A musical month in Ireland

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jimmyreturns
jimmyreturns

Hi everyone!

I'm planning to go to Ireland for five weeks in Jan/Feb. I know that I will have less sunlight than in summer, but is the only time I can go. As I play Irish music, my idea is to travel through the country trying to go to every session I can.

Also, it's important to say that I would probably hitchhike every now and then, because the distances are short. Nevertheless, I think I will take the BusEireann from Dublin to Cork and from Galway to Dublin if it is only 11.40 for students.

In my head I am making a kind of route:

Dublin (two days)
Cork (five days)
Killarney (three days)
Limerick (six days)
Doolin (six days)
Galway (six days)
Howth (one day)
Dublin (five days)

I am also saving four or five days for emergencies or whether I like to stay more in one place. What do you think about? Have I wrote too many days in any city? Should I consider less days in the cities and trying to go north (maybe Clare, Donegal)?

Thanks in advance for any comments
Sergio

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ger_power
ger_power

in january/feb expect it to be dark between 5 and 6 and the weather will generally be wet and cold and its possible in Janaury that there could be snow......this will impact on your plan to hitch hike....if you have a student card travel by bus should not be very expensive. Your time frame in each place is fine (be aware that Howth is actually in County Dublin and only a short train ride from dublin city centre and that Doolin is in County Clare). I would suggest a day or two on the Aran Islands, a short boat trip from Galway or Clare.

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ger_power
ger_power

if your main interest is traditional irish music sessions....do some research and find out if there any festivals on at that time of year.....http://www.irishmusicmagazine.com lists different events on during the year

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jimmyreturns
jimmyreturns

thanks for your comments ger_power!!

I know that it could be a bit tough to hitch hike. I have the ISIC so the bus would be a nice option. I think I will decide on the road. As regards Aran Islands, I was thinking to go from Doolin.

Thanks for the website. I knew only about the Temple Trad Festival.

If anyone wants to add a comment, feel free!

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waterhazardjack
waterhazardjack

Should I consider less days in the cities and trying to go north (maybe Clare, Donegal)?

Those 2 counties are traditional music strongholds so they should be on your list...bear in mind that the 'trad' music community in Ireland is a very tight-knit one so I think you'll find yourself getting suggestions as you go along...therefore a degree of flexibility in your itinerary will probably pay dividends...

Best of luck...

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jimmyreturns
jimmyreturns

Thanks a lot!

I will think about it. Maybe I could cut one day in some cities and try to reach those counties. Go for flexibility!

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waterhazardjack
waterhazardjack

I think so...you have lots of time and it's a fallow enough time of year so staying flexible shouldn't present many problems...

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joyciee
joyciee

You have to visit Westport in Co. Mayo for music, especially Matt Molloys pub on Bridge Street. Matt is a member of the famous traditional irish music group, The Chieftains and there is always music on in it!

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jimmyreturns
jimmyreturns

I know Matt Molloy. Westport? I didn't have westport in my mind. Thanks a lot! I'll try to go! It's less than 100 km!

Any more suggestions are welcomed. Thanks everybody!

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waterhazardjack
waterhazardjack

Westport? I didn't have westport in my mind. Thanks a lot! I'll try to go!

Good suggestion as it is also a very pretty town...

But joyciee, I see that every post you've made so far is an advertisement for Westport so if you continue in this vein, you'll soon be attracting a 'yellow card' for placing 'advertorial' content...

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