DUBLIN MUSIC in September: Best Irish Trad music & "most Irish" pubs??

Melissa5 · Guru

DUBLIN MUSIC in September: Best Irish Trad music & "most Irish" pubs??

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

Brazen Head
Dohenny & Nesbit
Oliver St. John Gogarty

As always, different nights bring different music scenes in Dublin pubs. Poke your head into them and if they are not right, move on.

Michele

wojazz3 · Guru

I would pick Cobblestone, Brazen Head or O'Donahues in Dublin. They can all get crowded but if you get there at the right time, it's can be fantastic. I've sat in at Cobblestone and Brazen Head, both were friendly sessions.

Bill

Melissa5 · Guru

wojazz3: Thanks! We will definitely check out the music at Cobblestone, Brazen Head, and O'Donahue's in Dublin.

Melissa5 · Guru

Michele: I'm excited! Thanks for your list of the musical pubs to check out in Dublin. aww

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

There are some organized "pub crawl" tours that you may want to look into. I've not done one and I've heard mixed reviews on them. There are also various musical shows in Dublin but they are mainly for tourists. Depends on what you are looking for and I think you are probably not interested in them.

Michele

Melissa5 · Guru

Michele: I think you have my husband and I sized up pretty well. aww Since we enjoyed some outstanding Irish Trad music on our first trip to Ireland...and we also heard some touristy music... You are right, there is a difference. Plus my husband used to play in a band and so he has an ear for good music. It is interesting to hear you say that the organized pub crawls in Dublin are getting mixed reviews.

wojazz3 · Guru

I don't think I would do the musical pub crawls in Dublin. The one I saw seemed expensive for what you got but I've been playing for a while and most of the information is basic. That said, perhaps for someone wanting to learn what a bodhran is ..... Other wise, I would find out what's on and go there and listen.

Bill

wojazz3 · Guru

Forgot to mention, whatever you do, don't go to the Arlington Hotel for traditional music. It will be suggested again and again and if you like long benches, pre recorded music and some dancing well then, "that's the real deal"

Bill

Melissa5 · Guru

wojazz3 and michele & all music lovers: Thanks for the warning! I'm making a note to avoid the Arlington Hotel's music. wink My husband used to play drums and guitar in a band and has a good ear for music. He was actually quite good but he has chosen biology as his passion and is involved in lots of nature organizations. No time to play music. But we love to have a listen to a good tune played by a skilled and passionate musician!

The Cobblestone sounds good in Dublin. But I want to have a list of all the good places you all have recommended in case we want to check out more than one.

I think we will avoid the organized pub crawls in Dublin, from what both you and Michele say, it sounds like they aren't for us.

One challenge on the previous trip to Ireland we found was that the bodhran is seldom heard! The bodhran is fascinating to us, especially when well-played. Since my husband used to play the drums he enjoys hearing that too. But you don't often come across a session with a bodhran. I understand some don't think the bodhran belongs in pure traditional music. But I LOVE the bodhran, especially on The Chieftains recorded CDs. I love to dance around my big kitchen in time to the bodhran when I'm trying to cook lots of things at once! It makes cooking a merry experience. biggrin

I wish we had learned set dancing but we haven't.

Did I mention I fell in love with a drummer who sang great harmony, and my first kiss was in the van when the drummer kissed me and fireworks flashed in the van in the dark as the rest of the band fell silent and they disappeared and it was only me and the drummer kissing in the band? That was after a gig. Yes that drummer is now my husband! We are in our 50's now and have our first grandchild but I still see fireworks. ((L))

So that's why we need to hear the bodhran & great Irish Trad in Ireland!

-- Edited by Melissa5 on Saturday 6th of August 2011 02:16:23 PM

Michele Erdvig · Host

Melissa,

Set dancing is something you must learn from an early age. We have friends in Killarney and he can set dance with the best of them. But his wife never learned so he has to dance with the other ladies there. I never cease to marvel that all those couples don't go crashing into each other. It's almost like watching a flock of birds all fly in unison.

Michele

murphybridget · Veteran Member

Sometimes, immersing oneself in the live music scene can offer a more authentic and varied experience. Dublin, with its rich musical heritage, likely has numerous gems waiting to be discovered, providing a deeper and more personalized connection to the music.

murphybridget · Veteran Member

Wow, your trip to Dublin sounds absolutely fantastic! It's wonderful to hear you're diving into the local music scene and enjoying every bit of it. The Merrion Hotel sounds like a luxurious treat to cap off your Irish adventure.