tomas O’Canainn’s session; he’s a delight.
The country is tiny! Six hours driving takes you practically from one end to the other! (Ok, maybe not quite to the very top, but pretty close).
If you want a string of pub sessions, try Galway. Only place I know there there is guaranteed to be a session or two, somewhere within walking distance, every single day.
There’s also Dublin. Last time I was there (alas, it’s been about five years) there were sessions in the Cobblestone every day, and in other pubs such as Hughes’s several nights a week. I was there on a Monday through Wednesday, and played in the Cobblestone Monday and Wednesday and Hughes’s on Tuesday. Good sessions all.
Good stuff! This is the kind of information that should be very helpful. Granted things change, but at least it will indicate where the players might be.
Hughe’s in Dublin, like the Cobblestone, will have sessions every night. Generally two, in fact, as there will often be a wee session in the snug as well as one in the main bar.
Today I did a search for folks who are wanting to swap vacation homes/flats as we have on on Sanibel Island, FL that we’re willing to do a swap with. Some interesting options I must say. Cottage on the cliffs or flat in a city. It’s going to be a tough negotiation with the wife I’m sure.
By the way, we’re thinking mid-May in case anyone wants to warn us off.
How’s August? Charlene and I have a week’s vacation that we’re uncertain how to spend.
Can anyone recommend a good company that can set up a drive-yourself tour for us?
Gotta ask my accountant if I can write off any of it as a marketing trip – showing off my wares and all…
I have heard horror stories about people sitting for hours in chairs hoping a session will start at the appointed time. Maybe that’s the exception, but I’m tending to thing I’d rather avoid crowds of players. Anyone think that’s foolish?
– showing off my wares and all…