Friday 28 June 2013

Scoil Samhraidh Willie Clancy 40th Anniversary Documentary Trailer

"A fascinating and revealing insight into the first 40 years of Ireland's largest traditional music summer school." Posted on Youtube on the 17th of June 2013 by malbay1.

BBC's Coast, Galway to Baltimore via Clare

"The experts visit the west coast of Ireland. Neil Oliver discovers what prompted Columbus's voyage to America, beans washed up on shore, Alice Roberts investigates the perplexing mystery of "The Burren", a karst-landscape region or alvar in northwest County Clare, where Arctic and Mediterranean plants grow alongside each other..." Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of June 2013 by mailgaeilge.

Osterbro Choir sing Luka Bloom's Fertile Rock in the Burren

"Fertile Rock is the song that keeps coming. Here is an acapella version at the foot of Mullaghmore in County Clare with my friends from Osterbro Choir in Copenhagen led by Marlene. The sound is muffled because the only microphone not being ruined by rain was the one in my jacket. Had planned on singing, but listening suddenly seemed like a better idea. Luka." Posted on Youtube on the 26th of June 2013 by Luka Bloom.

'Nelly Bly' inside Bunratty Castle in County Clare by Jane Froman Singers

"Spontaneous performance of Nelly Bly inside Bunratty Castle in County Clare by Jane Froman Singers under the direction of Nollie Moore from Columbia College, Columbia , Missouri." Posted on Youtube on the 23rd of June 2013 by momofdr.

My Lovely Horse in Ennistymon

"Pauline Josselin spent a year in Ennistymon teaching French in the Tech. and Convent. She played the harp on Tuesday night's sessions in Cooley's with Adam, Dave and Andy. She was introduced to Father Ted by her flatmate Dermot Comerford and soon became besotted... This is her version of My Lovely Horse at the famous falls of Ennistymon." Posted on Youtube on the 21st of June 2013 by Fergus Tighe.

The Clare Reel - Sharon Shannon

Taken from Sharon Shannon's album 'Tunes'. Pictures provided by www.steverogersphoto.com. Posted on Youtube on the 13th May 2013 by Daithí Turner.

County Clare Adventure Trek Trip

"The Vagabond International is a travel company based out of Dallas, Texas and they have joined forces with Ben Bennett of Bens Surf Clinic and Rock Climbing Clinic out of Lahinch, County Clare, to put together the most amazing Ireland Adventure Trek Itinerary. The first song is Lisdoonvarna by Christy Moore, the second song is Don't be Afraid Of The Light That Shines Within You by Luka Bloom and the third song is See You Soon by Luka Bloom." Posted on Youtube on the 18th of June 2013 by Bess Baskin.

Poulnabrone dolmen

Poulnabrone dolmen, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 9th of June 2013 by Robert Vilhelm.

Hay in Kells

IMAGINE THE WORLD: SAMHLAIGH AN DOMHAN is the theme of the newest chapter of the Hay Literary Festival to be held in Kells, County Meath from 28th – 30th of July. The Hay Festival team produce fifteen festivals every year across Europe, Africa, Asia, Latin America and the Middle East. The original festival in Wales runs over eleven days in the Whitsun half-term holiday with a vibrant mash of literature, world music, politics, comedy and film. The festival will bring together the best Irish and international authors and thinkers to celebrate the sharing of stories and ideas. Authors such as Germaine Greer, Jeanette Winterson, John Banville and Gerry Stembridge will discuss their works and there will be a series of Eirgrid debates on environmental issues. See http://www.hayfestival.com/kells for details.

Friday 21 June 2013

Tony Mac Mahon & Barney Mc Kenna - The Wise Maid

Tony MacMahon from County Clare and the late Barney McKenna of the Dubliners play The Wise Maid during an impromptu street session in Freiburg, Germany. Posted on Youtube on the 13th of February 2008 by clarebannerman.

The Teetotalers - The Munster Reel, Old Pensioner, McFadden's

The Teetotalers (Martin Hayes, Kevin Crawford, & John Doyle) at The Front Hall April 28, 2013. Posted on Youtube on the 19th of May 2013 by John Boatman.

