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As the year draws to a close and the overall outside temperature begins to drop, county Donegal is transformed into a winter wonderland. From the frost covered mountains high above the shimmering Dunlewy lake to the warming hearth of a traditional Irish cottage.
I often get emails asking what is there to do in Donegal in winter months. This is mng's list of things to do:
Read MoreAre you're touring the Wild Atlantic Way and looking for a local music session? Or just in the area visiting and you want to know where the local musicians are playing. Here's some top tips on where to find some of the best Irish music sessions in the Gaeltacht region (Irish speaking). Let me know of others so I can add them to this list. If you combine these sessions with our amazing walks and mountains, this is a holiday in itself!
I Love Donegal, there's something for everyone, you just need a bit of insider knowledge.
The places I've named are scattered around West Donegal, the Gaeltacht region (Irish Speaking) and in particular the town lands of Gaoth Dobhair/Gweedore, Na Rosann/The Rosses and Cloch Cheann Fhaola/Cloghaneely. Visitors can find many traditional music sessions in these parts 7 nights a week, most have no cover charges and are family friendly. If you have a question, do leave it in the box below and expect a prompt response. I have also noted those that are family friendly. Experiencing a trad session is a 'must do', when visiting Donegal.
Teach Hiúdaí beag, An Bun bheag, Gaoth Dobhair
An iconic local bar in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht. Their Monday night session is known as one of the best Irish traditional music sessions in Ireland, yes, in the whole country. And you'll see why when you experience it. Informal culture at its authentic best. Visitors from all over the world know and love this place for the magic of the sessions. You never know who will join in being as Altan and Mairead Mooney are long time regulars. Serving the finest local craft beer, this is the kind of place you don't want to leave. Monday is their main night for trad, but you'll find trad music here on Friday's, Sundays and beginner sessions on a Thursday. Go leor gaeilge!
1 - Teach Billy - Gort a Choirce, across from Óstan Loch Altan
Every Tuesday evening from about 10 pm – hail, rain or shine, you can be entranced by the best traditional Irish music “seisiun” or session in the region. There is NO cover charge. Don’t rush in and fly out again. The fire will be lit, the pint perfect and things will happen in their own good time. Probably one of the most authentic sessions around. Go leor gaeilge (plenty of native speakers)
2 - Tionscnamh Lugh present a Summer of traditional Sessions. Expect high quality music and artists at a reasonable cost. You will find separately and simultaneously art classes for children, while, the best known of traditional artists share the stage, with the best local artists, each Tuesday in July and August in 2015. 8.30pm - 10.30pm. Go leor gaeilge (plenty of native speakers) Family friendly.
3 - Teach Jack - Glassagh
If you want to know where all the local set dancers hangout, this is the place. A Ceilí (traditional Irish dancing) is held here every Tuesday night, year round. Expect a vibrant display of traditional Irish céilí dancing, local musicians, a warm welcoming atmosphere. The last Sunday of every month they host a "Céilí Mór". Teach Jack is a hotel/Guest house, located in a stunning location, fine food and always a warm Donegal welcome. Go leor gaeilge. (plenty of native speakers)
3 - The Corner Bar, Dungloe
Plenty of locals gather together here every Tuesday for a good auld music session in the lovely Gaeltacht town of Dungloe. Home to the festival Mary from Dungloe.
Cuid is mo den Crann Óg
1- An Crannog - The local cultural centre in Derrybeg. This is the centre where all the local young people take music lessons, this centre nurtures the musical tradition of the area to grow and develop. (pictured right) Throughout the summer months they host a traditional music session nó "Seisúin Ceoil" every Wednesday 8.30pm to 10pm, especially aimed at visitors, this is perfect for families. Expect a very high caliber of music and singing, both young and old. Agus go leor gaeilge. You will hear the Irish language through song as well. Beautiful. Go leor gaeilge (plenty of native speakers) Family friendly.
Also. From the 7-9th August they host the Gaoth Dobhair Music & Cultural festival - Loinneog Lúnasa with famous singers such as Máire Brenanan and Altan, definitely check this out.
