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Paraic McNeela

RJ Hamster

‘It seems to me that for those who have ears to hear, this music of ours possesses the power of magic: it can put us in touch with ourselves in ways no other art form can do. It can touch the pulse of ancestral memory, allowing us to redefine our dreams of what it is to be Irish.’

These inspiring words come from the legendary Irish accordion player, Tony MacMahon. First written in 1996, they still ring true today.

Traditional Irish music has played such an important role in my life and I’m incredibly lucky to get to do what I love each day.

In fact, I’ve been blessed now for 43 years. Yes, that’s right. I’m 43 years in business!
Here I am with a fine head of hair back in the day. Though I should really be looking at what I’m doing with that hammer…

It was back in the summer of ‘79 when I made and sold my very first bodhrán. I haven’t looked back since. What a journey it’s been!

Thank you for being a part of it .

In 2019 I decided to celebrate my 40th anniversary with something that would allow my customers to connect to their roots and show their pride in being a member of the McNeela family.

So I had an exclusive McNeela t-shirt screen printed right here in Dublin. Just around the corner in fact from where I sold my very first bodhrán. They flew off the shelves in record time.

Now the big 50th anniversary is looming and the celebrations will have to be bigger and better. If you have any ideas on how to celebrate this milestone I’d love to hear from you.

I promised in my last email that I’d be sharing some of my favourite and most popular content with you, and don’t worry, I’ve not forgotten.

Today I want to introduce you to the holy grail of musical gatherings for traditional Irish musicians – the Irish Music Session.

I love nothing more than a good session with friends. Here I am below in the McNeela Studios with some of Ireland’s finest musicians – John O’Brien on guitar, Mick O’Brien on flute and Mícheál Ó Raghallaigh on concertina.

I count myself lucky to be in such fine company. Just click the image below to hear us in action:

The McNeela Guide to the Irish Music Session is a firm favourite with my readers. In fact, it’s one of the most popular blog posts I’ve ever published.

This guide has helped many of my loyal customers navigate the tricky and sometimes intimidating landscape of the Irish music session.

So come with me and I’ll talk you through the dos – but most importantly the don’ts – of session etiquette, to help you avoid any embarrassing faux pas when you brave your first trad session. I’ll have you session-ready in no time.

Just think, when you’re next in Dublin, Ireland you’ll be ready to hit the town and join me for a few tunes in my favourite spot, The Cobblestone Pub – the home of traditional Irish music in Dublin.

A few pints and a few tunes – sounds like heaven!
A lovely watercolour scene by Bruce Washburn of an Irish trad music session in full flight in the front window of Dublin’s Cobblestone Pub.
If you’re already a veteran session player however (even if you’re not) then I’ve got a little bonus content for you…


It was no easy feat let me tell you, but I managed to put together a list of my top five favourite traditional Irish music albums of all time.

Click here to discover which legendary album won the coveted top spot.

Whether you’re a total traddie, or it’s your very first foray into the world of Irish music, I guarantee there’s something for everyone in this post.

So what are you waiting for? Immerse yourself in the very best that traditional Irish music has to offer. Hours of listening pleasure awaits…
The Greatest Irish Trad Albums of All Time

Do you agree with my top choice? Let me know your thoughts.

If you’d like to talk all things Irish music you can reply directly to this email, or join in the conversation in the comments section below my blog post.

SPECIAL CODE

 

I promised you a very special offer in my last email and here it is! Use this code to get 10% off most of my range of traditional Irish instruments and accessories.

Simply use the following code at checkout:
ABB10373
That’s an offer I rarely make so grab it while you can.

Go n-éirí an bóthar leat. May the road rise to meet you!

Slán,
Paraic
Paraic McNeela
McNeela Instruments
PS. I’ll be sending some more exciting content your way soon. Keep an eye on your inbox!

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Paraic McNeela
137 Baldoyle Ind Est
Dublin
13
Ireland

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