Sharon Shannon at The City Winery, NYC

Sharon Shannon With Alan Connor at The City Winery, New York, on the 16th of March 2013. Posted on Youtube on the 27th of April 2013 by chrisbkes.

Anon is Anall III

"Anon is Anall III is a collaborative exhibition of traditional Irish music, dance and contemporary art which was opened by Councilman Michael Johnston, Phoenix in Glor, on St Patricks Day 2013, Ennis, Co Clare, Ireland. Ten exhibiting artists - Mick O'Dea, Will Gillchrist, Mike O'Connor, Jean Regan, Lorraine Wall, John Gibbons, Brian McMahon, Richard Sharp, Bernard Dowd and Carmel Doherty. Each of these artists used a traditional Irish tune composed by the following County Clare musicians. Martin Hayes, Padraig Rynne, Paul Dooley, Tola Custy, Kevin Crawford, Pj King, The Pecker Dunne, Karol Lynch, Kevin O'Connor and Siobhan Peoples. The Kilfenora Céilí Band, Michael Donnellan, Dierdra Kiely and The West Clare Set Dancers also feature in this video." Posted on Youtube on the 5th of June 2013 by Carmel Doherty.

Craggaunowen, County Clare

Craggaunowen, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 12th of June 2013 by Colm Sweeney.

Lúnasa's Kevin Crawford speaking about love:live music on 21st June

Lúnasa's Kevin Crawford speaking about love:live music on Friday 21st June in Ennis, County Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 13th of June 2013 by MusicNetworkIreland.

Save the Troy Library - Adventures In Reverse Psychology

"The city of Troy, Michigan was facing a budget shortfall, and was considering closing the Troy Public Library for lack of funds. Even though the necessary revenues could be raised through a miniscule tax increase, powerful anti-tax groups in the area were organized against it. A vote was scheduled amongst the city's residents, to shut the library or accept the tax increase, and Leo Burnett Detroit decided to support the library by creating a reverse psychology campaign. Yard signs began appearing that read: "Vote to Close Troy Library on August 2nd - Book Burning Party on August 5th." No one wants to be a part of a town that burns books, and the outraged citizens of Troy pushed back against the "idiotic book burners" and ultimately supported the tax increase, thus ensuring the library's survival." Posted on Youtube on the 15th of November 2011 by Leo Burnett Worldwide.

Book Domino Chain World Record

"The Seattle Public Library launched the 2013 Summer Reading Program by setting a new world record for the longest book domino chain! The books used to make this domino chain were either donated or are out of date and no longer in the library's collection. They are now being sold by the Friends of Seattle Public Library to help raise money for library programs and services. No books were harmed during the filming of this video." Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of June 2013 by Seattle Public Library.

Tuesday 18 June 2013

World Refugee Day 2013

Thursday, June 20th, is World Refugee Day. As part of UNHCR Ireland’s library campaign, libraries across the country will be promoting refugee-related books and films as part of the celebrations for World Refugee Day. The highlighted books are based on the experiences of refugees all around the world, be it in the form of fact, fiction, autobiography or photography.

The theme of this year’s event is ‘1 family torn apart by war is too many’. All library branches across Clare will display books on refugee related topics for both adults and children from this Wednesday until the end of next week. Libraries will also have bookmarks to give away and activity sheets for children to help raise awareness and understanding of the issues faced by refugees.

For stories told by refugees living in Ireland see http://www.unhcr.ie/world-refugee-day/refugee-stories

Monday 17 June 2013

Summer Reading Challenge 2013














The Summer Reading Challenge gets thousands of children into libraries to keep up their reading skills and confidence during the long holidays. In collaboration with the British-based Reading Agency, Clare County Library will have a starter pack and lots of incentives to see children through the annual summer six book challenge. The theme for the 2013 Summer Reading Challenge is Creepy House, and all promotional materials are illustrated by award winning children’s author Chris Riddell. The theme ties into publishing trends for books that thrill children without being too scary. It is also a theme which will appeal to a wide age range and to both genders. And if something creepy is not what you’re looking for, you are free to simply choose your favourite reads including fact books, joke books and picture books, just as long as they are borrowed from the library. Every time your child finishes a book they get stickers and rewards and there's a certificate for everyone that finishes the challenge at a fun entertainment evening for all participants in five of our main branch libraries in the Autumn.

