Paraic McNeela

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!