Meet our Musicians- Seán Lyons
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 ninth 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 Seán Lyons.
Can you introduce yourself?
My name is Seán Lyons and I’m an uilleann piper, guitar player and singer. I grew up in Newmarket-on-Fergus and am now living in Kilmaley.
How did you get into playing Irish Traditional Music?
My father John Lyons was a singer and accordion player and my mother Ann Lynch Lyons is a singer and bodhrán player so there was always music in the house. My mam showed me my first few tricks on the whistle when I was very young but I also went to Michael Grogan, Kevin Ryan and Bríd O’Donoghue. I took up the pipes when I was 11 and went to lessons with Blackie O’Connell but picked up things along the way from Mickey Dunne and Mikie Smyth among others. Noel Bridgeman set me on my way with the guitar when I was about 13 but I learned a lot (and am still learning) from listening to, watching and playing with others.
Which musicians have influenced you the most?
My main piping influences would be those I learned from but I’d also cite Paddy Keenan, Davy Spillane, Leo Rickard and Willie Clancy as huge inspirations. Steve Cooney, Arty McGlynn and John Doyle are definitely among my guitar heroes but I also look to bouzouki players like Cyril O’Donoghue and Macdara Ó Faoláin for backing inspiration. Aside from my parents, I learned a lot about interpreting and delivering songs from Cyril O’Donoghue, Dick Gaughan, Andy Irvine and Seamie O’Dowd as well as Seanie Bashford and Darren Richmond who I met a lot in sessions in Quin as a teenager. Of course, I draw constant inspiration from friends of mine who I’m lucky to get to play alongside so often.
How long have you been playing in Doolin and where do you usually play in the village?
I only started playing in Doolin in the summer of 2022 just coming out of the pandemic. At that time, I mostly played in McDermotts but these days I’m mainly in McGanns, Hotel Doolin or wherever there’s a few tunes going.
What makes Doolin so special in your opinion?
I remember having great reverence for Doolin when I started playing there because of all the stories I’d heard about it, including from my Dad. It felt like there was something mythic about the place. There’s great respect for music in Doolin which makes playing there very enjoyable. I think part of that is the awareness that so many great musicians have played there. My Dad and Uncle, both of whom have passed away, played there many a night. I think about that a lot when I play there. I remember playing in McGanns one night with Anthony Devitt and Tara Breen when Teresa McGann came down to us and said “I remember all three of your fathers playing here”. I thought that was lovely to hear.
Can you share a special musical memory associated with Doolin?
Stepping outside the door of McGanns on a Monday night and hearing the power, energy and divilment of Blackie and Cyril being carried across the bridge from McDermotts. The best sound in the world.
Thank you so much to Seán for joining us on meet the musicians. You can find more of this music on Bandcamp here and on Spotify here.
Read Next: 9 Travel Tips for Planning an Adventure to Doolin
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