Donegal, Ireland's winter wonderland

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 More

An Scoil Gheimhridh - "Sure you couldn't beat it"

Labhair mng.ie, Conor Day faoi píobaireacht, An Scoil Gheimhridh agus a dhéanamh conaí i nGaoth Dobhair.

events_poster_print.jpg

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

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