"Call of the Lark" - Newmarket Library

Maura Mulligan will read from her memoir, Call of the Lark, on Wednesday 8th August at 6.30pm in Newmarket-on-Fergus Public Library. Originally from Mayo, Maura later emigrated to the US and is a fluent Irish Speaker and Irish dance teacher. Her book "Call of the Lark", tells of her life and journey from Mayo to New York. All are welcome.

Luka Bloom & Steve Cooney: The Race Runs Me (Live in Lahinch) - for The Irish Olympians

"The Race runs me: so said Sonia O'Sullivan, one of Ireland's great Olympians, in her autobiography. She was describing a rare moment in a perfect race, running with the cream of top athletes. Sometimes there are moments when you are oblivious to crowd, noise, flags. You are running together. It only lasts a moment but in this precious moment I am no longer running a race; the race is running me. This song is dedicated to all the Irish athletes who work so hard to arrive at their peak, and give so much to bring a little joy in these troubled times. And this version is from a recent gig in Kenny's, in Lahinch, County Clare. I was performing with my friend Steve Cooney. What a night, what a buzz; and among the singers in the crowd, you can hear the voices of my new friends in the Osterbro Pigekor Choir from Copenhagen." (Luka Bloom). Posted on Youtube on the 24th of July 2012 by LukaBloomVideos.

Damian Werner, Quentin Cooper, Eoin O'Neill live in Lahinch

Damian Werner, Quentin Cooper, Eoin O'Neill live in Kennys Bar, Lahinch. "Damian is a great flute player from Hawaii. He moved to lahinch because he thinks the idea of being able to surf there AND walk to a traditional session from is house is 'incredible'. Here he is with the Concert reel and Jim Donohue's." Posted on Youtube on the 19th of December 2012 by burrencrawler.

Beauty Of Skye by Conor Keane

"Irish Waltz by Conor Keane from Ennis, County Clare (Diatonic Accordion), with Lars Kristensen (Fiddle) and Dave Harper (Flute). Recorded in Denmark in March 2009." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of March 2009 by hobosapian8.

Loop Head Lighthouse, Visitor Attraction

"Situated at the tip of the Loophead Peninsula where the Shannon River meets the Atlantic Ocean this iconic lighthouse tower is now open to the public. For a small fee the visitor can take a guided tour up the tower and can go out onto the balcony at the very top. From this balcony one can see as far south as the Blasket Islands in Kerry and as for north as the Twelve Bens in Galway -- a remarkable and unforgettable vista. Loophead Lighthouse will be open to the public from Saturday May 19th 2012 to early September during the hours of 10.00am -- 5:30pm daily. Visitors have the opportunity to be guided to the top of the lighthouse and take in the magnificant views from the balcony. An informative, interactive exhibition also provides a history of the Lighthouse and allows the visitor to learn how the operation of this Lighthouse has progressed through the years. Admission: €5 per person with under 12s free." Posted on Youtube on the 16th of July 2012 by shannonimages.

Ballyvaughan to Lisdoonvarna - by motorbike

"Out on the motorbike between Ballyvaughan and Lisdoonvarna in West Co. Clare, Ireland. Gorgeous day for it." Music: Everlong by Foo Fighters. Posted on Youtube on the 16th of July 2012 by TylerFrickinDurden.

Connemara Set Fig #1 (Willy Clancy Festival 2012)

"This video was taken during the Willie Clancy Week 2012. With thanks to all who let me film them." Posted on Youtube on the 17th of July 2012 by maziejulia.

Cliffs of Moher (July 2012)

"Beautiful Scenes of the Cliffs of Moher in July 2012." Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of July 2012 by aschuee.

Clare says Céad Míle Fáilte to Ennistymon & Lahinch

Posted on Youtube on the 18th of July 2012 by clarefmTV.

