Tales from the Piper's Elbow
I have just recorded 'Inis Oirr' and have uploaded it to the website today. Inis Oirr is a beautiful waltz - more commonly played as a type of slow air. It is one I play a lot at weddings and in churches.
I chose to play this one on the low whistle and I decided to have a go at putting a bit of piano behind it myself.
Please have a listen to the track below or on my Music page.
Irish Piper @ Knockranny House Hotel Westport
11th April 2015
The Knockranny House Hotel has been racking up awards over the last few years and I couldn't wait to visit. This time I was venturing with the wedding band and I had my trusty saxophone with me. I took the stunning back road from Galway through Connemara for a lovely Saturday drive in the sunshine. The scenery through Maam bridge and Killary is breathtaking and makes for a relaxing drive, although the road never stops twisting and turning.. don't mention the wandering sheep!
I was impressed at the sheer size of the hotel. I thought from the name, that it would be more like a manor house but it seemed to me to be more like a grand hotel. Nevertheless very impressive, it seems to sit on a height overlooking Westport.
The banquet hall was very elegant, and quite spacious - always makes for an easy set up. Even though this was a large wedding ~ 200 guests, I didn't seem in any way overcrowded. We kicked things off with "Thinking Out Loud" by Ed Sheeran - a nice slow song, and proving an ever popular choice for first dances these days! I do like it myself, and it makes sure there are no mad dance routines required on the part of the wedding couple, just a nice slow embrace.
I really enjoyed this gig. Great crowd of people at the wedding and everyone seemed up for a dance, maybe it was just the music ;) Another late night, another satisfied crowd. Roll on the next..
Irish Piper @ Gregan's Castle Hotel
10th April 2014
One of my favourite parts of the country - Ballyvaughan Co.Clare. Today I was playing for a wedding party in the beautiful Gregan's Castle. I had often heard great things about this manor house hotel, but never before visited. Set at the foot of Corkscrew hill, it is hidden from the road. It is nicely secluded and seems like a perfect location for a wedding.
On arrival I was presented with coffee and snacks and made feel very welcome - a nice touch for a travelling musician! The hotel was very relaxing and seemed well suited for a wedding, albeit one of a smaller, more intimate size.
I'm happy to say the music was well received with the guests and everyone was still partying when I left for Galway. My best wishes to the lovely couple, Zita and Patrick.
Hopefully I will get to visit this stunning country manor again in the future!
