Experience an intimate traditional Irish session on the shores of Galway Bay in a thatched house built in 1827. The house has been the home of renowned traditional musicians Jacqueline McCarthy, Tommy Keane and their family since 1988. Jacqueline plays concertina and is continuing her family's tradition as her father Tommy McCarthy was also a celebrated musician from Co. Clare who played concertina and uilleann pipes. Tommy Keane is a multi-instrumentalist and he plays the iconic Irish uilleann (elbow) pipes, flute and fiddle. They have passed the music on to their three children who are also talented musicians. In 2011 their son Pádraic who plays uilleann pipes was chosen as the TG4 Young Musician of the Year.
You will learn about the origins and development of Irish music, the legendary musicians (many of whom Jacqueline and Tommy were fortunate to meet), the various instruments used in traditional music and gain an understanding of the various tune types and rhythms involved in Irish music. Visitors are welcome to ask questions and interact with the musicians.