Author Carlo Gébler to visit Scariff Library

Dublin-born Carlo Gébler is the son of writers Edna O’Brien and Ernest Gébler and he spent many summers in his mother's house in Tuamgraney as a child. He is the author of several novels, including The Dead Eight, his most recent, and a memoir Father and I. He is also a playwright and film-maker and has been Writer in Residence at Maghaberry Prison in Northern Ireland. Carlo will speak about his life and work in Scariff Public Library on Saturday, 4th August at 3pm. Telephone the library on (061) 922893 for more information. This is a free event sponsored by the Scariff Harbour Festival.

Summer Reading 2012

Wondering what to read on the beach (or looking out at the rain) this summer? There are plenty of recommended summer reading lists available to help you choose. There’s no escaping sports this summer with the Irish Times 30 Great Summer Reads list recommending The Art of Fielding by Chad Harbach, a tale of male bonding in the world of college baseball; Gold by Chris Cleave about two Olympic-level speed cyclists and Triggs: The Autobiography of Roy Keane’s Dog by Paul Howard. However, for those who feel that they have had enough of sport this summer before the Olympics even start, there are plenty of thrillers, comedies and tear jerkers. Click here for The Irish Times list of thirty great summer reads… The Richard and Judy Summer Bookclub recommends 10 novels including The Thread by Victoria Hislop and A Perfectly Good Man by Patrick Gale. For more details and reviews see http://www.richardandjudy.co.uk/home.

Des Mulkere, Julia Clifford, Denis Murphy, and Paddy Moloney play The Liffey Banks reel, 1967

Des Mulkere from County Clare (on flute), Julia Clifford from Kerry (on fiddle), Paddy Moloney from Dublin (on whistle) and Denis Murphy from Kerry (on fiddle) playing The Liffey Banks reel at the 1967 Fleadh Cheoil in Enniscorthy, County Wexford. Posted on Youtube on the 27th of February 2008 by clarebannerman.

Martin Hayes & Jim Corry at Willie Clancy Festival 2012

Martin Hayes & Jim Corry of the Tulla Céilí Band playing during a céilí break at the Willie Clancy Summer School 2012 in Miltown Malbay. Filmed by Con O' Sullivan, Meelin County Cork. Posted on Youtube on the 14th of July 2012 by meenroe1.

Bushplant - Go Make Somebody Happy Here

"Bushplant's pounding beast of a dancefloor hit. Innovative and infectious, this is techno-folk." http://www.bushplant.com/ Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of June 2012 by GerryDowle1102.

Willie Clancy Festival at the Central Bar, Miltown Malbay, 2012

Posted on Youtube on the 16th of July 2012 by helenmamj1.

Los Gatos Negros - Live in Lahinch

"Los Gatos Negros are a band based around Lahinch in County Clare, Frankie Parker on vocals, Kirsten Allstaff on flute, Gabriel Capacciome on guitar and Darragh McGlynn on mandolin and sitar. They are regularly joined by Blendi Krasniqi on percussion and John O'Connell on Double Bass. The music they play is a blend of Cuban, Bossa Nova, Gypsy and Irish Trad." Posted on Youtube on the 12th of July 2012 by irishmusicacademy.

Willie Clancy Festival 2012 - Dance Concert, Sean Nós Group

Posted on Youtube on the 18th of July 2012 by ThumbAndFingers.

Ottawa Valley Dancing at Willie Clancy Festival 2012

Ottawa Valley Dancing at the Willie Clancy Festival 2012. "Ottawa Valley Style stepdancing originated in the Ottawa Valley which includes a large area North of Ottawa and a small area across the river on the Quebec side. This dance is very different than the other two styles of stepdancing, but still has influences from the Scottish and Irish. The Ottawa Valley style is characterized by the constant aggressiveness of the dance and the steps are danced high off of the floor. The better dancers include a wide variety of steps and different moves in their routines so that no step looks similar to another. The dancers’ legs look very "rubber like" and much coordination is required of the legs, feet and ankles." (http://www.fiddle.on.ca/fiddle/valley.htm). Posted on Youtube on the 17th of July 2012 by ThumbAndFingers.

