Annie's July Blog
Crossmolina Band July 2026 Blog
7/27/20262 min read
Music in Ireland – PART 1
It's pretty much not what you'd expect. On our several trips to Ireland we've found very few traditional Irish music venues and heard even less on the radio. There are pubs where a traditional session will take place but you really have to search them out. And they often start fairly late...9:00 or more like 9:30-ish because Irish time is its own thing. If you can find a traditional session (seisiun in Irish) it's usually great although there are often long breaks between songs/tunes because the players all want to have their pints and chat or go out for a smoke. But the music itself is wonderful.
Where do you find these sessions? There are pubs in Dublin that hold them regularly. Actually most any kind of music can be found there. We met someone who plays in a jazz band and has a regular gig in a Dublin pub. Doolin on the west coast is a great place to find real Irish session music. Since our first trip over many years ago Ireland has become more touristy so there is more music to be found now than in the early 2000's and most towns have a pub with music at least on the weekends, although not all of the bands play traditional Irish music.
As for other music venues and what types of music you might hear...that'll be in part 2 next month.
Now the really important stuff...our upcoming schedule:
On Friday, July 17th we'll be at the Little Theatre Cafe, playing from 7:00-9:00pm. The Little Theatre Cafe is at 240 East Avenue, Rochester, NY. (The cafe entrance is around the corner from the main Theatre entrance on Winthrop Street) https://thelittle.org/cafe
We had thought to be playing at Cobblestone Hop Yard for Hops Fest 2026 but there won't be a Hops Fest this year. Instead we'll be playing for a private event that day. (Yes, we play for parties, reunions and other private events.)
We'll be back at 3 Daughters Tap and Tavern (formerly Temple Bar and Grille) on Sunday, September 6th playing 6:30 – 9:30pm. 109 East Avenue, Rochester, NY.