Meet our Musicians- Niall Sheedy
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 fifth 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 Niall Sheedy.
Can you introduce yourself?
I am Niall Sheedy and I have lived in Doolin since the early 1980s, ( I tell everyone that I was 3 years old when I landed into Doolin with my guitar). I also played concertina back then but now concentrate on guitar for tune and song accompaniment and song writing. I was born in Dublin and lived in Co. Meath before heading west to Doolin. I spent 10 years in Kilshanny and recently moved to The Independent Republic of Ardeamush, where I now live with my wife Sumiko and our two children, Dáire and Aislinn.
How did you get into playing Irish Traditional Music?
I always had a great love of music and songs and played music from a very young age. Then in the 1970s, with groups like the Dubliners and Planxty, I found myself drawn to the Irish music scene. Their music was something I could relate to and become involved in, as a listener and a player. Numerous short visits to Clare for fleadhanna and Lisdoonvarna festivals eventually became a long-term arrangement.
Which musicians have influenced you the most?
The groups that were playing Irish trad and folk in the 70s and 80s, like The Dubliners and Planxty, The Bothy Band and De Dannan and many more were a big influence. As were some of the great singers that emerged in those years, the likes of Dolores Keane, Maura O Connell, Mary Black, and you had Luka Bloom and Christy Moore, Freddie White and the list is endless. Seán Tyrell’s ability to portray a song and make it entirely his own has been a huge influence, whether it is a well-known ballad or something a bit more obscure. The biggest influences I have had are the musicians that I meet and play with every night. Doolin has always been a magnet for musicians from Ireland and all over the world and sitting in the pub playing with other musicians has been my influence and my teacher.
How long have you been playing in Doolin and where do you usually play in the village?
I have been playing in Doolin since the early 1980s, starting off in the Roadford side of Doolin at McGanns and McDermotts but have since been known to travel as far as O Connors in Fisherstreet and in recent years have been stopping off at Fitzs Pub. I play in a great session every Saturday night in McDermotts with Conor Keane and AnneMarie Rynne, a great mix of tunes and songs and whatever else happens.
What makes Doolin so special in your opinion?
Doolin is a great place to live, it’s a bit cliched but it really is great craic. In all my years living here I’ve seen lots of gallivanting but no hassle, great bars with great hospitality and the finest of music and sure where would you get the landscape and the scenery??
Can you share a special musical memory associated with Doolin?
I went to Connemara many years ago with Micho Russell to play up there for a few nights. As we drove along he had a tune or a song for every place we passed through, starting off with The Road To Lisdoonvarna, he had a song for Fanore, a song for Ballyvaughan and so on through Galway Bay, Oranmore in the County Galway and tunes and songs in Irish and English from Connemara. That was a great influence on me, how the music is all around us and part of our daily life as well as our heritage. Thanks Micho!
Doolin has changed a lot since I arrived over four decades ago but it’s still a great spot and long may it last!
Niall has recently released an album of original songs called Travellin On which is available here.
Thank you so much to Niall for joining us on meet the musicians- be sure to say hello to him the next time you see Niall gigging in Doolin!
Read Next: 9 Travel Tips for Planning an Adventure to Doolin
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