Meet our Musicians- Anne-Marie Rynne
Nestled on the rugged west coast of Ireland, Doolin is a picturesque village renowned for its vibrant traditional music scene. This small enclave in County Clare has earned a reputation as a musical epicenter, drawing enthusiasts and musicians from around the world. Steeped in rich cultural heritage, Doolin’s pubs come alive with the sound of fiddles, flutes, and bodhráns, creating an atmosphere that is as enchanting as it is authentic.
Here at Doolin Tourism, we are delighted to bring you the eleventh in our series of “Meet the Musicians”. A glimpse into the world of some of our best loved artists that play music in Doolin. The local musicians of Doolin are the custodians of our treasured music tradition, ensuring that the soul of Irish music thrives in every corner of the village. Our next musician is Anne-Marie Rynne!
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Anne-Marie Rynne, and I play fiddle. I grew up in Ennistymon, about 20 minutes drive from Doolin. I’ve spent time living in Galway, London and Ennis also before landing back to Ennistymon again and I’m fairly sure I’m here to stay now.
How did you get into playing Irish Traditional Music?
I may have had a tougher job avoiding it! I think it was easy for me as alot of my family play music. It always amazes me when people who have no connection to Irish music or sometimes even Ireland, discover it and master the craft. I started playing fiddle at 6 but I’d say my interest and motivation in Irish music accelerated as a teenager when I began to see the social benefits as well as getting more interested in music and learning new tunes. My father Joe plays fiddle and my uncle Tom played the accordion so I have them and my brothers and cousins to thank for the immersion and interest in the music. It was always just part and parcel of life and our family holidays centred on Irish music festivals in Ireland. We had a caravan and would spend the week in it wherever the All Ireland Fleadh was being held. Our first family holiday abroad was to New York and Florida when I was nearly 11 and was also linked with music, as my Dad was travelling over with The Four Courts Céilí band to a festival in the Catskills. A trip to Northern Italy for the same reasons the following year ensued and I think the penny began to drop then that music can help give opportunities and go places , and I’d say that helped cultivate my love of it as well! I would credit music with giving me some of the best life experiences and some of my strongest friendships. If I had a choice of being born into riches / royalty or trad music, I’d have chosen trad music and being lucky enough to have been born in Clare where there’s such quality music is the cherry on top. I play my grandfather’s fiddle, which his brother bought in Dublin in the 1910s.
Which musicians have influenced you the most?
My Dad Joe and his original fiddle tutor and neighbour Michael Kelleher. Without Michael’s influence, it’s unlikely anyone in my family would play music. My teachers over the years including Joan Hanrahan, Siobhan Peoples and Padraic O’Reilly were all big influences. Friends that play music too; we often suggest and learn tunes from each other. I will listen to music whenever I get the chance; it’s always on in the car or when I’m out for walks and a high percentage of the time it’s Irish music I’m listening to. Patsy McDermott, proprietor of McDermotts and multi-instrumentalist has been a significant influence and inspiration since I started playing there too; there isn’t a tune or an instrument she can’t play so be sure and request a song or tune from her when you’re in McDermotts!
How long have you been playing in Doolin and where do you usually play in the village?
I’ve been playing in Doolin regularly since early 2022 and recently am mostly playing in O’Connor’s, McDermotts and Fiddle & Bow and the Roadside Tavern in Lisdoonvarna.
What makes Doolin so special in your opinion?
Doolin is quite unique and it’s hard to pinpoint what makes it so special but the music plays a huge part, and the locals. I think as soon as someone hears Doolin, the next word you think of is music, it’s synonymous. There are plenty of characters around that just are natural entertainers, you’ll meet them in the pubs. There are certain people I just love to see landing into the pub as you know they’re going to bring a bit of divilment.
Can you share a special musical memory associated with Doolin?
I have so many positive memories of Doolin. It’s hard to pinpoint one specific festival that I’ve gone to, but I’ve attended the Doolin Folk festival in Hotel Doolin every June since it began in 2013 so that’s a staple in my calendar every single year; I can’t miss that. I also remember a lovely summer’s day mid July 2021 when there was a magic session outside the back of McGanns. At the time with covid restrictions, opportunities for sessions were fairly nonexistent and with the combination of fine, sunny weather and having been so deprived of live music; everyone was in great form and I remember going home thinking I can’t wait for life to go back to normal. I didn’t realise at the time I’d be playing in Doolin regularly soon after and I feel really lucky to do so. I get to sit alongside brilliant musicians and in the seats where brilliant musicians once sat and I never take it for granted.
Thank you so much to Anne Marie for joining us on meet the musicians. Be sure to say hello to her the next time you see her playing music in the village!
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