The Summer Reading Challenge is designed to have maximum child appeal. It is not a competition but a personal challenge within a particular time frame which offers reading inspiration and incentives to encourage children to use their local libraries. Staff at Clare County Library are looking forward to adding your child’s name to the list of participants in the 2013 Summer Reading Challenge.

Thursday 13 June 2013

The Teetotalers play The Munster Reel, Old Pensioner, McFadden's

The Munster Reel, Old Pensioner, and McFadden's played by The Teetotalers (Martin Hayes, Kevin Crawford, & John Doyle) at The Front Hall April 28, 2013. Posted on Youtube on the 19th of May 2013 by John Boatman.

Riches Of Clare Concert: Siobhan Peoples, Murty Ryan, John Kelly, and Pat Marsh

"Siobhan Peoples, Murty Ryan, John Kelly, and Pat Marsh playing a set of tunes learned from the Trian album. Acknowledgement and thanks were given to the musicians on the original album." Posted on Youtube on the 24th of May 2013 by Niamhaines.

Ennis, County Clare, 1968: RTE documentary on its history and development

An RTE Television documentary from 1968 on the history and development of the town of Ennis, in two parts, presented by Patrick Gallagher.

Posted on Youtube on the 5th of june 2013 by Neil Coffey.

UL Activity Centre in Killaloe, with ITOS

"This is the long/extended version of the event. A day out for the ITOS team in the superb University of Limerick Activity Centre in Killaloe, County Clare. Huge thanks to Jessica O'Keeffe for looking after us!" Posted on Youtube on the 10th of June 2013 by GR8Aspect.

Pink Ribbon Walk Killaloe 2013

"The sun was beating down on the twin towns of Killaloe Ballina, Sunday June 9th, as walkers from all over the country made their annual trek to the Killaloe Pink Ribbon Walk. The setting on the shores of Lough Derg was spectacular as over six hundred people bedecked in pink came together to raise funds for Action Breast Cancer, a programme of the Irish Cancer Society. Bra bunting decorated the bridge, the two towns were covered in pink flags and balloons, and residents on the picturesque route through the Clare hills were out in force handing sweets and drinks to everyone taking part." Posted on Youtube on the 11th of June 2013 by ilovelimerick.

Le Comté de Clare: Le village de Doolin, les Cliffs of Moyer et le désert du Burren

Posted on Youtube on the 12th of June 2013 by Jean-Stéphane Bozzo.

Proposal at the Cliffs of Moher

"On June 6, 2013, my family, girlfriend of 5 years, and I visited the Cliffs of Moher in Ireland. Everyone was in on the secret, except for her obviously, and she was spectacularly surprised!" Posted on Youtube on the 11th of June 2013 by Nicholas Zahn.

Zoolander Exhibition at Sean Lemass Library, Shannon

On Tuesday June 4th 25 children aged 8-12 years from the Crafty Kids Art Group together with their art teacher Christina Bennett enjoyed a fun evening with their parents and friends at Sean Lemass Public Library in Shannon. Their colourful art display includes exploratory painting and papier-maché three dimensional experiments. This will be on display in the library until Saturday June 15th.

Tuesday 11 June 2013

The Mary Ann Jane Warrant Story

The story of Mary Ann Jane Warrant from Creegh South, Kilmacduane, mirrors that of many young women in mid-19th Century Clare. After the family was evicted in May 1848, Mary was orphaned and ended up in Kilrush Workhouse. From there she was sent to Tasmania in 1851 on board the ‘Beulah’ as part of an Orphan Emigration Scheme. In Van Diemen’s Land, Mary found employment and went on to marry a convict William Beard, who later became a policeman. They had 11 children.

Mary’s great-grandson, Ian Beard, who was researching the family’s history, had drawn a blank on Mary’s background, until the Passenger List for the ‘Beulah’ was released on ancestry.com.au, leading him to Mary’s place of origin. The list includes names of girls from Ballyvaughan, Ennis, Ennistymon and Kilrush Workhouses.

