Dope Irish Things - The Music

During my time here, I do actually study believe it or not. I go to classes, directly enrolled, like any other Irish student here in Dublin. One of my Irish-culture based classes is Studies in Irish Music. The way the professor teaches isn't exactly how I pictured, but I am getting more exposed to Irish music as opposed to just the traditional reels, jigs, hornpipes that I had grown up with while Irish step dancing. I think that by the time I leave here, I'll know the words to many pub tunes - everyone get ready to start singing when we get back home!!

Anyway, one of my favorite things to do while spending my time here in Dublin is going to various pubs listening to traditional musicians play. It's a completely different atmosphere to be in a pub listening to Irish music as opposed to J305 in a classroom on the big screen watching YouTube clips. Yeah, that's how my teacher "teaches" us about Irish music. I'll vent about that in person, though, rather than in a blog.

blast from the past.. see? I'm not lying when I say Irish music is a part of me!

Irish music has been a part of my iTunes library for as long as I've had an account, but I had never listened to it live (when I wasn't competing at a feis.. erm, Irish step dancing competition). My parents were here this past week and luckily enough for them, they were staying at a hotel right off of Dame Street right in Temple Bar. The bar that was attached to their hotel had live Irish music every night. Now, I've been to plenty of pubs, but I had never been to this particular one.. I had passed by it so many times, but never thought of going in. Now it is quickly becoming a personal favorite of mine! The music is wonderful and the prices for drinks aren't even half that bad!

musicians from another night!

Here is a clip of one of the musicians playing. They're playing Galway Girl, which is featured in P.S. I Love You and is essentially played every time that I go see a session at a pub. It's well known (obviously), but ironically enough it was written by an American from Texas who had experienced a one night stand. Weird, huh?