Meet our Musicians- Charles Monod
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 first in our series of “Meet the Musicians”. A glimpse into the world of some of our best loved artists that are regulars 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. First up is Charles Monod from Tunes from Doolin.
Can you introduce yourself?
My names is Charles Monod, I play the concertina mostly but also a little bit of tin whistle and accordion. I am from Switzerland originally and came to Doolin in 2006.
How did you get into playing Irish Traditional Music?
I discovered Irish Traditional Music when I first came to Doolin in 2006. I was working in café for the summer and as it happened the café had a music shop section, so I had to get into it! I remember loving the energy of the sessions in the pub and I just wanted to learn in order to take part in the sessions really, so I learned my first few tunes on the tin whistle that summer. I moved on to the concertina about 18 months later and never looked back!
Which musicians have influenced you the most?
The musicians that have influenced me the most are definitely Terry Bingham and Noel O’Donoghue. Terry is a concertina player from Co. Down but he has been living locally and playing music in Doolin and all over North Clare for many years. I have loved his style since I first moved to Doolin and he is still someone I look up to. Noel is a flute player from near Kilfenora, he has been so helpful and welcoming with me over the years, I could never thank him enough. Other musicians that have influenced me a lot are Hugh Healy, a great concertina player from Corofin, and Tommy Fitzharris, a flute and concertin player from Co. Laois who was my main tutor while I was studying Irish music in college.
How long have you been playing in Doolin and where do you usually play in the village?
I first came in 2006 but I would say I started playing regularly in the pubs maybe from 2010. These days I play in Fitz’s Pub at Hotel Doolin on Thursdays, it’s a really nice open and welcoming sessions, and I also play in Doolin Inn regularly.
What makes Doolin so special in your opinion?
The music is definitely unique in Doolin, but what makes it truly special is the combination of the music, the people and the landscape. They really go hand-in-hand. There are not many places in the world where you can experience such natural, wild beauty alongside warm and welcoming people and such a rich tradition of music, songs and stories. It’s a combination that fills you heart and soul.
Can you share a special musical memory associated with Doolin?
I have so many! It’s really difficult to pick one… I’ll go with a nostalgic one. I wasn’t even playing at the time, I only had a few tunes, but the Sunday afternoon sessions in O’Connor’s 15+ years ago where really something else. The Super Sundays as we used to call them. Music would start around 5pm and it was often Noel O’Donoghue with Sean Vaughan and Hugh Healy. The three of them together were really something else, such a great energy. And the craic we used to have in the pub was really fantastic. I’d love to go back to that session now and be able to play more tunes at it. Great music but more importantly great people, great friends, great music, great company and there was a kind of beautiful “insouciance” back in those days. Definitely some special memories were made on those Sundays.
Beside his activity as a performing musician, Charles also teaches extensively and work as a producer and promoter. He has been the artistic director for the Russell Festival Weekend 2023 and 2024 and has produced a number of concert series in Doolin over the years as well as the Tunes From Doolin Podcast.
Find out more about Charles on his website here
Find his podcast here, and his YouTube Channel here
Read Next: 9 Travel Tips for Planning an Adventure to Doolin
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