A Fluter's Tour of North Connacht?

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bigsciota
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A Fluter's Tour of North Connacht?

Post by bigsciota »

In April I'll have a few days (Sunday-Thursday) on my own with a car in Ireland after a wedding, and I'm trying to figure out what to do and where to go. I've been there many times and lived in Cork for a year and a half, so I've seen most of the "greatest hits" both sightseeing-wise and trad-wise (been many times to Galway, the Cobblestone, Ennis/Doolin/Miltown Malbay, etc.).

Since I was based in Cork and most of my visits have been to that neck of the woods, I've somewhat neglected the North Connacht region (Sligo, Leitrim, Roscommon, Mayo). I was in Sligo once for the 2014 Fleadh and I spent a few days afterwards staying with a friend near Achill Island, but I otherwise know very little about the area (unfortunately, I didn't even get to Matt Molloy's, which I hope to rectify). As a flute player I know it is (at least was) a fruitful area for that instrument, and I'm wondering if anyone has suggestions as to places, pubs, players or anything else I could visit if I do decide to take a few days up there.

I'd definitely be looking for sessions, and would also be interested in taking a lesson or two if there's anyone that comes recommended. And besides the trad angle, any good suggestions for hikes, sights, or other noteworthy stops?

Still in the planning stages, and maybe I'll just end up spending more time around Cork and Kerry like I always do, but I'd like to branch out a bit this time!
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colomon
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Tell us something.: Whistle player, aspiring C#/D accordion and flute player, and aspiring tunesmith. Particularly interested in the music of South Sligo and Newfoundland. Inspired by the music of Peter Horan, Fred Finn, Rufus Guinchard, Emile Benoit, and Liz Carroll.

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Re: A Fluter's Tour of North Connacht?

Post by colomon »

I've held off from replying because I've never actually been to Ireland. I'm sure there are people on the board with vastly more experience than me, but they don't seem to be answering your question.

Anyway, if it were me, I'd head to Gurteen, Co. Sligo, the heart of the South Sligo flute style.
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bigsciota
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Re: A Fluter's Tour of North Connacht?

Post by bigsciota »

A bump for visibility, seeing if anyone has anything to add...
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kkrell
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Re: A Fluter's Tour of North Connacht?

Post by kkrell »

Here's some ideas. Of course my info is old, and any players listed may have moved on to other locations, on tour, no longer playing, or RIP. Verify before showing up.

SLIGO AREA

Carmel Gunning gives lessons. She's in Sligo Town. Orlaith McAuliffe was one of her students.
Colm O'Donnell.
Gregory Daly, or the Coleman Centre, can probably put you in touch with many of the Sligo players (Joe Stenson, Michael Hurley)
Harry McGowan, Mick Loftus
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vODEwyOKKtw
James Murray
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-AS6GECBW8
June Ni Chormaic (June McCormack)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F4VqwHnLcUE

ROSCOMMON AREA
John Wynne
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CLH4JNBq3F8
Patsy Hanley, John Carlos
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MOUZRsBw9kA

MAYO AREA
Brian Lennon (Dr. Patrick B. Lennon)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gDqb7HnjBJ8
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bigsciota
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Re: A Fluter's Tour of North Connacht?

Post by bigsciota »

Thanks KKrell, I'll get onto the Coleman Centre to see about those players. Obviously a great place for the flute!
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