Irish music in pubs

When people think of Irish music, perhaps the first image that springs to mind is of informal gatherings of musicians playing Irish music in pubs. Formed in a loose circle in a corner, playing lively traditional Irish jigs and reels, chatting and drinking pints of guiness. In short, it’s a pub ‘session’.

But this idea of Irish music in pubs, the image of the pub session, is a relatively recent phase in Irish traditional music.

“It [the Irish music session in a pub] has become such an all pervasive form of traditional music performance that it has led many to believe that it has a much longer pedigree than is actually the case” — Fintan Vallely, The Companion to Irish Traditional Music

A history of the Irish pub music session

Traditionally, Irish dance music was generally played solo up until the late 19th Century. But two important developments led to the notion of the pub session that we have today — and neither of them happened in Ireland!

The first came from the United States. Although there is evidence of pub sessions in some regions of Ireland (e.g. Cork and Kerry) in the 1930s, ensemble playing as a form was influenced by the use of accompaniment for the early recordings of Irish music in America in the 1900s.

The second, important, influence is that of the growing culture of music in Irish immigrant communities in London in the 1940s.

The 20th century marked a significant era for Irish music in London, particularly within the vibrant pub culture that became a haven for musicians and patrons alike. As the Irish diaspora expanded due to economic hardship and political unrest in Ireland, London emerged as a focal point for Irish immigrants seeking community and cultural expression. While music in Ireland was often played in the home, in London pubs, serving as both social hubs and informal performance spaces, played a crucial role in the preservation and promotion of Irish musical traditions.

In the middle of the 20th century, Irish immigrants flocked to London, with many settling in areas like Kilburn, Camden, and Islington. These neighborhoods quickly transformed into cultural enclaves where the Irish community could maintain their traditions and share their music. Pubs became vital spaces for gathering, where people could enjoy a pint while listening to the sounds of home. The atmosphere was often informal, with musicians playing traditional tunes on instruments like the fiddle, bodhrán, and accordion, providing a backdrop to lively conversations and dances.

During the 1950s and 1960s, the popularity of Irish music in London’s pubs surged, influenced by both the traditional Irish music revival in Ireland and the growing recognition of Irish culture abroad. The arrival of folk music movements, alongside an increasing interest in world music, helped to elevate the status of Irish traditional music. Notable pubs, such as The Auld Shillelagh in Stoke Newington and The Ireland in Camden, became known for their regular sessions, drawing both Irish patrons and a diverse audience eager to experience the music.

An amazing sense of the Irish music played in London’s pubs in the 1950s can be heard on the triple album “It was mighty!” The Early Days of Irish Music in London. An album of “rare recordings giv[ing] us a very privileged view of a unique community who lived this music. Here are some great musicians, some great tunes, and great warmth and humanity. At the time, it was often said, that there was much better Irish music to be heard in London than in Ireland. An overstatement, of course, but there was certainly more of it to be heard in London than anywhere else in the world.”

These pub sessions were often characterized by spontaneous gatherings of musicians who would play together, sharing tunes and engaging in friendly competition. The concept of the “session” became integral to Irish music culture, allowing for a communal experience that fostered creativity and collaboration. And emigrants returning to Ireland brought the concept of the pub session back to the home land.

Fiddle players, if you would like to take your fiddle playing to the next level, take a look at my online fiddle courses, including my free Irish fiddle course.

And for more online fiddle lessons, take a look at Irish fiddle lessons online.