Ian Beard has also transcribed the Passenger List for the ‘Calcutta’, which also sailed in 1851 with orphans from Clare workhouses. Their preparations and journey are described by Michael MacMahon in his article ‘From Clare to Van Diemen’s Land’.

Monday 10 June 2013

IMPAC award for Kevin Barry

Limerick author Kevin Barry has won the world’s most valuable literary prize, the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award, for his first novel City of Bohane. Books are nominated for the award by public libraries around the globe. Commenting on his win, Kevin Barry said: "The fact that this award originates with the libraries is what makes it very special for me – libraries are where we learn that we can live our lives through books."

"I’m thrilled to see an Irish author of such immense talent take home this year’s award. City of Bohane is a vivid, atmospheric portrayal of a city in the West of Ireland set in the future but mired in the past. The highly original cast of characters are at once flamboyant and malevolent, speaking in a vernacular like no other," said the Lord Mayor of Dublin and Patron of the Award, Naoise Ó Muirí, as Barry was presented with his cheque for €100,000.  Kevin Barry is the third Irish author to win the prize. It was awarded to Colm Tóibín in 2006 for The Master and to Colum McCann in 2011 for Let the Great World Spin.

Thursday 6 June 2013

The Kilfenora Céilí Band with dancer Deirdra Kiely

'Rhattigan's Selection' from the Kilfenora Céilí Band performance at Glór in Ennis, featuring dancer Deirdra Kiely. Part of the Fleadh Nua Festival, this concert was streamed on LiveTrad.com on 26.05.2013. Posted on Youtube on the 30th of May 2013 by Livetrad.

Niamh Parsons sings Black is the Colour at Fleadh Nua, Ennis

Niamh Parsons sings Black is the Colour, on Day 5 of the Riches of Clare Concerts at the Fleadh Nua, Ennis. Posted on Youtube on the 26th of May 2013 by Niamhaines.

3 Clare Jigs - Josh O' Loughlin and Máirtín Quigley

"Three jigs from County Clare played by Josh O' Loughlin on banjo and Máirtín O' Coigligh on guitar. The first two tunes are known as 'Christy Barry's Jigs' and they are followed by a tune known as 'Jimmy Ward's Jig'. The tunes are named after well-known Clare musicians. Enjoy!" Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of June 2013 by olochlaj.

Kilmaley Ensemble in honour of Paddy Murphy

"From the December 2007 launch night for Paddy Murphy - In Good Hands, an all-star line up: Manus McGuire, Maeve Donnelly (fiddles), Anthony Quigney (flute), Tim Collins, Gearóid Ó hAllmhuráin (concertinas), Mick O'Connor (flute), Peadar O'Loughlin (fiddle) and Marie Quigney (keyboard). TUNES: The Maid of Feakle, The Chattering Magpie, & The Flax in Bloom." Posted on Youtube on the 13th of February 2008 by ClareMusic2000.

New music from County Clare

Recent additions to the traditional music collection at Clare County Library include recent recordings from the county’s musicians.

Vincent Griffin and friends: Traditional Irish music from the shady groves of Ayle, County Clare was recorded at The Tulla Courthouse where Vincent Griffin was joined by Seamus Bugler, Geraldine Carrig, Tim Collins, Ged Foley, Pat Mac and Padraic O'Reilly in a tribute to the fabled East Clare fiddler.

The knotted chord: traditional music from County Clare is flute player Eamonn Cotter's second solo release, coming twenty years after his first album.

Ennis accordion player Johnny McCarthy is joined by Alph Duggan on Steele's Rock: traditional music from the capital of Clare.

For the full list of CDs added to the library’s collection for borrowing so far this year see http://opac.clarelibrary.ie/search~S1?/ftlist^bib10%2C1%2C0%2C100/mode=2, and of course listen to Clare traditional music on our Music of Clare project.

