Has anyone on the forum ever been or know anything about the Joe Mooney week in Lietrim, Ireland. I live in England at present and I could make this week from the 19th July. Or is there any other weeks that would be worth the visit. My main priority is to learn as I never recieved any formal lessons from anyone.
I’ll take it that Mikie Smyth would be taking the less experienced pipers like myself and Néilidh Mulligan the more advanced among us.
Would this week be worth going to? I ask because I never hear anyone mention it. I tried to go to Achill Island, but was unsuccessful finding selfcatering accomadation, as the rest of the family would have gone for the holiday.
I haven’t any direct feedback, but would still strongly recommend that you go for it, especially if you don’t have regular access to face-to-face tuition.
The smaller summer schools generally have the reputation of being a better experience, especially for the less-experienced musicians, than the big-name ones which seem to leave some participants - especially those from abroad - slightly disappointed.
Aside from the classes, you’re more likely to be able to listen to the top musicians playing in a session at a smaller event, whereas at the bigger events the really good sessions seem to go underground and if you’re not on the inside track you won’t even know that they’re happening.
The schooll is usually enjoyed by those who go, it’s relatively small scale makes it a different experience from the bigger schools. I have heard it said though Drumshambo is on the back arse of nowhere and there’s little else to do there.
It’s a pity that Achill didn’t work out for you. Of all the summer schools it’s probably the best ‘family’ option.
No big crowds milling around, music in the few pubs only at night time, great scenery and plenty to do if you like the outdoors, watersports, the coastline etc. The emphasis is definatley on music and relaxing.
I have been there for several years and have always been put up in nice self catering cottagaes. They didn’t seem booked out in previous years. Maybe they are expecting a busy summer?
I have attended Joe Mooney for two years in a row and this one will be my third. Wonderful experiences. Three hours of lessons each morning. One afternoon devoted to reeds. Plenty of time in the afternoons to practice what one has learned and sessions everywhere for most all day for aditional listening and playing opportunities. Drumshanbo is indeed a small town and there are many spectacular places (Sligo and environs, Boyle, Enniskillen) one can get to within a 1-2 hr drive by car so it is a good central location for exploration of that part of Ireland. The evening concerts are spectacular and the grand concert, put on by the instructors, is a one of a kind experience.
I have been told Achill is where it’s at, in regarding learning and I have been told it’s a beautiful place. I am trying to get an extention on my contract to work in the UK for another six months and I think I will get it. If I do will book for Clancy and Achill 3 weeks and if anyone who would have any idea of the dates next year I would very much appreciate it, as I will book this year for next year. I doubt I’ll ever get the chance again so I am going to “strike when the iron is hot”.
Harry I have been told you have a very nice new B set of pipes, good luck with them?
Thanks again all, the forum is fantastic and is the most valuable source of information about today. Novices such as my self can learn a hell of amount by reading and be guided in the wright direction by you more experienced pipers.
My point being that some of the greatest experiences can be found in the most unlikely of places, peoples kitchens in their homes, off the beaten path pubs that no tourist would ever go to. don’t skip out on any school due to its locale and the perception that there is little else to do.