Meet our Musicians- Rachel Reid
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 fourth 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 Rachel Reid.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Rachel Reid, I’m a fiddle player originally from Blessington, Co. Wicklow. I moved to Ballyvaughan, Co. Clare in 2016 after my studies in Irish Music at the University of Limerick. My father is from Miltown Malbay so I always felt that connection to the county through family and relatives here.
How did you get into playing Irish Traditional Music?
My father bought me a fiddle when I was 11 years old in the hope that I’d learn traditional Irish music. I joined a music school in Hollywood, Co. Wicklow and really enjoyed it. I had heard very little traditional Irish music up to this point, so it was unfamiliar territory! Once I got going, I really enjoyed the idea of playing for fun, enjoyment and the hope of making new friends as a young teen. Traditional Irish music definitely delivered that.
Which musicians have influenced you the most?
As a teen, I listened to Tommy People’s, Martin Hayes, Liz Carroll, Noel Hill and Tony MacMahon. I feel these musicians have influenced me the most.
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 I moved here in 2016. I absolutely love it! I play regularly in Fitz’s on a Thursday and look forward to meeting all the musicians who join, some are new and others familiar, it’s fantastic.
What makes Doolin so special in your opinion?
What makes Doolin special is how beautiful the people are, how good the music is whilst being so picturesque.
Can you share a special musical memory associated with Doolin?
A few months ago there was an elderly listener in Fitz’s from the US. He was sat just behind me listening to Charles Monod and I play music. We ended up having great chats, he even sang us a few songs. I admired the jumper he was wearing and told me his Irish cousin bought it for him in Ireland. He told me to have a look at the label so I could google it. I gave it a google and found the jumper for sale online. For a finish, he insisted on giving me the money to buy the jumper so that’s exactly what I did! Unfortunately they didn’t have my size online and really wanted to honor the gesture. The jumper was from Carraig Donn, so I rang every Carraig Donn in the country and found one in Castlebar. Apparently the don’t send items from one store to another unless within a certain radius, but they enjoyed the back story so much that they sent it to Ennis for me to pick up. Where would you get it?!!
Listen to Rachel and Charles Monod from Tunes from Doolin here:
Thank you so much to Rachel for joining us on meet the musicians- be sure to say hello to her the next time you see her gigging in Doolin!
Read Next: 9 Travel Tips for Planning an Adventure to Doolin
Be sure to explore the rest of our website to find out more information, or to plan your next visit to beautiful Doolin in County Clare.
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