West Cork, Ireland - Easter 2011

I've just returned from two weeks in West Cork, Ireland where there was plenty of traditional music going on. The Ballydehob Traditional Festival took place on the weekend before Easter. Ballydehob is a picturesque village with five friendly bars and many very good traditional players living nearby. The weather was gorgeous throughout the weekend. I played in sessions at Levis's Corner bar on Friday night, The Sandboat on Saturday and Rosie's on Sunday. See http://www.ballydehobtradfestival.com/ for more information.

Welsh dances performing in the open air at the Ballydehob Traditonal Festival
Irish dancers in the street outside Levis's on Sunday afternoon.

The session in Rosie's bar on Sunday

The following weekend, Easter weekend brought more music. On Good Friday I was booked to play in the Boathouse, Ahakista. Luke, a local fisherman transforms his boathouse into an unofficial bar every Friday for locals, friends and family to enjoy drinks and good company. This is particularly popular on Good Friday when all the bars in Ireland are closed.

Performing in the Boathouse, Ahakista

The annual 'Ceoil on the Coast' Music Festival at Kilcrohane took place on Easter Saturday, Sunday and Monday. I took part in the Saturday Night traditional session in Eileen's Bar.

Frank, me and Paul

Finbar (with hat) who unfortunately had his spoons with him!