Feel the pulse of Ireland – enjoy great music, song & dance

Wherever you go, there’s a ‘seisiún’ not far away

Give your spirits a lift and get those feet tapping... head to a local pub or festival and experience the magic and thrill of a traditional Irish music session.

Many people say you don't get to feel the pulse of the real Ireland until you experience an impromptu traditional music session in an Irish pub!
There's no better place to come across this, and many other, intimate cultural experiences than across the length and breadth of Ireland's North and North West regions.

The people here in many of the communities are steeped in the traditions and lore of Irish music, song and dance. They have grown up with these traditions from their childhood and they revel in the spontaneous expression of their culture, handed down through the generations.

Wherever you go, you will hear the sweet strains of Irish jigs and reels and the haunting sound of Irish ballads.

In the many atmospheric pubs that dot the countryside, where regular music 'seisiúns' are held and spontaneous sessions are likely to erupt at any time.

There are many vibrant music and other festivals where local people gather, ranging from the popular "Heart of the Glens" festival in Cushendall, Co. Antrim to the Queen Maeve International Summer School Festival of Irish Music Song and Set Dancing, which is held in Sligo Town each year.

A visit to the Gaeltacht (Irish-speaking) areas of County Donegal will bring you into close contact with the heartland of Irish music and all things cultural. Here you will see a proud people actively live out their distinctive social, cultural and linguistic heritage on a day-to-day basis.

If you decide to travel to one of the islands off the Donegal coast, such as Tory or Arranmore, you are in for another rare opportunity to witness the purest and best of Irish music in a most authentic setting.

In all corners of the globe, Irish music and culture have gained fame today. Come to Ireland North and North-West and experience the magic at first hand for yourself!

For county profiles, suggested drives and great holiday ideas, click here

FURTHER INFORMATION
For further information on any of the items featured above, or on the counties in general, please contact:

Fáilte Ireland North West
Aras Reddan
Temple Street
Sligo
Tel: 00353 (0) 7191 61201
Fax: 00353 (0) 719160360

Email: northwestinfo@failteireland.ie
Web: www.irelandnorthwest.ie

Causeway Coast & Glens
11 Lodge Road
Coleraine
BT52 1LU
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 (0) 28 7032 7720
Fax:0044 (0) 28 7032 7719

Email: mail@causewaycoastandglens.com
Web: www.causewaycoastandglens.com

Fermanagh Lakeland Tourism
Fermanagh Tourist Information Centre
Wellington Road
Enniskillen
BT74 7EF
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 (0) 28 6632 3110
Fax: 0044 (0) 28 6632 5511

Email: info@fermanaghlakelands.com
Web: www.findfermanagh.com

Derry Visitor and Convention Bureau
44 Foyle Street
Derry
BT48 6TE
Northern Ireland
Tel: 0044 (0) 28 7137 7577
Fax: 0044 (0) 28 7137 7992

Email: info@derryvisitor.com
Web: www.derryvisitor.com

Flavour of Tyrone
Killymaddy Tourist Information Centre
190 Ballygawley Road
Dungannon
Co. Tyrone BT70 1TF
Tel: 0044 (0)28 8776 7259
Fax: 0044 (0)28 8776 7911

Email: info@flavouroftyrone.com
Web: www.flavouroftyrone.com

Sperrins Tourism Ltd
The Manor House
30 High Street
Moneymore
BT70 45 7PD
Tel: 0044 (0)28 8674 7700
Fax: 0044 (0) 28 8674 7754
Email: info@sperrinstourism.com
Web: www.SperrinsTourism.com