Acoustic music in Ballymore
For many years now the Ballymore Inn (obviously in Ballymore Eustace) has been home to a regular Monday night acoustic gig.
Six nights a week the Ballymore Inn is one of the finest restaurants around, but on Mondays it's transformed into an intimate music venue with a warmth and ambience that is remarked upon by audience and performers alike. It's a listening room where artists are given full and due attention free from competition with the telly and other distractions and in return interact with their appreciative audience in a way that is impossible in bigger venues.
It can seat 50-60 people comfortably, many of whom are quite literally only feet from the performers - it really is that personal.
Gigs are fully amplified but the approach is subtle and volume levels are only to the point of augmenting the natural voice of instrument and singer.
The gigs are run, and the visiting artists Irish tours promoted, by Larry Roddy. Many of the artists who appear may not be household names in Ireland, but are international touring acts.
The cover charge is very modest and usually hovers around the €10 mark. All acts usually come equipped with CDs for sale and they all make themselves available to the audience for a chat without any attitude after the gig.
I can't think of anywhere I'd rather be on a Monday night (granted I'm there anyway because I'm 'the Sound Guy') and I've missed very few since I first started going about five years ago.
Gigs take place most Monday nights except Bank Holidays and further details can be had from Larry Roddy at 045 864017, the Ballymore Inn at 045 864585 or from myself at 086 3270780.
Its the place to be after a hectic weekend!
Roy Thompson.
ED NOTE: Well-known Kilcullen singer-songwriter Roy Thompson is going to be the Diary's regular music writer.
