One of Galway's best-loved pubs, Barr an Chaladh, is hosting live trad sessions online.
Known as being one of Galway's best live-music venues, Barr an Chaladh is the place to go for a shpot of trad when out west. But with pubs, restaurants and other non-essential businesses closed, trad sessions have also been put on hold for the time being. At least the in-person sessions we're all used to anyway.
Following the example of many other businesses across the country, the pub has pivoted, taking things online - including their ever-popular trad sessions. Hoping to lift spirits, Barr an Chaladh has continued to entertain their loyal fans by hosting live Isolation Sessions online every single night of the week.
Featuring a wide selection of different musicians, the platform gives their regulars the chance to continue performing. Fans gather each evening on the Barr An Chaladh Facebook page with a beer, G&T or even a cuppa tea to enjoy a virtual session and a chat with other customers. All from the comfort of their own homes.
Speaking of the nightly sessions, one of the organisers, Mike Pearl said:
"I am delighted at the response to our Facebook Live Isolation Sessions, as naturally, it is an extremely difficult and uncertain time for us all, a time when all need to pull together and do what we can, it's also a fantastic opportunity to be creative and use the amazing technology available to us. I would like to take this opportunity to thank all the amazing musicians for their time & generosity."
A nightly post to their
Facebook page announces the act, with performances kicking off at 8pm. Last night marked the 14th live show, with neither organisers nor performers showing any signs of slowing down yet.
"We know how difficult this time is for everyone and we miss you as much as you miss us, so to keep us all close and maintain a slice of normality we at Barr An Chaladh are delighted to present the 14th of our 'Facebook Live Music Sessions', this will be a regular session featuring some of your favourite artists from the Pub.
Hope you’re all keeping safe & taking care of yourselves and your loved ones, please be sure to respect all the measures required to contain the spread of the virus and look out for your neighbours especially those most at risk. 'Together we can beat this'
We will continue to keep you entertained so you don’t forget about us. See you all soon!"
A way of keeping a "slice of normality", the Isolation Sessions have proven to be quite a welcome distraction for people both in Galway and farther afield. So, grab a drink, turn up the trad and pretend you're at your fave Galway haunt.