Mountshannon Sunny Sunday

"Safe family fun on the beach at Mountshannon which is on Lough Derg in County Clare. I left out any music on this one because I wanted everybody to hear the fun that the children are having. Chattering happily and screaming as they leap into the Lough or even just dip their toes in. Good simple FUN on a warm May Sunday during The Iniscealtra Festival of the Arts." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of May 2012 by clare virtually.

Cross Culture Surf - Basques in Lahinch

"A new documentary on Cross Culture Surf, a surfing exchange programme between Ireland and the Basque Country in northern Spain. The video was filmed in the Irish surfing hotspot of Lahinch in Co Clare - home to big wave surfer and Billabong XXL Award nominee Ollie O'Flaherty - during the first phase of the cultural exchange in April 2012, as 15 Irish and 15 Basque surfers got to know each other better while riding the waves." The video features Lahinch, the Cliffs of Moher and Cragganowen. Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of June by SurfersvillageTV.

Clare County Cycling Championships 2012

Clare County Cycling Championships 2012, over a testing 60k lap, starting in Barefield, heading out to Clooney and Tulla and back home via Knockjames and the Gort Road. Hosted by Dolmen Cycling Club Ennis Co Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 12th of July 2012 by blackumbrellaphoto.

Courthouse Gallery presents Jugalbundi, a musical conversation

The Courthouse Gallery in Ennistymon presents Jugalbundi, a musical conversation with visiting Japanese Sitarist Yo, Mattu Noone on Sarode and Sadanad Magee on Tabla. After meeting in a small village outside Kolkata in 2004, Japanese sitarist Ryohei Kanemitsu and Australian born musician Mattu Noone have had a deep friendship. The pair met while undertaking studies in North Indian Classical Music in Santiniketan in West Bengal. Each year the pair would meet again during the winter season of concerts and would encourage each other’s development and practice. In 2011, Mattu was invited by Ryohei to go to Taiwan to travel, perform and teach. This year Mattu wanted to return the favour. Mattu plays the Indian lute called sarode and has studied under the guidance of Sougata Roy Chowdhury since 2004. Mattu is well known to Irish audiences through his work with fusion group the Bahh Band and performances of Indian Classical music. Ryohei, nicknamed Yo, is based in Taiwan but has been studying sitar since 2004. Yo has been instrumental into introducing the sitar into Taiwanese music since he settled there in 2008. Mattu and Yo will perform two concerts in Clare this July. Firstly, they will perform in the Ennistymon Court House Gallery on Friday July 27th 8pm. They will be accompanied by the Indian drum, commonly known as tabla, played by Dublin based musician Sadanad Magee. This trio will perform a jugalbundi or a musical conversation that is largely improvised and is based around the principles of raga or the emotional aesthetic that underpins all Indian Classical music. This type of performance can move between subtle and sorrowful airs to vibrant and passionate rhythmical interchanges. The duo will also perform a very special workshop and house concert in East Clare on Saturday July 28th. The workshop will run in the daytime and is for any musicians interested in learning the basics of raga and Indian improvisation. Musicians can bring any instrument they are comfortable on, an Indian instrument is not required. Entry to the concert in the evening is included in the cost of the workshop. Tickets for the house concert are extremely limited and are available by booking only. Please contact Mattu for booking or more information: Tel: 086 268 5061.

