I’m taking a holiday up the west coast of Ireland next week, five days from Killarney to Derry. I want to spend a day and night in Co. Clare for the traditional music sessions, and both these towns lay claim to the “home of Irish trad music!” title.
I’ll have my fiddle with me, and although I know only 25-30 tunes and therefore don’t have my heart set on it, it would be pretty fantastic to join a session. And I’m a twenty-year-old American girl travelling alone, so there’s that to consider as well (although I’ve been doing quite well so far!). Any thoughts on which town would be best to spend my Sunday/Monday evening in?
I lived in Ireland for a few months fifteen years ago. Doolin was a smaller village than Ennis, and more well known for its impromptu folk music sessions. Ennis just seemd like a regular town. However, Perhaps the Ennis scene these days would be more “real”, since I assume that with the economic growth Ireland has experienced since that time, Doolin has been “quaintified” with a few high-class touches.
Whatever you do, get out and walk around the Burren (Doolin is on the edge of it), even this time of year. Around Lisdoonvarna is nice (just up the road from Doolin).
Good to know! Rumors abound that Doolin has become a little more touristified, but I don’t know if I’d dodge that by showing up in December, or what.
Doolin was great back in the early 90’s. It has gotten more popular but it’s still a great hang out with great music and even better pubs.
I’d plumb for Doolin but then I’m a knacker from Artane and I think everything outside of the Pale smells and sounds funny 