Emily Cable is a student at the University of Rhode Island and an ISA Featured Blogger. Emily is currently studying abroad with Interstudy in Dublin, Ireland.
If you ever decide to come to Ireland, make sure you find the time to visit one of the numerous Irish Pubs. Whether in Dublin, Cork, or Galway, it doesn’t matter where you go, you can find great company, great fun, and great music.
Music is really important in Ireland. It is where they share the stories and myths of their home.
I was able to experience a traditional Irish band first hand. The band consisted of four members; a guitarist, a banjo player, a bass guitarist, and a drummer with only a Bodhrán. A Bodhrán is one of those things you think of when you think about Irish music. It is a circular drum that is played by hitting it with a doubled sided drumstick.
The band we saw play was fantastic. I have never seen someone play the banjo that quickly before! They sang a lot of traditional Irish songs and so much more. They even played a few songs I had heard before, like Bob Dylan’s Wagon Wheel. Honestly, I liked it more than the original.
The music is infectious, even if you don’t know the words, you still can’t help but sing along. The entire pub dances and sings along to their tunes, just enjoying themselves. I know that I will be searching for another live band soon. It was one of those experiences that I hope everyone can have at some point in their lives.
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- My 10 Favorite Things About Ireland (isastudentblog.wordpress.com)