Sir Arnold Bax, the eminent composer, once stated that “ of all the countries in the world Ireland possesses the most varied and beautiful folk music”. Here in Clare the county has been seen as the repository of Irish music and dance throughout the dark years of oppression and struggle. Michael Cusack, from Carron who was a founder of the GAA was an outspoken proponent of all things gaelic and assisted in the renaissance of the music.

In the 1930’s Dr Seamus Delargy, head of the Irish Folklore Commission, spent much time in north Clare collecting songs, poems and stories. Thease treasures are preserved in the Commissions library in Dublin.
In latter years, the village of Doolin in North Clare has become home to Irish music as a new generation of Irish, confident of their place in the world sought the roots of their culture and expression of their identity. The Russell family, in Doolin, had preserved many tunes and airs handed down from past generations and were keen to share the music with all.

In Milltown Malbay, Willie Clancy, a piper of renown attracted pipers and flute players keen to learn and appreciate the talents of the fine musician. Following his death, a summer school dedicated to his memory was established in Milltown Malbay. The scoil eigse Wille Clanncy is a firm fixture in the calendar of musicians and takes place in the first week of July each year.
When travelling through Clare these days, where traditional music abounds and is to be heard in the pubs of most villages, you would be forgiven in thinking it was always so popular. The work done by the first president of Ireland, Douglas Hyde and the Gaelic League, and carried on to this day by Comhaltas Ceoilteoiri Eireann has been pivotal to the continuation of tradition. The latter organisation is a movement of amateur musicians and enthusiasts who provide facilities for younger players to learn the music and dance. Nearly every parish has a branch and many provide a hall locally where music may be heard outside the pub environment.

Another musician with Clare lineage was Sean O’Riada, whose father hailed from the county. O’Riada composed many fine pieces and set them to orchestra. O’Riada introduced irish music into church music and his arrangements set the bench mark for the very best in arranged irish music.
Some of the more popular clare artistes have recorded cd’s and the music is available on line and in most music shops. Sharon Shannon, from Corofin plays accordion at breakneck pace, the music of Stocktons Wing is a combination of modern and old irish, the sublime flute playing of the late PJ Crotty, the fiddle music of Junior Crehan and the dulcet tones of Mrs Crotty of Kilrush abound.

The local music hall or Teach Ceoil can be a local community room, a dance hall and in Ennistymon it is the old Church of Ireland. The Church of Ireland graciously donated the building to Comhaltas entrusting its preservation in an ecumenical gesture that is typical of the culture of the time. In Ennis, Comhaltas have built an attractive concert hall at Cois na hAbhna. Visitors are welcome at these centres and should enquire locally about the evenings when events are planned.

Irish dancing is prevalent in the county also. Local weddings are always celebrated with some Irish dancing. You may not always find Irish dancing where Irish music is played. Some pubs do not have the space available for dancing, or there may not be many dancers available to host a session in the area. There are however, many venues that specialise in dancing and Irish dancing classes. Famous dances such as the Siege of Ennis, or the Walls of Limerick are staples and allow participants much fun and activity as they complete the “set”.

Irish Dancing whether polka, waltzes, hornpipe danced to jigs and reels requires a big band to provide the music. The Ceili Band is a collection of the very best local musicians who provide music for public occasions and local celebrations. In Clare we have two bands that have won national prominence. The Tulla Ceili Band from East Clare and the Kilfenora Ceili Band in North Clare. These bands have produced many fine albums and nurtured the early careers of some of our greatest musicians. Their music is available in any music shop in the county.
Each year, in summer musicians from all over the country and county gather for an event known as a Fleadh Nua. This event consists of concerts, classes, open air sessions and ceilithe. The atmosphere is jovial and very convivial, with strangers and locals mixing in a relaxed manner. The Fleadh runs for several days and it is almost impossible to attend all of the many events both organized and impromptu that occur in the town or village in which the event is happening.