Doolin Music

Clare is quite possibly the most musical county in Ireland and Doolin is the most musical village in Clare.

There are more musicians to the square mile than anywhere in the world. There are music sessions in all the pubs every night from April to October and more likely than not you will find a session in one of the pubs nights during the winter months.

Russell Brothers

Doolin was firmly put onto the global map of Irish traditional music thanks to the three Russell brothers; Packie, Gussy and Miko.

They learned their musical talent from their mother Annie and then as young men from older traditional musicians in the area and so inherited the distinctive style and sound peculiar to Clare.Their musical legacy is now celebrated that last weekend in Febuary every year. The Russel weekend features classes, concert and manay many sessions.

 

 

The late Micho Russell was a wonderful man, a fine musician in the old style and an inspiration to many younger musicians. He travelled the world playing his music,the seemingly simple, yet extremely subtle and complex music of west Clare that he and his brothers, had recorded on an album, 'The Russell Family of Doolin, County Clare'.

 

 

Young, aspiring musicians came from Europe, America and Australia and were made welcome before the days of organised sessions. The denim-clad visitors joined in, thrilled to find music that was, and still is a living reality today.

 

 

Live session recorded by RTE on February 17th 2007 in O'Connors Pub Doolin

The link uses Real Player and the session starts two minutes into the recording. On this programme there's music and song from those who now play regularly in O Connors with flute player Noel O Donoghue leading the house band.