East Clare Heritage commemorates the 125th Anniversary of the Bodyke Evictions

East Clare Heritage, Tuamgraney, will commemorate the achievement of the Bodyke tenants who fought so tenaciously and successfully the evils of landlordism during the land wars of the late 19th century. It was 125 years ago this summer since these tenants of Colonel O’Callaghan of Maryfort, Tulla, banded together under Fr. Peter Murphy to oppose rack renting and the nefarious system of Victorian property rights which prevailed at that time. The role played by those local tenants and their families during the summer of 1887 was a most significant part of the land war and contributed hugely to the eventual overthrow of the Irish land holding system. For a brief period the wider world became their stage as news of the challenge was reported in newspapers in Britain, France, Germany, U.S.A and of course throughout Ireland. For a week long period the events of Bodyke were hotly debated in the House of Commons and the House of Lords as the Irish and Liberal M.Ps, hammered home to the Conservative Government the evils of landlordism and the need for granting of Home Rule. The public is invited to re-visit those eventful days at a talk on the Evictions by John S. Kelly on Friday July 20th at 8.00 pm in the Heritage Centre, St. Cronin’s Church, Tuamgraney. In addition the Centre is hosting an exhibition of original documents such as maps, letters, eviction notices and photographs relating to the Evictions. More information on the Bodyke Evictions...

Annual Intercultural Festival, Ennis

The 8th Annual Intercultural Festival which takes place at St Flannan's College, Ennis, on the 21st of July 2012 is organised in collaboration with the Clare Women's Network, Ennis Community Development Project, Clarecare and the Clare Immigrant Support Centre. There will be a variety of sporting activities for everyone, including seven a side football, camogie, hurling, cricket, handball, botcha and much more. There will be many workshops including set dancing, zumba, drumming, laughter yoga, fun yoga, arts and children's activities and much more. There will be as well, songs from different countries, dancing and much more. All this will be free of charge! Come and bring friends and Family!

Joe and Jack Cooley & Des Mulkere play The Wise Maid

"Tony MacMahon, knowing that Joe Cooley was dying from cancer, arranged this famous recording session in Lahiffe's Bar in Peterswell, County Galway on November 29, 1973. Accompanying Joe Cooley was his brother Jack on bodhran and banjo player Des Mulkere from Crusheen in Co Clare. Joe Cooley died a month later, in St Luke's Hospital, Dublin, on December 20, 1973." Posted on Youtube on the 14th December 2008 by clarebannerman.

Sharon Shannon and Mary Custy Live

Sharon Shannon (accordion), Mary Custy (fiddle), Donogh Hennessy (guitar) and Trevor Hutchinson (electric standup bass). Time and place unknown. Posted on Youtube on the 26th of August 2010 by mijmotor.

Sharon Shannon with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra - Off the Hook

"Sharon Shannon performs a series of medleys called Off the Hook with the RTÉ Concert Orchestra and conductor David Brophy on The Ronan Collins Show as part of RTÉ Big Music Week 2010." Posted on Youtube on the 13th of October 2010 by RTERadio1.

Guidewires perform on The View

Vicki's world and Dance Le Sulemain played by Guidewires on The View. Ed Boyd filling in for Paul McSherry on Guitar." Guidewires are Tóla Custy (Fiddle), Pádraig Rynne (Concertina), Sylvain Barou (Wooden Flute), Karol Lynch (Bouzouki), Ed Boyd (Guitar). Posted on Youtube on the 27th of February 2010 by Guidewires.

Frankin Gavin & Máirtín O'Connor play The Darling Girl From Clare

Frankin Gavin on the fiddle & Máirtín O'Connor on the box play Percy French's The Darling Girl From Clare. Posted on Youtube on the 5th of February 2009 by clarebannerman.

Jen and Dusty the Dolphin in Doolin

"We camped near the ferries in Doolin, Co. Clare, Ireland, and we were excited the next morning just to see a dolphin swimming in the small harbor. It just got better. Watch the video and you'll see..." Posted on Youtube on the 3rd of July 2012 by mrdavemo.

Paddy Meehan from Connolly talks to Eoin O'Neill

"Quentin Cooper points his camera on Eoin O'Neill as he walks and talks with their long time friend Patrick Meehan who has lived all his life in Connolly , County Clare." Posted on Youtube on the 4th of June 2012 bt burrencrawler.

Pollismorahaun Cave, The Burren

"Pollismorahaun Cave - another beautiful cave in the Burren area." Posted on Youtube on the 12th of February 2012 by www4x4sbcom.