2 - An tSean Bheairic / Falcarragh visitor centre host an evening called "Ceol agus Tapas" music & tapas. This is the perfect early evening session where families are most welcome. Expect a warm welcome, local musicians and a wonderful evening of traditional Irish music. Begins 15th July, 8-10pm, then weekly throughout the summer. Go leor gaeilge (plenty of native speakers) Family friendly.
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Eireann Meenacross, are a local collective of traditional musicians, and they host an Irish Traditional Music session at The Ionad which is the local resource centre for The Rosses area in Dungloe, at the top of the town every Wednesday. Everyone is welcome to this informal session. Family Friendly, from 8.30pm.
Colleen from Bonners Bar with her nomination for Best Restaurant 2014
Located near the airport, is a 200 year old traditional bar, complete with hatch bar, open fire, warm local welcome from Colleen & Tom Doherty. Every Thursday night you'll find a nice wee session with local musicians and singers. I'd highly recommend getting there early to try Colleen's wonderful cooking, using locally sourced food, expect wholesome dishes with a fancy twist and at great prices too. Pictured right with her nomination for best restaurant.
Frank and Aine run a lovely bar, always reliable for music and good food no matter what night, they do B&B too. On a Thursday night you'll find local musicians gathered in the corner for an alternative session, with a mixture of traditional music and covers with Ger and Friends. Expect a warm welcome, lovely tunes, nice fire and other musicians are most welcome. Friday's you'll find folk music with Callum and Isabelle. Isabelle Curran is the finest accordian player, there is nothing this woman can't play, her talent is simply and she's great craic. Thats actually one of my favourite sessions....
An Crann Og are the area's young traditional music collective, they play at Teach Jack every Thursday night from 10pm, there can be up to 12 or more at any one time. Beautiful music coupled with traditional Irish song. Go leor gaeilge (plenty of native speakers) Family friendly.
4 - Teach a'Cheoil (The music house) Gort a Choirce
Comhaltas Chloich Cheann Fhaola, a local music collective, started their summer sessions in Teach a'cheoil gort a' choirce last night Thursday. They will run every thurs from 8pm. Music song dance, as well as a cup of teach and a few buns. Go leor gaeilge (plenty of native speakers) Family friendly.
An iconic local bar in the heart of the Donegal Gaeltacht. Their Monday night session is known as one of the best Irish traditional music sessions in Ireland, yes, in the whole country. And you'll see why when you experience it. Informal culture at its authentic best. Visitors from all over the world know and love this place for the magic of the sessions. You never know who will join in being as Altan and Mairead Mooney are long time regulars. Serving the finest local craft beer, Kinnegar Farmhouse beers. Teach Hiudaí Beag is the kind of place you don't want to leave, the people are so friendly and bar staff are great craic. Monday is their main night for trad, but you'll find trad music here on Friday's, Sundays and beginner sessions on a Thursday. Go leor gaeilge! If its the last Saturday of the month, you MUST check out An Caberet Craiceailte, for me that's the best Irish Music night in the world. I hope you're lucky enough to experience it.
Máire and Charlie Campbell (pictured below) have been running their guest house - teac Campbell for over 30 years. A family run guest house in the heart of Gaoth Dobhair. This summer, 2015, they have decided to host an early evening Traditional Irish Music session, aimed at families and visitors, especially for those who may not enjoy the late night pub culture. Expect local musicians, a relaxed atmosphere, and being wonderful hosts, there'll be tea and home made scones and a very warm Donegal and Glasgow welcome. This is a really lovely experience, I highly recommend it. Go leor gaeilge. Family friendly. From 8.30pm.
Located near the airport, Caislean Ór host a lively traditional Irish music session every Saturday night with local musicians. This hotel is in a beautiful setting, they also offer great food, seafood is a speciality and always a warm welcome.
Every summer this uniquely vintage bar hosts an Irish traditional music session, starting at around 8pm. They've got an amazing beer garden, and on a summers evening as the sun goes down, there really is no place like it. This is the oldest family run bar in the town, and its just full of curiosities and years and years of memorabilia. Margaret pictured right will give you a very warm Donegal welcome. Family friendly.
mngTours are based in the Gaeltacht region of Donegal, Ireland, we work with local services and local resources to provide unique experiences. We have monthly adventures and cultural tours, check out our "Whats On" section here. We also plan international travel and are providing business coaching to start up businesses.
