After eating some tasty pub food in McGann's Pub in Doolin, we stayed to hear some traditional Irish music. It was well worth the wait. There were three musicians who played traditional Irish instruments. One man played the Uilleann pipes, a complex form of bagpipes. Another man played the bouzouki, a stringed instrument, and a woman played the bodhrán, a type of drum. They played three pieces, each at least five minutes long. The music was full and lively, the kind of music to which one wants to tap, clap, or stomp along.
The men then took a break to drink and socialize while the woman treated us to some unaccompanied vocals. This style, called sean nós or " in the old style", is considered the ultimate expression of traditional singing. She sang three songs which were slower and almost bittersweet but beautiful. We left after about an hour of music, extremely grateful to have the opportunity to experience this important part of Irish culture.