Rediscovering Medieval Ireland - Irish Chancery Letters, 1244-1509

"A public lecture delivered by Professor Robin Frame (University of Durham) Hon. M.R.I.A. at Thomas Davis Lecture Theatre, Trinity College Dublin, on Thursday 10 May 2012, to mark the launch of CIRCLE: A Calendar of Irish Chancery Letters, c.1244-1509 (www.tcd.ie/chancery). The event was organized by Dr Peter Crooks funded by the Irish Research Council of the Humanities and Social Sciences." Posted on Youtube on the 29th of May 2012 by TRINITYCOLLEGEDUBLIN. See also Chancery Pleadings for County Clare 1584 - 1637.

Even the Dogs - 2012 IMPAC Award Winner

Even the Dogs by British author Jon McGregor is the winner of the 2012 International IMPAC DUBLIN Literary Award. The €100,000 prize is the largest prize for a single novel published in English. Uniquely, the IMPAC DUBLIN receives its nominations from public libraries around the globe. The winning novel beat off competition from 146 other titles, nominated by 162 public libraries from 45 countries. The other shortlisted novels were Rocks in the Belly by Jon Bauer (Australia), The Matter with Morris by David Bergen (Canada), A Visit from the Goon Squad by Jennifer Egan (USA), The Memory of Love by Animatta Forna (UK), Matterhorn by Karl Marlantes (USA), Landed by Tim Pears (UK), Limassol by Yishai Sarid (Israel), The Eternal Son by Cristovão Tezza (Brazil) and Lean on Pete by Willy Vlautin (USA). The international judges said: “Even the Dogs is a fearless experiment which shows us in close-up detail the lives of a gathering of homeless addicts as they go about their daily forage for shelter, drink or a fix. Theirs are stories of lives fallen through the cracks, hopes flaring and dying, love overwhelmed by a stronger need, and the havoc wrought by drugs, distress, and the disregard of the wider world. These invisible people live in a parallel reality, out of reach of basic creature comforts, like food and shelter. In their sudden deaths, it becomes clear, they are treated with more respect than they ever were in their short lives.” The judges also said “When all is said and done Even the Dogs is a compelling read. When we close the book we marvel that McGregor, in less than two hundred pages, has managed to sketch such a complete and complex picture of a world which is so near to hand but so seldom lingered over. The greatest compliment we can pay the novel is that we will go back to read it again – to relive it, to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its men and women and to bear witness to their trials and sufferings”. The book was nominated by M.I. Rudomino State Library for Foreign Literature in Moscow. Previous winners of the International IMPAC Dublin Literary Award include: Let the Great World Spin by Colum McCann (2011), The Twin by Gerbrand Bakker (2010), Man Gone Down by Michael Thomas (2009), De Niro’s Game by Rawi Hage (2008), Out Stealing Horses by Per Petterson (2007) and The Master by Colm Tóibín (2006). See www.impacdublinaward.ie for full details of the International IMPAC Dublin Award.

Chris Droney performs with members of the Kilfenora Céilí Band

"Chris Droney performing with members of the Kilfenora Céilí Band at his tribute night in Logues Ballyvaughan Co Clare on the 18th Feb 2012." Posted on Youtube on the 19th of february by Thomas9732.

Bobby Gardiner and P. J. Hernon

"FonnRince Sean-nos dance Festival 2012. Bobby Gardiner (from County Clare) and PJ Hernon (from County Galway) play Lucy Campbells and the Bucks of Ornamore. You have to get up and dance!!" Posted on Youtube on the 29th of April 2012 by mengascini.

The Teetotallers Live on WTJU

The Teetotallers Live on WTJU radio. The Teetotallers explain the origin of the group and play The Rising Sun, Follow Me Down to Carlow, and The Road to Monalea. "The Teetotallers, a 'Sensational New Trio in Irish Traditional Music', stopped by "Walk Right In" for some live music and a chat with Sunset Road's Pete Marshall. The trio is an Irish supergroup, consisting of Grammy nominee John Doyle (ex Solas) on guitar & bouzouki, Kevin Crawford (Lunasa) on flutes & whistles, and Martin Hayes (Martin Hayes & Dennis Cahill) on fiddle." Posted on Youtube on the 21st of June 2012 by WTJU.

