Dún na nGall, Folklore, Womex

A Charde, caidé mar atá sibh? Writing to you all from the foot of the highest sea-cliffs in Europe - Slieve League (Sliabh Liag as gaeilge!)

Oh hello there a chairde…

Sitting in my new mustard aran jumper, writing from my van at the foot of the slieve league cliffs, county Donegal. It honestly feels like the edge of the world up here. I am here this week studying ‘Béaloideas’ in Oideas Gael. What is béaloideas? Well, it means teaching from the mouth, literally! The word in english would be ‘folklore’ although béaloideas is much more beautiful and much older. We are studying stories and the Irish language from the area, visiting dolmens (clocha móra), megalithic tombs, burial sites, wells, all sorts of things - it’s absolutely fascinating.. and of course I am getting in a few dancing steps and tunes at night! ;) It is so important as an ‘artist’ (said in a fancy accent like ‘ortist’) to fill up the well again, and take the time to dive deep into what is on our doorstep in this culturally thriving country of ours. Replenish, regroup, reimagine.

So that’s all been great, bar the howling wind and rain each night (thus the new jumper) - but I have to say, it’s humbling and grounding too.

In music matters, I have been selected as the Irish representative for this year’s Womex! - The biggest music showcase in the world, with acts ó fud fad an domhain- (all over the world as gaeilge)

Looking forward to that in October….hup.

Some Irish dates to be announced very soon - Cork, Tipperary, (a very big festival I can’t say yet!) followed by a German tour in September. I’d love to say I have the ticket links ready, but honestly, this letter is barely typing with the 1 bar of reception ;)

This week’s snámh spot is Silver Strand /Malin beg. It is the most beautiful beach….but…it comes at a price… 174 steps down, means 174 steps back up too!!

For you paid subscribers, I have included a wee clip of a new song I am working on. Let me know what you think. I love hearing from you all…..

See you all on the bóthair soon a chairde - tabhairaigí aire (take care)

Clare

ps - no poem but this week but I wanted to include a wee glossary of songs - some fun and easy ones we have been learning this week….bain sup!

Two good dún na ngall (donegal) ones in there for ye…..

Peigín Leitir Móir

Cad É Sin Don Té Sin

Báidín Fheilimí

Silver Strand - Malin beg - This week’s snámh spota, about 12min from Gleann Cholm Cille, Donegal