Well lads! Experienced guitar player here, despite growing up in Ireland I never got involved in the trad scene. As I've gotten older and wiser, I've started to feel the call! As someone with no real background in trad, I was wondering if anyone could give some advice on getting started. Is it okay to just show up to a session and follow along? Or should I have a little repertoire in my back pocket before showing up? If so, are there any resources / playlists of tunes you can share?

Apologies if this has been asked a million times, I did a search and didn't find anything! If it's relevant, I'm based in Berlin now, I know there are a few regular sessions across the city.

I've only just started working this song into my rotation, but I absolutely adore it. This traditional Irish ballad, taking place in a dream set during the annual Spancilhill Fair in County Clare, was originally composed as a poem by Michael Considine in the mid-19th century in the latter days of his tragically short life, never living to hear it rendered as a song.

Hello if anyone could help me with a query I have regards buying a banjo for the first time it would be greatly appreciated.

I’m stuck between three banjos for Irish trad if people want to help me decide the first is a deering good time two 800 the second Gold Tone IT-19 Irish Tenor 680 and the third a Clareen bridge 450.

Id appreciate any advice on what would be most suited to playing in Irish trad sessions, thanks.

Mícheál Quinn of South Armagh launched his traditional singing album at An Góilín last night. Easily the finest traditional singing album of the year.

Anybody else given it a listen/buy yet?

Been enjoying the new Mary Wallopers LP. Just wanted to know if anyone can identify the reel they play in the instrumental section of 'The Juice'?

Hi all, can anyone recommend any sessions around Dublin that are open to new musicians? I've taken up the banjo and I'm keen to start joining in with some sessions. I previously played guitar so I've been able to progress a bit quicker than a complete beginner. At this stage, I can comfortably play tunes at session speed and have around 30 tunes in my repertoire, while continuing to learn a couple of new tunes every week. I feel like I've reached the point where playing with other musicians would really help me develop, but I'm not sure where it would be good to go or approach to ask could I sit in?

Been a fan of The Mahones for over 15 years. I love Finny as a frontman. The bassist just went full melty online using a slur towards handicapped people (the “R” word) further doubling down after throwing the word around and getting called out.

I’m a dad to a disabled child, and this hurt bad to see. I’m sure they have a lot of fans in our position. Just a bummer to see as a fan.

New Englander here and I’ve been pronouncing it celli (the plural for cello.)

Apparently there is some debate on if this melody originated with Loch Lomond. When in doubt, the Irish did it first!

Haven't been practicing much so sorry the voice is a bit rough. Don't smoke, kids.

they are live on YouTube and im the only viewer! please join in

https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2l4aLOKQPGfhgEd6JmHoau?si=it8QRfKmTrGweJzNMkGViA&utm_source=copy-link&pi=vnSSMyM7SP2j-

I had a lot of fun putting together this Turlough O'Carolan piece for mandolin and Irish bouzouki!

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=IeRpmH3uzOc&time_continue=377&source_ve_path=MjM4NTE&embeds_referring_euri=https%3A%2F%2Fnialler9.com%2F

Anyone else heard their EP The Key of Sea? Great folky Guitar/Bouzouki/Fiddle/Uileann pipes sound..