Edel Fox and Neill O'Byrne

"Edel Fox (Concertina) and Neill O'Byrne (Fiddle) performing at Ballydehob Traditional Music Festival 2011." Posted on Youtube on the 22nd of April 2011 by Superfeile.

Aingeal by Conor Keane

"Composition by Conor Keane of ennis (diatonic accordion) with Dave Harper(guitar). Recorded in Denmark 2009." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of March 2009 by hobosapian8.

Set dancing in Cree, County Clare

"Marty and Marie Marrinan , Tommie and Bridget Browne , Paddy Neylon and Carmel Greene, Aidan Vaughan and Deirdre Comber. Recorded in Looney's pub near Cree in West Clare by Joe O'Connor for Cois na hAbhna Archive on 27th January 2007." Posted on Youtube on the 27th of June 2012 by Claretrad.

'Putting the Irish Language on the Map: Tomás O hAodha in Context'- a Lecture by Dr Mathew Staunton

"Remembering Tomás Ó hAodha, a celebration of Miltown's renowned Poet/Cartographer/Teacher, including a talk by Dr Mathew Staunton 'Putting the Irish Language on the Map: Tomás O hAodha in Context', took place on the on 27th January 2012. Through the generosity of Catriona McHale and her family, Oidhreacht an Chláir have been most fortunate to acquire the original manuscript of the first Map of Ireland, with places named in Irish. The map was produced by Catriona's grand uncle, Tomás O hAodha, a poet and school teacher and native of Miltown Malbay and Padraig Ó hAichir, (Paddy Hehir) from Doonsallagh, Miltown Malbay." Posted on Youtube on the 29th of January 2012 by shannonimages.

Faunarooska Cave, Burren

"The most spectacular cave in Ireland for beginners. Faunarooska Cave is an amazing place to see the richness of stalactites and stalagmites. The outdoor activity blog 4x4sb.com took part in Clare Caving Club trip." Posted on Youtube on the 20th of March 2012 by www4x4sbcom.

Doonagore Castle, overlooking Doolin and the Atlantic Ocean

"Doonagore Castle is a round 16th-century tower house with a small walled enclosure located about 1 km above the coastal village of Doolin in County Clare, Ireland. Its name may mean 'the fort of the rounded hills' or the 'fort of the goats'; it sits on a hill overlooking Doolin Point and, along with a nearby higher radio mast, is used as a navigational point by boats approaching Doolin Pier. Doonagore Castle is at present a private holiday home, inaccessible to the public. While a castle was built on the site by Tadgh MacTurlough MacCon O'Connor from stone drawn from the quarry of Trá Leachain some time during the 14th century, the current structure is likely to date to the 16th century. It was granted to Sir Turlough O'Brien of Ennistymon (a neighboring town of Doolin) in 1582. In 1588, during the retreat of the Spanish Armada from its failed attempt to invade England, 170 survivors of a Spanish shipwreck were caught by the high sheriff of County Clare, Boetius MacClancy, and were hanged at Doonagore Castle and buried in a barrow near of Doolin called Cnocán an Crochaire. Doonagore Castle was repaired in the early 19th century, but by the middle of that century had again deteriorated in the care of the Nagle family. It was restored by architect Rex MacGovern of Lardner & Partners again in the 1970s for a private purchaser, an Irish-American named O'Gorman whose family still owns it." Posted on Youtube on the 25th of June 2012 by Noel Moore.

Clare Election of July 5th 1828

July 5th is a momentous date in the history of democracy in Ireland due to the by-election which occured in County Clare in 1828 on that date. Although disqualified from sitting in the House of Commons because he was a Catholic, Daniel O'Connell contested the election and won. This victory led to the granting of Catholic Emancipation the following year which removed many of the restrictions on Catholics. Read more here...