The Long Grazing Acre in Louth, Celebrating the Travelling Community’s Legacy in Irish Music
Bringing The Long Grazing Acre to County Louth was a powerful way to honour the travelling community and its deep contribution to Irish traditional music and song.
Bringing The Long Grazing Acre to County Louth
Over the weekend, my friend, piper and lecturer Tommy Fegan and I brought The Long Grazing Acre project to County Louth. This marked the final leg of a three-part tour supported by the Arts Council.
The aim of the project was to shine a light on the extraordinary legacy of the travelling community and its immense contribution to Irish traditional music and song. The project was coordinated by Anna Legge.
A Night of Irish Traditional Music at Lumpers Bar
Saturday evening at The Summit Venue, Lumpers Bar in Ravensdale was truly memorable. From the moment people arrived, the atmosphere was warm and welcoming, filled with friendly faces and lively conversation.
Alongside local singer Colette Joyce, we welcomed family members of the legendary balladeer Margaret Barry. They performed and shared stories, creating a direct connection to heritage and reminding us how songs and memories are passed through generations.
Performances Rooted in Heritage
The performances were more than demonstrations of skill. They revealed living heritage. Tunes and songs reflected both artistry and resilience, shaped and carried by the travelling community over generations.
A strong sense of unity filled the room, leaving lasting memories for everyone present.
Personal Reflections
On a personal level, the night struck a deep chord with me. Seeing generations come together to share songs, stories, and traditions was genuinely uplifting. It reaffirmed how music binds people and keeps cultural treasures alive.
Highlights, Paddy Keenan and Johnny Purcell
One of the highlights was welcoming Paddy Keenan , the legendary piper of The Bothy Band . In the second half of the concert, Paddy shared his powerful piping along with his trademark humour.
Sharing the stage with Paddy again brought back memories of our Austrian tour years ago, when we played many of these iconic tunes together.
Another powerful moment came when Johnny Purcell, a relative of the great travelling piper Johnny Doran, travelled from London to perform Doran’s repertoire. His playing offered a rare and moving glimpse into the depth of the tradition.
A Gathering Without Borders
People travelled from Westmeath, Dublin, Donegal, and beyond, joining local listeners and supporters. That mix of people added real richness to the night and reminded us that traditional music has no borders.
The evening ended with a vibrant session after the concert, a fitting close to a tour celebrating the resilience and beauty of the travelling community’s contribution to Irish traditional music.
Acknowledgements and Thanks
This project would not have been possible without the dedication and support of many people and organisations.
- Freda from Poster Fish Promotions, for PR, photography, video work, and tireless dedication.
- Astory Media, Marketing Agency Dundalk, for documenting the event.
- Anna Legge, for coordinating all three events with care and precision.
- The Lumpers Bar, for their warm welcome and hospitality.
- Johnny Lyons and Evan, with help from Anto, for filming the night.
- Stina Sandstrom, for the beautiful poster designs.
Performers
Paddy Keenan, Marty Barry, Éamonn de Barra, Gerry O’Connor, The Barry Family, Johnny Purcell, William Dundon, Colette Joyce, Coleen Savage, Tommy Fegan.