Meet our Musicians- Kate Moloney
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 seventh 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 Kate Moloney.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Kate Moloney, I’m from Quin and I play the button accordion and flute. I studied the BA in Irish Music and Dance in the University of Limerick. I’ve spent years travelling globally playing Irish music. I love playing in the USA, especially! You always get the best welcome.
How did you get into playing Irish Traditional Music?
My father Haulie loved to sing and play bouzouki and my older sister Eilish played the flute, so as a kid I assumed it was a rite of passage to play Irish music. I grew up near Ennis, Co. Clare, which is saturated with amazing and encouraging musicians to learn from and so many of them inspired me when I was young. I first went to Kevin Ryan for a lesson on the whistle and he got me hooked!
Which musicians have influenced you the most?
I often listen to fiddle players and pipers to draw inspiration but with regard to accordion players in particular, it would be Josephine Marsh, Murty Ryan and Mairtín O’Connor, to name a few. With the flute, I grew up most inspired by Kevin Ryan, John Kelly, Michael Mc Goldrick, Sylvain Barou, Jean-Michel Veillon and Matt Molloy, of course! I listen to a lot of different genres and musicians outside of traditional Irish music that influence me too.
How long have you been playing in Doolin and where do you usually play in the village?
I’ve been up and down to Doolin all my life but mainly in the last three years I’ve been a regular at McDermott’s. I usually play there with my uncle Eddie, who’s a mandolin player. I play in McGann’s, Fitz’s and Fiddle & Bow as well.
What makes Doolin so special in your opinion?
Doolin reminds me of Hobbiton in The Lord of the Rings, haha; it is so pretty! It’s one of those special places in the world that’s highly addictive and hard to leave. Many people never leave! You meet the most interesting, fun characters and everyone rides off a wave of happiness there! The musicians I play with in Doolin are very talented and are great craic!!
Can you share a special musical memory associated with Doolin?
I think, years ago, getting on a table in McGann’s (briefly) and dancing to tunes from Blackie O’ Connell and Cyril O’ Donoghue. They tend to bring that out in people! My uncle Eddie has so many funny stories from life in Doolin back in the old days, stories like trying to haul a caravan up into the hills but the next day, it blew away!
Thank you so much to Kate for joining us on meet the musicians- be sure to say hello to her the next time you see Kate gigging in Doolin!
Read Next: 9 Travel Tips for Planning an Adventure to Doolin
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