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Labhair mng.ie, Conor Day faoi píobaireacht, An Scoil Gheimhridh agus a dhéanamh conaí i nGaoth Dobhair.
Conor, an cuimhneach leat an chéad uair a chuala tú na píopaí uileann?
"Yes, I remember hearing Liam o Flynn playing “Shee Beag Shee Mhór”, and that was me hooked… I didn’t start the pipes until I was 20, which is kind of late. Growing up, Irish music was always played at home, Plantxy, The Chieftains, the Mc Peakes and The Furey’s, so traditional Irish music was probably in my head".
Tá tú ag teagasc ranganna píopaí mar pháirt de Scoil Gheimhridh, ach bíonn tú teagasc na píopaí sa Chrannog chomh maith, de mar atá ag eirí leat?
I will be teaching beginner uileann piping classes from the 28th Dec to the 31st (Book here). And, yes, I’ve been teaching the pipes at the Crannog for about 18 months. I have 4 pupils, all girls, that isn’t the norm in piping. They are all really good players and I really enjoy teaching them. One pupil won a scholarship for a week’s tuition at the Willie Clancy summer school this year.
Inish dúinn faoin "Coirm na bPíobairí" atá mar pháirt den Scoil Gheimhridh?
"Ciarán Mac Fheidhlimidh will be hosting a piping concert in association with Na Píobairí Uileanna with Gay Mc Keon (NPU), Síle Friel (Friel sisters) and myself. Ciarán is one of the top pipers going at the moment and a pleasure to listen to. I'm really looking forward to this event". (info below)
As well as teaching beginner piping classes throughout the winter school, there will be a chance to “Try the pipes” – you’ve done this before, what kind of response do you get?
"Yes this is maybe my 3rd or 4th time, it’s actually how the piping classes got started here in Gaoth Dobhair. Everyone enjoys it, and everyone is welcome and give it a go on the 28th.
An bhfuil comhairle ar bith agat do nduine tá ag smaointiú gabhal i gceann na bpíopaí (don chéad uair) ?
"Get stuck in, practice as much as possible, listen to all the old masters, Tommy Reck, Séamus Ennis, Willie Clancy, Leo Rowsome and also today’s greats who are too many to list - I think the standard of piping has never been better. I will also be teaching beginner classes as part of the winter school. 4 classes over 4 days.
Roghnaigh tú Gaoth Dobhair le conaí dhéanamh ann, an dáthairbhe go mothaíonn tú inspioraid sa cheantar?
Trá Machaire Gáthlán
"I love the outdoors, I find the natural wild beauty of Gaoth Dobhair inspiring and I suppose it does inspire you musically too. I’m originally from Belfast but always came to Donegal on holidays. I have more time here, not so much pressure like you would have in the city. I had two great musicians call to my house last week - we had a great piping session that afternoon you just wouldn’t get that in the city".
Anything exciting in the ‘pipeline’? :)
I brought the pipes round the local schools, and was really surprised at the response, so many children wanted to play them and loved the sound too, so we plan to start a new group of piping students in the New Year.
Do dhuine na raibh ag an Scoil Gheimhridh cheanna féin, caide'n cuir síos a dhéanfá air an fhéile don duine sin?
"An Scoil Gheimhridh has something for everyone, whether you’re a musical tourist, a seasoned player, or just learning. And this year there's guided walks, Irish language classes, and it all takes place in an area of outstanding natural beauty, sure you couldn’t beat it".
Ar Tuilleadh eolas ar an clár iomlán anseo www.scoilgheimhridh.com
A bilingual business that provide bespoke adventure holidays & cultural tours in Donegal and beyond.
Gnó dátheangach ag obair le acmhainní áitiúila chun pacaisti faoi leith a chuir ar fáil dóibh suid ar mhian leo blas do saol Gaeltachta a fháil fríd eachtraíoch agus cultúir.
Moira Ní Ghallachóir | An Crannog, Doire Beaga, Donegal