Brian Boru’s Oak Tree

A magnificent oak tree in Raheen Woods, Tuamgraney, East Clare, is associated with Brian Boru who was reputedly born nearby. The tree is over 1,000 years old with a girth of 26 feet. The tree stands in one of the last surviving sections of Ireland's ancient wild oak forests - the forest of Suidain of the Sliabh Aughty Mountains. The National Monuments Service has listed the tree in its Archaeological Survey as a Ritual Site/ Holy Tree. Photographs of Brian Boru’s Oak are included in the Archaeological Monuments of Clare Collection in our Online Photographic Archive, a collection donated to the library by an anonymous donor.

Craggaunowen and The Brendan Boat

Craggaunowen and Tim Severin's Brendan Boat. Posted on Youtube on the 31st of May 2013 by ShannonHeritage.

Bunratty Castle & Folk Park, County Clare

Posted on Youtube on the 31st of May 2013 by ShannonHeritage.

Doolin Cave in County Clare

"Boasting the world's third biggest (and the biggest outside South America) free-hanging breeze-formed stalactite, Doolin Cave is one of the most stunning attractions to be found in Ireland and it would be difficult to find a more exciting underground caving adventure in Europe. Thanks to the friendly and knowledgeable staff, visitors will be constantly learning about the geology and history of the cave as they navigate the winding paths and inclines, before eventually reaching the breathtaking Doolin stalactite. There is also a new Farmland Nature Trail for the kids, which is free and features pygmy goats, rare breeds of cattle, sheep and chickens, not to mention picturesque rural backdrops of the wildflower meadows." Posted on Youtube on the 29th of May 2013 by mydestinationvideo.

O'Brien's Tower at the Cliffs of Moher

"O'Brien's Tower was built in 1835 near the highest point of the Cliffs of Moher in County Clare in Ireland. It was built as a viewing point for tourists who were even then visiting the Cliffs. In effect it was the first visitor centre there." Posted on Youtube on the 20th of May 2013 by CliffsofMoherClare.

Tuesday 4 June 2013

Help your child learn


Clare County Library has joined up with Clare County Childcare Committee and Clare Family Learning Project (Clare VEC) to host events in selected branch libraries to launch a new website developed by the National Adult Literacy Agency (NALA) designed to help parents support their children’s education. Help My Kid Learn is a website where people can see that supporting a child’s literacy and numeracy development is a natural, easy and fun activity that can be integrated into any part of their day.

Parents of children aged 0-12 years are invited to a relaxed evening at the De Valera Public Library, Ennis, on Tuesday, 11th June where Executive Librarian Patricia Fitzgerald will give a talk on topics such as the importance of joining your local library and how to do this, extra library activities available to children throughout the year, the different categories of library books for children and how to find them and the availability of DVDs and Internet access for children. Mary Flanagan from the Clare Family Learning Project will talk about the importance of playing games to help with many areas of learning and how to have fun with numbers. There will also be a brief showcase of NALA’s Help My Kid Learn website. A number of coordinated events will take place in other libraries countywide. Tutors from Clare Family Learning Project will visit Scariff and Shannon on Tuesday June 11th while Ennistymon, Kilrush and Killaloe will have their events on Wednesday 12th June. There will be information packs available to take away from each library on the night. All events will be held from 6.45pm sharp to 8pm. For more information phone 065-6821616 or visit www.clarelibrary.ie.

In conjunction with the launch of the website a new six-part series called The Family Project has begun on RTE ONE. Airing every Monday night, from Monday 20 May, at 7.30pm, the series follows families from around Ireland working together to overcome educational issues that affect their lives. Once again this year, NALA has a free distance education service to run alongside the new TV series. The Freephone support line is 1800 20 20 65. http://www.helpmykidlearn.ie

Lough Derg Heritage Trail App

Lough Derg Heritage Trail App is an App that gives you detailed cycling and driving routes along the Lough Derg Heritage Trail. The App has detailed descriptions of all points of interest along the way and provides images and audio guides of the area as well as bike hire information. There is an accompanying booklet with detailed information and a map on over 90 heritage sites around the lake as well as 3 audio DVDs - available from the Heritage Officer, Clare County Council, email cmcguire@clarecoco.ie.

This app is an initiative of the Clare, Galway and North Tipperary Heritage Officers and The Heritage Council and is funded by the Heritage Council and the three local authorities.
Here are the links to the app for
i-phone and
android phones: