Albert Niland in the BAG

On the run in to the end of this year's gigs, I'm bringing you some of the very best of Irish acts, writes Roy Thompson of the Ballymore Acoustic Gigs.. Last Monday was phenomenal! And next Monday promises to be the same — albeit with a slightly different dynamic and energy level! After all, there's only one Frankie Lane!

On Monday, Albert Niland returns for his first BAG appearance since 2012. Coming to prominence in the early 00s for his stunning interpretation of Kate Bush's 'Wuthering Heights' (Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S9m5GiTkLk8 ), Albert Niland has split his time since, living and touring between Ireland and continental Europe. A period spent living in Spain, and studying Flamenco guitar, manifests itself in his distinctive guitar work.

For my money, he is one of the finest songwriters to emerge from Ireland in the past 20 years, and I rate his song 'Kings of Kilburn Highroad' as being the best Irish song since Paul Brady's 'The Island'. It tells the story of Irish emigrants in London, and shares its name, and inspiration, with the play of the same name. (Watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o-rd-0wUKwA )

This show is most highly recommended - don't miss it! Doors 8:30pm; Gig: 9pm; admission €12.